When I asked for suggestions of where to visit for #50, my friend Rev. Nancy Kraft rattled off about a dozen churches. This was just about the only one I hadn't visited. She called it a "hidden gem" and spoke highly of their work in social justice. Also, this statement was on their webpage: "Sardis Baptist is a congregation where women are pastors, children lead worship, theological diversity is valued and people are welcomed as they are." I was intrigued.
WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU WANT TO GO
Sardis Baptist is at 5811 Sardis Road close where Rama turns into Sardis and before Sardis becomes Fairview (Charlotteans will know what I mean! LOL) Parking was plentiful and dress was "church casual." Worship is at 11 am.
REFLECTIONS ON WORSHIP
MOOD
I'm guessing attendance was low today, as it was the weekend bracketing the Fourth. With only about 25 people present, most of them greeted me and asked my name. They all invited me back. The grounds of the church truly set the mood going in. Nestled in a large grove of hardwoods, the cool shade on a hot day set a welcome and reverential tone. I parked beside their Labyrinth.
MUSIC
There was no choir today, however a visiting violinist from the Charlotte Symphony, Tatiana Karpova, provided special music along with the pianist. Her prelude, Bach's Air in G was especially beautiful and set a worshipful tone. The music leader chose the first hymn and then asked members of the congregation to suggest others. Altogether about 4 very traditional hymns were sung ( We only sang the first verse of those "called out".)
MESSAGE
During the month of July, the worship team had decided to vary from the lectionary and use traditional Bible stories that we all learned in VBS or Sunday School, but are rarely used in the pulpit. Today, it was the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:1-20). In this familiar story, the 3 Israelites under the captivity of Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon refuse to bow down to a golden idol the king had made and were thrown in the furnace. God's angel protects them and as a result, Nebuchadnezzar declares that the Hebrew God should be respected by all. Rev. Bob Stillerman read the story both from the NRSV and from Shine On!, a children's Bible. In a modern context, he played a version of the story as a country music song by Johnny Cash. In his homily he stressed that sometimes we get so caught up in the miracles of the Bible, that we "miss the forest for the miracle." He stressed that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were "Covenant People" and were strong in their convictions to keep God's Promises. They never professed to know if God would save them (and in their captivity, I'm sure they had seen many of their fellow Israelites abused and not saved by God), but they were strong in their convictions and knew that bowing down to idols was against God's Covenant. Reverend Bob called on us to keep our covenant from the New Testament to protect the marginalized, be a prophetic voice, and to love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, and mind. The miracle we should take away from this is the love God has for us brings us into relationship with Him and other people.
He ended the service with a terrific benediction. I asked him to send it to me:
May God's spirit swirl all around you
And leave you with a grin.
And may that grin turn into a smile.
And may that smile turn into an act of kindness.
And together, we will be a chorus of love
Empowered to be the hands of Christ in our community.
Go now with God's blessing, and in God's peace!
OUTREACH AND OBSERVATIONS
- One of the first things I noticed when I sat down were the rhythm instruments in the hymnal holders. I figured it was just a "kid friendly" touch. But after the Benediction, the congregation's Choral Response was "Halle, halle, halle, Hallelujah" and everyone used the instruments. It was very joyful.
- The only outreach mentioned was an upcoming school supply collection to begin the school year. I have now come full circle, as that was the outreach at the first church I visited. I noticed on their Facebook page that they participate in Room in the Inn.
- They will conclude the Bible Story sermon series with the shortest VBS I've ever heard of where they will retell the stories in 90 minutes, sort of like The Complete Works of Shakespeare, Abridged!!
- When entering the grounds from Sardis Rd., they have a sign (too small to read in passing, but I caught it at the stop sign). I didn't write it down, so I'm paraphrasing, but it said we welcome everyone here, for we are all neighbors. The sign was written in Spanish, English, and Arabic. I like it... just wish it were larger to truly make a statement.
THIS WEEK'S EXTRA
I've been trying to find a week to use these videos from John Crist. I discovered them when I used one of his on Easter Sunday. These are too good to miss. In the first one, 2 millennials search for a church with a guide on "Church Hunters" (a la House Hunters). And in the second one the "Bible verse lady" goes on a tour of the mall and has a verse for everything she sees. They are hilarious!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT70cA-7qMk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzEL4h1vq7o
THE BULLETIN
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