REFLECTIONS ON A GREAT SUNDAY

Wow! What a great day this past Sunday was, and I’m not talking weather. The day was beautiful outside and it was a long holiday weekend that traditionally marks the end of summer. So it can often be a ‘throwaway’ Sunday as we plan for it. You know—‘Many will be gone, it's a holiday weekend, so how can we just fill the day and kick things off for autumn next week?’

But both services this past week carried major impact. Praise be to God. And a big thank you to the six folks who shared their experiences of carrying the Kingdom of God with them when they go to their place of work, making work a true Kingdom vocation. Sally Luzietti, Bill Munns, Sarah Leith, Luli Sanchez, Jack Pike and Jody Davis—a big shout out to you guys. You all did a great job sharing your stories. And you all are amazing servants of the King in the places where he has called you to shine your light. (Files containing these testimonies are attached to this e-news letter for all of you to listen to and benefit from.)

I also want to thank everyone who took a risk and shared with Pastor Wes and myself the prophetic words and pictures that you felt God impressing upon you. I know these words and pictures touched many people with encouragement and hope--they became bridges of faith. This is actually one of the roles of the prophetic operation of the Spirit through the Body. When someone shares with us a prophetic message that speaks to our situation, we know that God is 'on the case,' that he is working even when we cannot perceive it, that he has not forgotten our situation.

Thanks to all of you who prayed for others during the service. Even in a short period of time many people experienced real and immediate relief, improvement, healing of physical issues. This is also an expression of the gospel--God is for us and his gracious power overcomes the effects of the brokenness and sickness of this broken and fallen world. I know that this was not 'church as usual,' but that's a good thing, too. Church is when God's people gather in his name and believe he will show up and then allow him to work and intersect our lives with his power and love.

Our staff has received a lot of good feedback from this past Sunday. Thanks for all of you who have shared your reflections and experiences. This is encouraging and helpful. The big question is, 'When can we do this again?' For those who want to live every moment in the moment it is more like, 'Awesome--we need to do this every Sunday!'

We do need to always be seeking for ways to open the doors of the church service to the one we have gathered to worship. Wow--what a concept!

And the needs of a large and growing body like Wellspring are many and diverse. Many of us need basic teaching--we are new to the faith. Many of us need the encouragement that comes through testimony or the operation of the 'now, rhema-word.' Many of us need the challenge that comes from deeper teaching of the themes of the Kingdom of God as they apply to our journey with Jesus or the challenge of a culture that is walking away from its biblical moorings. All of us need the experience of God's presence through intentional corporate worship and the encouragement that comes through fellowship with others.

So each week it is a challenge to plan--and to stay open to the Spirit. We want to focus highest priority on seeking the Lord's presence through worship--that is a given. But we also want to meet multiple other needs as we gather. Some of these things are just informational, like announcements; or practicalities, like receiving the offering. But we always try to minimize these things to make room for the highest and best and most important use of our precious moments together.

Blessings,
Pastor Rick

P.S. Here is an exceprt of an email I received about this past Sunday.