Gratitude within These Walls

Gratitude within These Walls
October 22, 2018
Encouragement

Avatar for Joanie Williams Pastor Joanie

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.” (Psalm 122:1)

What a beautiful day we had at Hood Memorial Christian Church on Sunday.  Homecoming 2018 was full of joy, celebration, memories, hope, tears, and love.

Jason and I want to offer our deep appreciation to everyone who helped prepare for this special day.  Many hands were involved in getting ready for this day.  Members of our church and community spent time and energy sharing in these acts of love:

  • painting
  • replacing ceiling tiles
  • wiping up dust
  • replacing baseboards
  • fixing flower arrangements
  • baking cookies
  • making special recipes
  • calling, emailing, sending invitations to loved ones
  • practicing special musical pieces
  • setting up tables
  • cleaning table cloths
  • cleaning the kitchen
  • vacuuming and mopping floors
  • ordering and picking up food
  • editing printed materials
  • setting up and folding up a bouncy house
  • welcoming guests
  • offering God’s love to all

There were so many hands, ideas, and hearts involved in making our homecoming memorable.  We recognize the movement of God’s spirit through the lives of each member of our congregation and our extended family.  God’s love is alive in Dunn, North Carolina.

The choir sang a song on Sunday that celebrated the mission of the church in such a special way.  These Walls by Heather Sorenson is a gorgeous anthem that recognizes the vision and mission of the church and that so much how we have experienced God has happened within the walls of the church.  I have included a link to hear the song again (though not with the spirit and emotion from our own choir).  I have also included the lyrics below.  Take time to listen, read the lyrics, and reflect on how God has moved in your life through our church.  I also encourage you to dream, and envision new ways that we can reach out with God’s extended arms.

In these walls, we are amazed at what You’ve done,
And in these walls, we see the victories You have won,
Within these walls.
 
And in these walls, we see You faithfully provide;
And in these walls, we see You lead us and You guide,
Within these walls.
 
In these walls, Your Spirit falls,
And in this place, You show Your face.
 
So, let these walls tell the story of Jesus lifted high.
Let our praises rise above this roof and reach to heaven’s sky.
Let this Church tell the story of people on their knees,
The healing of disease, and peace of unity within these walls.
 
In these walls, we see salvation of the lost.
And in these walls, transformation from the Cross,
Within these walls.
 
In these walls, generations build their faith,
And in these walls, we see Your holy power great,
Within these walls.
 
These walls hold the prayers of saints.
They speak the Truth without restraint.
Here we meet You, God!
 
Let these walls tell the story of Jesus lifted high!
Let our praises rise above this roof and reach to heaven’s sky.
Let this church show the power of broken lives made whole,
Of families restored with faith in one accord within these walls.
 
We sing of your power and hope within in these walls.
Forgiveness and mercy are here within these walls.

These Walls by Heather Sorenson.

Did You Miss Sunday’s Message?

Read or listen to Sunday’s message Back in the Day: A Matter of Perspective – John 5

Trunk or Treat/Fall Celebration

Sunday, October 28th, 4:00 -6:00 pm

Bring your car, add some Fall decorations, and greet the children in our community for our Trunk or Treat/Fall Celebration; we are collecting bags of candy and prizes for games for this event in the hallway next to the office; we also need folks to sign up to bring their cars and open their trunks with goodies, we also serve Robie’s famous chili…it’s gonna be a fun night for all ages!

This Week at Hood

Tuesday, October 23, 9:00 am -2:00 pm – DUMA Food Pantry Volunteers Needed
Wednesday, October 24 – 1:30 – 2:30 pm – Prayer & Inspiration Small Group
Wednesday, October 24, 6:00 pm – Choir Practice
Thursday, October 25 – 6:15-7:15 pm – Thursday Evening Small Group
Sunday, October 28 – 11:00 am Worship; 4:00-6:00 pm Trunk or Treat Fall Celebration (see information below)