Sarah Smith
May 16th, 2010, 02:17 PM
Bear in mind I was in a liturgical service--formal to the nth degree. Lofty anthems. Glorious words.
Our scripture was: Acts 16:16-34, Psalm 97, Rev. 22 (selected verses), and John 17: 20-26.
Halfway through the sermon, pastor had just reminded us that the gospel is for all--not just those that wear the right clothes or drive the right car or live in the right section of town, but also for those under bridges, or in slums, or of a different ethnic background, etc.
The door opened a large lady, obviously semi paralyzed on one side and with some sort of mental challenge, entered and began whispering to some seated in the rear. After some time pastor stopped the service and asked if she could be of assistance. The lady managed finally to speak clearly that her friend with one leg was outside and needed help getting in.
Several men of the church promptly got him in, seated, and service resumed.
At communion, pastor didn't think to mention she would bring communion to those unable to come to the altar.
We go up in waves of just what will fit our little rail, shepherded by an usher.
The lady went up (out of turn) and before pastor could say she would take him communion, the gentleman flung himself off the pew, and with tears streaming, crawled to the altar. Men of the church rushed to help but he wanted to get there on his own. After he communed he insisted on crawling back, eyes shining and face beaming. Men helped him back into the pew.
After service, men helped them both to the fellowship hall where we have "coffee after" with lots of goodies. We loaded their plates and kept the coffee coming, and they enjoyed eating, drinking coffee, and just visiting.
I think they may be residents at a local shelter that offers a sort of assisted living to the very poor, older and in ill health folks and mentally ill.
Folks stayed at least twice as long as usual for fellowship. We shared scripture with each other, opened up more about spiritual matters than we usually do, and just generally had a raring good time with each other and Jesus.
I hope we blessed that couple.
I know they blessed us.
Our scripture was: Acts 16:16-34, Psalm 97, Rev. 22 (selected verses), and John 17: 20-26.
Halfway through the sermon, pastor had just reminded us that the gospel is for all--not just those that wear the right clothes or drive the right car or live in the right section of town, but also for those under bridges, or in slums, or of a different ethnic background, etc.
The door opened a large lady, obviously semi paralyzed on one side and with some sort of mental challenge, entered and began whispering to some seated in the rear. After some time pastor stopped the service and asked if she could be of assistance. The lady managed finally to speak clearly that her friend with one leg was outside and needed help getting in.
Several men of the church promptly got him in, seated, and service resumed.
At communion, pastor didn't think to mention she would bring communion to those unable to come to the altar.
We go up in waves of just what will fit our little rail, shepherded by an usher.
The lady went up (out of turn) and before pastor could say she would take him communion, the gentleman flung himself off the pew, and with tears streaming, crawled to the altar. Men of the church rushed to help but he wanted to get there on his own. After he communed he insisted on crawling back, eyes shining and face beaming. Men helped him back into the pew.
After service, men helped them both to the fellowship hall where we have "coffee after" with lots of goodies. We loaded their plates and kept the coffee coming, and they enjoyed eating, drinking coffee, and just visiting.
I think they may be residents at a local shelter that offers a sort of assisted living to the very poor, older and in ill health folks and mentally ill.
Folks stayed at least twice as long as usual for fellowship. We shared scripture with each other, opened up more about spiritual matters than we usually do, and just generally had a raring good time with each other and Jesus.
I hope we blessed that couple.
I know they blessed us.