God will Carry You

Ask, and it will be give you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!!

Matthew 7: 7-11

As I worshipped God this past Sunday accompanied by the voices of the Master’s Men, I reflected on ministry. During an internship I did during college, my mentor said: “Being a minister is such an honor. You get to sit with people during the best times of their lives and the worst times of their lives.” This has proven undoubtedly true.

Over the past few weeks, I have had the honor to sit with folks who are grieving the loss of someone they love. They have been left alone and not knowing how to turn to God. I have sat with people who have had to digest the news of a new health journey they didn’t expect. I have had conversations with parents and students who are anticipating a new chapter in their lives. It is a heavy load to share with one another. It sometimes feels like the weight of the world. Sunday Morning, the Master’s Men sang the song He Will Carry You which was just the reminder I needed. The lyrics of that song remind us “If He carried the weight of the world up on his shoulders. I know my brother/sister that he will carry you!”

As Disciples of Christ, we come to the Lord’s table each Sunday and we take pause to remember the final Passover meal Jesus shared with his disciples. Jesus was a minister sitting around the table with weary disciples. They were likely anticipating the loss of their leader and friend. They had just been shocked with the news that someone in the room would betray Christ. They were likely scared and nervous and unable to understand everything that was happening. I can’t even imagine the range of emotions. Yet Christ offered them the cup. Christ offered them a symbol of his own life. Through the cup, Christ offered them hope. Through the cup, Christ offered them meaning. Christ carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. Christ reminded them, in essence, that he will continue to carry us!

Take courage, search for hope, and know that Christ will carry you!! Listen to He Will Carry You and all of the other selections the Master’s Men shared with this link:

This Week:

Wednesday, August 31 – 1:00 pm Proverbs Bible Study & Prayer Time (in-person & Free Conference Call 563-999-1222).
Thursday, September 1 – AM Ladles of Love Meal Preparation & Delivery
Friday, September 2 – 12 noon Devotion & Prayer Time (Free Conference Call)
Sunday, September 4 – 10:30 am Outdoor Worship

---

Upcoming Events:

September 5 – Church Office Closed, No Devotion & Prayer Call
September 11 – Welcome to Worship Class for Kindergarten – 5th grades (9:15 AM)
September 11 – Bible Presentation to our Kindergarteners during worship
September 14 – American Red Cross Blood Drive @ Hood Memorial
September 15 – Feed Midway High School Band before their home game
September 27 – Hood Memorial serving at DUMA Food Pantry

---

Collection of Men’s Clothes

Operation Inasmuch is a Christian non-profit in Fayetteville. Their mission includes serving homeless & struggling people hot, nourishing home-cooked breakfasts each day during the week; providing human, health and educational services for the homeless community, and they the Able-Life Program in the 40-bed men’s facility. Their goal is to lead men back to the path called them to walk. Their facility was broken into this week and they were robbed of all their men’s clothing. They need underwear, socks, and t-shirts for men. If you are able to provide any of these, please bring them to the church this week.