Up on the pulpit

I will be giving my first official "sermon" on Sunday night at a senior center near my church. Its going to be interesting is an understatment. Fortunately, the service won't be that long. It will last about a half hour. The sermon is supposed to be about 10 to 15 minutes. So, it's going to be "Sermon Lite". Our associate pastor who leads the seniors ministry asked that we provide a service.

For the last couple weeks, I had trouble on what to preach about, as I was pondering how to reach to this particular audience. Some folks will be believers, while others will not be. I find it difficult to talk or explain about something for a few minutes compared to discussing it for at least a half hour or more. The sense is that that I won't give a fully detailed explanation.

As of right now, the talk will be centered on "Continuing with Thanksgiving". It will be a transition piece to give thanks to the Lord for everything as we proceed with our daily lives, as well as moving forward to the 2005 Christmas season.

Anyway, its going to be a good time to serve and meet with members of the center. Approximately 9 members of the YA group will be singing, greeting, serving, and reciting Scripture. We will also provide cookies for munching before and after the service. I pray that we will be used effectively for God and for His kingdom. It will be our first time as a group to serve others in this capacity. Only one group member has worked at this service.

I'm hoping for no messups or for no extended pregnant pauses.

Today's verse: Isaiah 61:1-3 (New International Version)

The Year of the LORD's Favor

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,

and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.