Monday, June 1, 2015

Keeping Sabbath

In a break from our Jewish forebearers, most Christians observe Sunday as the sabbath, or day of rest.  In our own game of legalistic gotcha' much debate has been invested into what one could or could not do on "the day of rest."  At minimum, most would agree that it would be a day intended for worship and rest- a departure from work and responsibilities that consume our minds and bodies the rest of the week.

This past Sunday was a day of sabbath celebration for our little part of God's family.  Our worship service was a great celebration- I only hope God was as blessed by our worship as we were by His presence.  In good Towne View fashion, our worship was offered through music that spanned the gauntlet of tempo, style, and generations.  What wonderful gifts were shared from prelude to postlude.

From worship we moved to Bartow-Carver Park for our annual church picnic.  Lake Allatoona was again provided an exceptional backdrop for a beautiful afternoon.  Plenty of good food, sweet desserts, sweet tea and lemonade quenched our appetites. It was quite a sight to watch folks enjoy the rocking chairs, children on the swings and in the water, folks paddle-boarding and playing games.  I can't help but wonder, "why don't we do this more often?"  As a church, yes, such opportunities for fellowship  are priceless.  But even as families, what happened to taking time just to enjoy each other's company- no schedule, no agenda- just an unhurried afternoon of relaxation?

Of course, all this rest and relaxation wouldn't have been possible without somebody putting in some hard work.  I am grateful for Jonnia and our music ministry for leading us in worship and to Dave Stewart and the rec team for making arrangements for the picnic.  And, I'm grateful to our promise-keeping God for once again making God's precence known when we gather in His name.

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