Tent Service & Picnic

This past Sunday @ GSJ was awesome in every sense of the word. We had our Annual Tent Service & Picnic on our grounds across the street on the corner of Adams and Orange. Aside from the initial technological hiccups, it was a high time in the Lord. We were blessed to have over 400 people in attendance. The joyful noise of God’s people praising against the aroma of barbeque in the background, was a sight to behold and an enjoyable pleasure. After several songs of praise, I preached a message from Romans 12:1-2 answering the question “What Shall I Render unto the Lord for All His Benefits?” The outline I used was as follows:

I. Request - “ I beseech you therefore in view of God’s mercies”
II. Reason - “ present your bodies as a living sacrifice”
III. Requirement – “ be not conformed to this world…. Be transformed
IV. Result – “that you may prove what is that good…….

Thanks to Rev. Sylvester Williams and the people of WUBS 89.7 FM, we were able to broadcast a good portion of our service over the airwaves. After church we continued to fellowship together while consuming a delicious meal under that very tent. It was a great day. We honestly did not want to leave. Looking forward to next year.

Annual Tent Service & Picnic

Each year on the 3rd Sunday of August, the Greater St. John Church Family engages in worship outside under a tent. This affords us an opportunity to evangelize the surrounding neighborhood with the preaching of the gospel, the singing of hymns and spiritual songs and Christian fellowship. The attire was casual thus disarming anyone who had an excuse for not attending.

We began the day with Sunday school at 8am instead of our regularly scheduled early morning service, followed by the tent service at 10am. More than 500 people were able to worship with us and the weather was superb. Various ministries were able to participate including our youth choir and for the first time, The Stepping for Christ Drill Team.

I preached a message entitled "The Secret to My Satisfaction" from Philippians 4:13. The outline is as follows:

I. An Awesome Reality - "I can"

II. An Available Range - "do all things"

III. An Adequate Resource - "through Christ who strengthens me"

Despite some microphone issues and the aroma of meat cooking in the background, which proved to be stiff competition, the Lord blessed the preaching experience. The message was said to be timely as the lives of many were blessed. We were also blessed to welcome 5 new souls to the family.

Following the service, we broke bread together as friendships were developed and old acquaintances renewed.

I have some pictures to share, but unfortunately, I'm experiencing a few technical difficulties, and will have to upload them in the near future.

One more thing, I will be on vacation from my pastoral responsibilities for the next two weeks. This will allow time for reflection, rest and revival. I will not return to the pulpit until the first Sunday in September. Thank God I finally decided to be good to myself. God Be Praised!