PLC’s combined service on Sunday with San Diego Bethel Church was an amazing blessing! I loved the inspiring choir music – both in English and Korean, the spontaneous applause of appreciation throughout the service, and the sense of the Holy Spirit’s presence in Pastor Kim’s message. I also was moved by the “Worship through Movement” that was presented by the youth of Bethel Church. Each gesture seemed to reflect a genuine, tender love for the Savior!
The coming together of our two congregations reminded me of the final chapters of Nehemiah’s story, familiar, of course, because of one of Pastor Sean’s recent messages. At the completion of the re-built walls around Jerusalem, there was a time of dedication, a celebration for all that God had done. Nehemiah (Chapter 12) tells us, “At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving… I assigned two large choirs to give thanks…One was to proceed on top of the wall to the right…The second choir proceeded in the opposite direction…The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.”
Pastor Kim’s theme for his message was a perfect extension of my thoughts from Nehemiah. The text he chose? “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:16-18). He challenged us to “live as if you just got your life back,” because when we met Christ, that’s exactly what happened! And he touched on PLC’s mission when he spoke of keeping the connection to Jesus and others deeply rooted and growing strong through prayer and thankfulness. “We are happy because we are thankful…the two go together,” he said, listing for us an abundance of blessings that follow a life of giving thanks daily.
Our time of worship together was followed by an overflowing bounty of delicious food. Bethel Church’s hospitality was wonderful! My heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all who lent a hand in this wonderful celebration of God’s goodness and love!!
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