I had a “moment” in Sandown last week. Do you ever have “a moment” when you suddenly feel overwhelmed emotionally, in a good way? It may be a moment of joy or pride or gratitude. It might be something breathtakingly beautiful like a glorious sunrise on a perfect summer morning. Whatever the catalyst, do you ever have those moments when you are overwhelmed by what Nehemiah described as “the joy of the Lord?”
I had one of those moments on Sunday. As we celebrated the baptism of Teddy Guilford, my mind rushed back decades to the Sunday I baptized Teddy’s mother Kate. Then I looked around me to see many other young people who have been raised up in our church, many of whom I also baptized, who are now serving in our ministry. That morning in Sandown we had young people serving in hospitality, directing the livestream, running the video projection, on the drums and in the music ministry.
In that moment, I couldn’t help but think “This is what it’s all about.” When we baptize a child, there is a congregational response in which we pledge to do all we can to help our children grow to know, love and serve Jesus. As I looked out on these great young people who ARE growing to know, love and serve Jesus, I began to feel overwhelmed by what I could only describe as the joy of the Lord. And as I prayed over the precious child in my arms I could not help but envision the day when he will know, love and serve Jesus.
We are in a series right now entitled “The Way.” We are investigating the early church and considering what it means for us to be the church today. There are many aspects to being the church as I believe God intended us to be. But I have to believe that, at the heart of it, the church is meant to be a place that helps to raise up the next generation to know, love and serve Jesus. And in these moments when we see it happening right in front of us, it is a beautiful thing.
I believe there are several important components to what God desires his church to be, and this Sunday we will continue to dig into that. But one thing I pray is that here at Rock Church we will always be a community with a passion to help the next generation have a life changing relationship with Jesus.
I look forward to us being together this Sunday. God has something great in store for you. You won’t want to miss it.
God Bless,
Pastor Steve
BTW, don’t forget to invite someone to the Thanksgiving Dinner coming up at our Plaistow location on Thanksgiving day. And ladies, but sure to mark you calendar for the Women’s Christmas Brunch on Saturday Dec. 7.
