There’s a new service in town.

You’ll find it on Sunday evenings, five o’clock at www.plattewoodschurch.org. Recently, I’ve started attending this time of devotion. It makes me feel good – it refreshes me as I prepare for the new week approaching.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1Peter 2:9 (NIV)

It hasn’t been easy for me to attend, why? I like to stay home on Sunday evenings, not doing anything in particular – just being lazy. Does that sound familiar? I’ve chosen to put aside my excuses and forced myself to go. I’m glad I have.
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It’s natural for me to be a person of observation. Here’s my top five list of observations about the new service.

          1. There are lots of families with children of all ages.
          2. A relevant message is delivered that takes me through the week.
          3. There are lots of families with children of all ages.
          4. There’s a lot of music – some people sing though many don’t.
          5. There are lots of families with children of all ages.

Do you notice a pattern? I love the fact there are so many families in this service. This past Sunday I watched a mother stroke her daughter’s hair for the entire hour. It touched my heart to see a dad as he laid his hand on his son’s shoulder. There are husbands and wives sitting close to each other holding hands when standing in praise. It’s heartwarming to observe all the young people worshiping together.

Some people sit in the back of the sanctuary so they won’t be noticed. I sit in the back so I can observe. Last Sunday a memory was triggered of one of the few services my parents attended when I was a child. When we said The Lord’s Prayer, I was later punished for the enthusiasm in my voice when I spoke the words...

                                                            Our Father, which art in heaven,
                                                                  Hallowed be thy Name.
                                                                    Thy Kingdom come.
                                                                 Thy will be done in earth,
                                                                      As it is in heaven.
                                                             Give us this day our daily bread.
                                                              And forgive us our trespasses,
                                                    As we forgive them that trespass against us.
                                                             And lead us not into temptation,
                                                                   But deliver us from evil.
                                                                   For thine is the kingdom,
                                                                  The power, and the glory,
                                                                         Forever and ever.
                                                                                   Amen.

How could anyone say these words wrong if they love God, trust God and praise God? I would be more concerned if someone didn’t pray this prayer at all. My mother made me feel sad that day.

It’s typical for me to work at my church during service so it’s a treat to attend worship on Sunday evenings. But, I made the commitment to myself and God to do so. If I start to slack off and not attend, I expect to have someone call me on it. Isn't that what we as Christians do, hold each other up and make each other accountable?

What do you expect out of worship time? I’ve grown to have expectations of my worship time. I anticipate there will be a time to

          1. Hear speaking and learn
          2. Listen and learn
          3. Praise
          4. Have a call of action which makes me accountable.

So far this new service has met and exceeded my expectations.

I’m reminded of what I recently read in Acts 2:41-42 (NIV) those who accepted his message were baptized and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. This service offers teaching, fellowship, prayer and the offering of a meal together. It's reminiscent of what I think of in an 'old church.'

Thank you to Pastors Angie and Curtis Olsen for your perseverance and vision for the www.facebook.com/WHATSNEXTKC service.
You are welcome to check it out if you're in the Kansas City area. When you’re there, look for me, I’m in the back pew, observing.


http://plattewoodschurch.org/653025.ihtml