[Libertina]

I just had to tell everyone about our amazing church service today. Our Pastor, Mark Toone, (conservtive hehehe) has been leading our congregation into ever more evangelical waters. Also, today was the second "edition" of a new service called "11:27" which features lots of contemporary Christian music and singing to reach more young people. Pastor Toone is an incredible preacher, and even though I was not disposed towards this different (and 3rd ) service - it was WONDERFUL!

Pastor Toone had a serious ice skating accident last month and he has just returned with renewed passion: in fact, he's on fire. His sermon today was to "PRESENT' oneself to the Lord. He talked about the first sacrifices, (animal/blood) but how we are now called to be "living sacrifices." He recalled the Lord's healing hands, then asked everyone to come to the front and in the aisles, blessed them on the forehead, then had us turn around and pass the blessings all the way to the back of the crowd. (600-700 perople.) LOL For shy Presbyterians it's a big deal! Anyway, I had to wipe away tears it was so moving... I love Chapel Hill - and feel so blessed to be led by such a man who is so obviously led by Jesus. Have a joyous Sunday everyone! Thank you Lord for our many awesome blessings. May we indeed "present ourselves" completely to you, that our lives may be acceptable in your sight.

[LadyX]

Thoroughly enjoyed your description of this service, Libertina!
My introduction to Spirit-led and Spirit-filled worship was in 1980, and know full well the wonders of Praise and Worship Services.

The Lord said to make a joyful noise before Him;
and that He would inhabit our praises!!
To discover that as truth is to find a whole new dimension of worship!

I'm thrilled you have found it, too, and wish it for everyone...

[WVNan]

The Spirit must have been moving all over this morning. My service was especially blessed this morning also. I used the lesson of the potter's wheel and talked about how God doesn't throw away the messed up clay, He just reshapes it into something useful. One young man came and rededicated his life to Christ and joined the church. Everyone welcomed him as our singer sung "He Doesn't Throw the Clay Away." Very meaningful service. Thank God for His unspeakable blessings.

[Calpernia]

I attended services in a friend's church where we had to approach to present ourselves to the alter and pass the blessing back. It was a touching service.

Glad you had an inspiring day today.