Seeing God's Word in Action | Christ Our Shepherd

Seeing God’s Word in Action

6 October 2021

Dear Faith Friends,

So many of you enrich your lives by asking this question: “Where did I see God today?” Sharing such insights at the supper table or at the end of the day is a positive game-changer. Let’s spin the question just a bit: “At worship this past weekend at our Palmetto Road campus, how many Scripture verses did we see come alive?” Below find a few of my answers, based on just a few pictures. See if you agree. And let me know if there’s a Scripture YOU saw come alive throughout the lively worship, water balloon toss, hikers enjoying the pathways, drones helping us see from a new perspective, delicious lunches, laughter, and engagement with friends old and new.

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Mark 4.1-2. “Jesus went back to teaching by the water. A crowd built up . . . . as the people pushed to the water’s edge. Jesus taught by using stories, many stories.”

Worshiping water-side is the best, making it so easy to remember our baptismal calling. Eric Jakubowski’s drone activity not only wowed the kids but offered this new perspective of God’s people gathered by Jesus by the waters.

“Sing praises to the Lord, O you faithful ones, and give thanks to God’s holy name.” Psalm 30.4

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous songand sing praises.” Psalm 98.4

Worship rocked! Wow. Through strong voice and applause, worshipers clearly appreciated the dynamic band pulled together by the new Interim Coordinator of Contemporary Worship, Luanne Harms. Strong vocals, talented musicians, and a new volunteer “sound dude”, Jack, who made sure the sound was better than ever.

The children joined their voices in song as well!

“We will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and God’s might, and the wonders that God has done.” Psalm 78.4

How wonderful to have so many children throughout the morning. Great job to our parents in building a firm foundation for your kids.

Acts 2.47. “Exuberant and joyful, they praised God. People, in general, liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.”

Seven new families of different ages and numbers were welcomed to the COS faith family as participating members. As Barbara Anderson stated in her welcome, in these days of Covid and decreased interaction, it’s amazing that the Holy Spirit keeps knitting us together. The McCumber family shared their gratitude to Brad Milburn and Tech Team for making online worship available this last year because they’ve done “Worship on the Couch” exclusively. This Sunday was the first day the five of them joined us live. We’re so glad God has increased our connection possibilities.

Ezekiel 34.26. “I will make them and the places ROUND about my hill a blessing, and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.”

I laughed when I found this Scripture, with God promising to bless our children and all AROUND us. Check out this video of our kids going ROUND AND ROUND in joyful exuberance. With a few light drops of rain falling in worship, God’s promise of “showers of blessing” was fulfilled!

Jeremiah 25.3. “God’s Word has come to me, and from early each morning to late every night I’ve passed it on to you.”

After the massive water balloon toss, Wendy Delage and granddaughter Hannah, keep enjoying the challenge. It was a fun spin on “passing on the faith” from one generation to the next.”

“Applause, everyone. Bravo, bravissimo! Shout God-songs at the top of your lungs!” Psalm 47.1 (The Message)

During the sermon, it was fun to shout praise to God and drink a toast of “L’Chaim” with water from our brand new well and special COS souvenir cups.

“The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” John 4.14

What a resource God gave us with our new 260-foot, 6 gallons of water-per- minute well to the north of the lake. UGA labs say it’s pure enough to drink straight from the source! And drink we did on Sunday!

Well, those are just some of the ways I saw God’s Word in action this past Sunday. How about you? Did you take a neat photo? Enjoy a special moment? Shoot me an email and let me know how YOU saw God in action.

Thanks to everyone who made this Sunday a wonderful event for our congregation! See some bonus pictures below.

One last word: Want to make more wonderful memories at Palmetto Road? Mark your calendars for our Saturday, October 23, Family OKTOBERFEST at Palmetto Road, from 4-7 PM, with bratwurst and beer, live music, kids inflatable adventures, arts and crafts. Don’t miss the wonderful fun. Bring a friend. Use the link on Thursday’s email to sign up for the bratwurst dinner.

Let us pray:

Dear Lord, thanks for allowing us to worship you in many places—stunning sanctuaries, lakeside lawns, and in quiet moments wherever we might draw close to you. Again, we’re stunned with how you stir our faith, through worship, merry-go-rounds, cherishing faithful relationships while enjoying new faces, porches that remind us that even in life’s pain you give us family and faith with which to carry on, water-balloon-fights, laughter, and music, fountains water to drink, beautiful scenery like lakes and geese flying overhead, community amid covid, and chances to feel and confirm that life is good. We are grateful and praise your name! Amen.

In Christ’s hope,
Pastor Fritz