Today is Cantata Sunday. For some of you, this is your first time attending worship at Paw Creek Presbyterian. To catch you up a little bit, 2009 marks the 200th anniversary of this congregation and we’ve been celebrating that rich history with “Memory Moments”.
I was introduced to Paw Creek Presbyterian three years ago when our music director, Sherry Blevins, called me and asked if I would play percussion. I prepared like I would for any other job, but I was not prepared for the overwhelming spiritual experience I would have in this sanctuary. I couldn’t stop thinking about how kind and welcoming everyone was to me. I received another call to return and play for the Easter Cantata. After that, I wanted to come here every Sunday.
Most of you have heard jokes about the hypocritical church-goer who loudly belts out “Onward Christian Soldier” only to go AWOL by Monday morning. Well, not so at Paw Creek.
Pastor Gary’s amazing sermons come alive in the daily work of the people here. As the Apostle Paul explained in 1 Corinthians, Chapter 12, Verses 4-7: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” You can drive by Paw Creek Presbyterian and see Paul’s words in action on any day of the week: a child spending his evening with the homeless, a new skill taught by a patient Scout Master, a variety of Bible studies, a trip to fix-up someone’s house. . . the list literally goes on and on. There are so many things that get taken care of behind-the-scenes by people who purposefully avoid any recognition. Light bulbs are replaced, recordings are delivered to shut-ins, websites are maintained, power-point, et cetera.
To the members of Paw Creek: I will never be able to thank you enough. By living your faith, you have all been my mentors. To those visiting: This is a family bound by the blood of Christ Jesus. If you are still searching for a home, search no more. You will find the grace and peace of God Our Father in this sanctuary. I know I did.
