Monday, January 19, 2009

Sunday Recap at GSJ

Sunday was an absolutely fabulous day of worship and praise to a deserving God. Despite the additional two inches of snow to add to the roughly 58 inches we’ve already received so far this winter, the attendance at all three services was simply wonderful. During our 8 & 11 am services, we were led by our youth which is usually the case on third Sunday, and as usual we were blessed. Truly God is doing a great work in the lives of His little ones.

I did not preach the 8am service, however during the 11am service I preached a message emphasizing the importance of training our youth to love God, live and labor for Him. The sermon was based on Proverbs 22:6; Proverbs 13:24; Deuteronomy 6:6-8; and Ephesians 6:4 just to name a few. The message was well received and God added two people to the church including one as a candidate for baptism. God be praised for making His presence known, and for the rich fellowship we share through Christ Jesus.

That afternoon at 4pm, we hosted the 19th Ecumenical Service remembering the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This service is sponsored annually by The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of St. Joseph County (IMA), led by our out-going president, Pastor Timothy Rouse of First A. M. E. Zion Church. This was his last charge as president as the mantle will be passed to our new president, my brother and fellow blogger, Pastor Keith D. Witherspoon of Bethlehem Baptist Church. We were graced with the presence of Mayor Lueke, members of his staff, elected officials from every corner of the city, Pastors, ministers and a host of others from all walks of life.










Our featured guest for this occasion was Dr. Addis Moore, Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church (mtzionkalamazoo.org), in Kalamazoo, MI. Many from his congregation traveled the snow covered roads to support their pastor in the preaching moment. Both he and the choir set the place ablaze as the atmosphere was one of jubilant praise throughout. The sermon he preached was entitled “Deliverance is in the Power of the Church taken from 2 Chronicles 7:14 which says “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” The Lord used him in a masterful way and we were blessed immeasurably. I am not at liberty to share his outline but take my word for it, he came to preach and that he did. We left the place more determined to bridge the gap between church and community with The Church leading the way. Although we have much cause for celebration in lieu of Dr. King’s dream and looking ahead to the Inauguration of our nation’s first African-American President, the church remains accountable to make our God ordained stamp on society in order that we may experience real healing. What a Day!!!!! Today, many events are scheduled to continue our observance of Dr. Martin L. King's life and work. I sincerely hope you will take the time to praise God for how far we've come and continue to press on. See you soon.

Dr. Moore, Pastor McGhee, Dr. Dennis D. Engbrecht of Bethel College (bethelcollege.edu)

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a wonderful day of worship McGhee. It appears that you all have a great fellowship among the clergy there in Indy.

Praise God. What a time to celebrate God for all the things He is doing in this country and in your ministry.

Stick with it brother. Praying for you.

Tony R.

Pastor Rev. Ray E. Owens said...

It was a wonderful service and GSJ as usual were wonderful hosts. I praise God for the fellowship between the pastors of this city that crossed religious lines for a powerful testimony to this city about the great God we serve.

Keep running,

Owens

Pastor Lance A. Mann said...

Dr. McGhee it appears that you all had one great day in worship all day long. Praise God for brothers who can fellowship with one another. God be praised!!!

Lance

HALLELUJAH said...

Pastor,

You are absolutely correct; I agree it was a great day of worship the Holy Spirit was present.


GOD Bless~~~

Keith D. Witherspoon said...

Thank you my brother for being such a gracious host! I truly enjoyed the fellowship and always appreciate the loving people of GSJ!

Doc, Addis Moore dumped in that place!

Anonymous said...

Pastor,

Sunday was a wonderful day in the Lord. The Lord truly made His presence known during our services.

The choirs were just magnificent and Pastor Moore's message was right on time. Give God all the glory for what He is doing in our city and at Greater St.John.

Be Blessed!

Ronald said...

Pastor McGhee, thank you for sharing the wonderful things that God is doing in the midst of your congregation and the city at large.

Don’t Quit
Ron

Vietta P's two cents worth said...

This was a great day indeed. I wish I could have been there. Being from South Texas with very light winters and no snow at all, it's amazing to see how despite the harsh weather there the saints remain faithful in their attendance. What a beautiful sight. Thank you for sharing the photos and your worship experience. Be blessed.

Mother