As we gathered to worship Sunday morning at Mill Creek Baptist Church, we also recognized all the mothers in attendance for Mother's Day and remembered those who are no longer with us. Wayne read thank you notes from the James Headley family, Brittany Ricker and Tyrel Lett. Special prayers were requested for many.
Linda Abercrombie gave the devotional about Mother's Day and the background of the lyrics for The Battle Hymn of the Republic and bringing peace to our world. Scripture was from Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Congregational hymns included "Heavenly Sunlight" and "Tell Mother I'll be There." Karen Gardner sang "Sheltered In the Arms of God," accompanied by Becky at the piano.
Rick Lett and Wayne Johnson served as ushers and collected the offering.
Brother Mark brought us God's message after reading 2 Timothy 1:1-5. Brother Mark told us that genuine faith is learned by observing genuine faith in action. "We need to pray for our Father to increase our genuine faith. A child that doesn't hear about Jesus on his mother's knee probably won't hear about Him in any joints that he hangs out in."
Brother Mark shared his thoughts and beliefs on motherhood. He said he has little respect for those who show no respect for their mother. "Mothers deserve your respect and honor for having you if nothing else. The death of a mother is the first sorrow wept without her. She wept every time you did growing up. If you were heartbroken or ridden with guilt, so was she."
Brother Mark told us that one of the reasons he was saved and went into the ministry was because of observing the genuine faith of his mother. Seeing him in church made his mother happy. "A mother's love is the closest thing you will know to God's love on this earth and it doesn't even come close. If you have lost your mother, do you miss her comfort? A mother can divide her love many ways and still give all of her love." Isaiah 66:13 says, "As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem."
Several in the congregation shared thoughts on what their mother means to them. Our hymn of invitation was "Amazing Grace," and Steve Mason gave the benediction.
The last day to sign up for the trip to Branson to see "Samson" is Sunday, May 27. Mitchell Lett and Abby Jeffries' wedding shower will be Sunday, June 3. Vacation Bible School will begin on Saturday, July 14.
Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. and the worship service at 11 a.m. Everyone is always welcome at Mill Creek Baptist Church, which is located three and one-half miles east of Noel, just off Highway 90.
Religion on 05/17/2018