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)