November 19th, 2006 - Sunday Services

This was a Sunday of beginnings. There was the baptism of Colby; the reception of new members, Roberta, Justin, Kerry, Pastor Mark, Dena and Lauren; and Pastor Mark's installation. Pastor Mark also made an announcement that they are expecting their second child.

Linda opened up both early and late service with a Temple Talk. She talked about the differences she experienced worshipping at Creator and her previous worship experiences. She talked about how much more she did at Creator than attend Sunday services and go home and how much more Creator was there for her. This resonated with many of us. Just choosing this particular this Sunday there were many who planned, worked for and attended Pastor Mark's Installation Service. There was a meeting regarding the next phase of building and another Hunger Awareness committee meeting. Last Sunday was youth Sunday, the weekend before that the Sparkle team was volunteering for work. This was above and beyond the normal volunteer work that happens from week to week.

There was an energy in both services that was expressed in many places. The music reverberated through the sanctuary. Pastor Mark gave a strong sermon. He preached from the gospel of Mark 13:1-8 that opens with one of the disciples saying:

Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!

Jesus warns the disciples about being led astray by such things. Pastor Mark compared this to the nursery story Little Red Riding Hood and how evil represented by the wolf can impress us when disguised. Both the gospel and Little Red Riding Hood shared a message about being led astray.

Pastor Mark went on to identify two concerns today, humanism and technology, the main concern being that we woud think we were more important and better than those who came before us. I have a response for this likely to fill a blog entry by itself. I will write about this later.

He summed up the way the church is not led astray, which is keeping Jesus at the head. If it does not, if the pastor is the head the church becomes a cult of personality. If the council president becomes the head, the church becomes a not-for-profit business. If it is run by a clique it becomes a social club.

These were words to ponder and keeping Jesus the head can be a balancing act.

Colby was baptised at the 8:00 service. Just like a service a couple of weeks ago Colby reached for the water, fascinated by it and the font. It was very compelling to watch that reaching. The Profession of Faith was also particularly powerful with the whole congregation joining in the response.

As Pastor Dayle said, the reception of new members simply formalized something already happening. It underscored the strengthening of our church.

The highlight in music for me from both services was Soon and Very Soon, the sending song, during the performance at the second service. Janice, Craig and Kelly's vocals, David's piano playing and Matt's drumming built into a joyous, exuberant expression of faith.