LOOKING THROUGH THE GLASS

You are looking at one of my favorite sights at our church. Stained glass speaks to me in powerful ways...non-verbally. The glass is beautiful, but its radiance comes from the sunlight that flows through it. The combination of art and sunlight moves me beyond myself; I tend to loose my train of thought, staring at its beauty. Like anyone else, I get absorbed in my own issues and I need a lift. Worship lifts me.

Worship, at its best, changes our present focus to the Eternal. Worship should be an experience of transcendence. In that sense, it is a removal from our context to be with God. Paul shared one of his transcending experiences this way: "I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell." (2 Corinthians 12:2-4,NIV). Perhaps Paul was needing his spirits lifted...he needed to be alone with God. Paul lost sight of his surroundings as he focused upon God's greatness. Worship strengthened Paul to return and face his issues.

This stained glass window was given in honor of Dan Campbell, by family and friends. Worship is also a gift...from God to us. Let the Light of God's love flow through you as you spend time with Him. Blessings, Pastor Al

Am I Missing Something?

Will there be a Mongolian restaurant in Goldsboro, NC? Two years ago, I would have said it will never happen. Now...there are two viable Mongolian resturants. Never say never!

I can remember eating Mongolian food for the first time. It was different. But I had to try it at least once. You never know what you are missing...if you don't try it. Most people in our town haven't eaten a Mongolian dish. They drive by these places and stick with choices that are familiar. Some, who choose to drive by, would really like Mongolian...if they just gave it a chance.

Church is like that, for a lot of people. Maybe they went to one or two...a long long time ago. They got the idea that the're all alike. So some pass by an experience they might really like. Many have never bothered to check it out for themselves.

Much like restaurants, churches have their own distinctive flavors. If you really looked, one of them serves nourishment that suits your taste and hunger. This returns us to the original question, "Am I missing something?" Churches exist to worship God...He meets us there in satisfying ways. Try it...you'll like it.