In One Place

Opening prayer, dedication

Music ministry

Shout to the Lord

354 Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

Spirit Lead Me

Doxology

Word of God - Liturgist

Message: “In One Place”

I think we would all agree that our lives are full

There is more to do in less time than it will take to do “it”, whatever “it” is

And in the back of my mind at least, I have all these things I am looking forward to

I look forward to being surrounded by this great cloud of witnesses here at Grace

I look forward to getting a big hug when I return home

Those are normal-level things

I really don’t like waiting for things was and is a “next-level” and supernatural thing

Something we should all have been looking forward to since Resurrection Sunday

Jesus had promised His followers that He would send the “helper” we know as the Holy Spirit

That’s what happens at Pentecost (which means 50 days)

And now Pentecost is the birthday of the Christian Church

All because this is when the HOLY Spirit comes to the Disciples and the Christian church is born

The posted core text for today’s message is a teaser in a way for that celebration to come (Acts 2:1)

Acts 2:1 ESV

1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.

The Holy Spirit comes enters in Acts 2:2, but FIRST, the followers gathered in ONE place

Gathering as Believers in Christ has been pivotal since before the beginning of the church

There is an energy that is needed to get things done and there is a synergy or magnification of energy when believers come together

But what motivates people to actually make the effort to gather?

When done well-according to God’s Word

When people gather around the Word of God

That’s when good things happen

That desire to gather is then on a biblical foundation

That desire to gather is stronger than the things of this world

Why?

Because God cares about relationship

God wants each of us to have a relationship with Jesus

First we have faith in Him, then we continue to learn more about Him through His Word

and we learn about God’s Word best when we gather and learn together

Today, we will focus on one group specifically, and celebrate together

Yes, the text says to gather, but we gather because we have something in common

Which brings us to the longer and more to the point text for today,

This is where we are told that we MUST keep or obey ALL of God’s statues and Commandments Deuteronomy 6:5-7

Deuteronomy 6:5–7 ESV

5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Christian Education is Sunday School.

Confirmation classes.

Vacation Bible School.

Bible classes on Sunday morning.

Bible classes during the week

For nineteen years Darla Thompson has been teaching this at Grace in a manner and with a presence of the Holy Spirit

It is that combination that has led to the love “her children” who have been blessed at Grace as she has been the Director of the Children’s Ministry

Darla is retiring today from that ministry role

And we thought it fitting to celebrate with acknowledgement that Darla has loved on these children and supported them in spectacular and Holy fashion

Here are just a few slides taking us back through the years

The pictures don’t tell the full story and we could have scores of people come up and give you a look at the impact Darla has (present)

We will have just a few, starting with Pastor Rich

That’s from a leadership standpoint

This room is filled with people have been blessed by Darla’s teaching and presence

We will hear from two now

Chloe

Emmaleigh

It is clear that the children who have been under Darla’s instruction LOVE her

Because Darla has demonstrated the love God has for them

That is the job for us Christians - to instill and convey the love of God

Perhaps one of the most “on-point” Scripture passages for this occasion is in Proverbs 31.

While this is written specifically describing how to be a good wife,

The teaching of children takes place both at home AND in church

Let’s conclude with Proverbs 31:26-29

Proverbs 31:26–29 ESV

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”

As I read, I was checking off the boxes for Darla

Certainly you will all agree that

Darla has been wise in her teaching

The kids have demonstrated that they know more coming out of Sunday School than many adults in the room today

Darla certainly is known for loving kindness toward the kids and their parents

As far as idleness

It is a rare site to see Darla still

I know that I get tired just watching her move about doing all that she does

And certainly she is loved by the children who have been under her ministry

Darla is one of a kind and has blessed us at Grace Church with 19 years of ministry

Darla’s husband, Paul, her boys Matthew & Luke and Darla’s parents have shared Darla with us

We thank them too

In the end, though, we know that Darla has been and will continue to serve God

So yes Darla, many have done well

But you have done extremely well in your service

Darla has helped to bring families together “In One Place”

Whether for Sunday School, VBS, Christmas programs, the list goes on

And without the family of Christ coming together, the family scatters

So, my caution to all is to exert yourselves on bringing the family together on MANY occasions and in MANY ways

That we might train up children and encourage the saints of all ages

We are thankful for Darla’s dedication and example

All praise and glory to God for her and her service to the Kingdom of God

Amen

Closing Hymn/Invitation:

“In the Hands of Christ My King”

Benediction-

Cake