Ecumenical Service is a Big Success

On June 28th we celebrated our 2nd Annual Ecumenical Worship Service along with our brothers and sisters from the Palo United Methodist Church and the King Bee Nines choir from the Cathedral of St. Andrew (Grand Rapids). I’m very glad to report that the service was a success on both a musical and a fellowship front. I was once again proud of how warm the welcome our congregation extended to our guest and would like to pass onto you the positive remarks that Nicole and I have received from members of the St. Andrew’s choir.
The text that I preached on, “being one in spirit and purpose” (Philippians 2:1-2), urges us to set aside the differences that hinder us and unite behind the paramount need to spread the Gospel message to those who don’t know what Christ has done for them. In order to fulfill that Great Commission, we as Christians need to demonstrate our own willingness to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. If those who have never been to a church see us squabbling and fighting, what message does that send? How can we preach the grace and peace of God when our own community is fraught with divisiveness? The step forward that we took this past Sunday is but a beginning, but it was indeed a step in the right direction. All of you who have supported our work in Ecumenism have the heartfelt thanks of both Nicole and I. God bless our many churches as we share in the mission of the Gospel.