Today my wife and daughter had a baby shower to attend and were unable to attend church services as we usually do. My first thought was of all of the things that I could accomplish with the day off from church...Then the small, still, voice spoke up and reminded me of the sabbath, that I should not be working today, that I should be in church regardless of my wife's plans for herself. "But I don't drive and our church isn't within bicycle range", my mind began. "Your usual church isn't the only Christian church in this area",the voice answered. "There are two Baptist churches that are no more than fifteen minutes away even on a bike." I went to my local yahoo and found the service times and addresses. I chose the First Baptist Church of Egg Harbor City, where I was warmly welcomed by the congregation of about thirty. It was quite a change from the three hundred plus worshipers at each of the three morning services that we're used to. There were no donuts and pastries, no fresh hot coffee, no welcome center at all actually, but there was welcomness. And fellowship. And family. I immediately felt that I belonged and I realised that I did belong because I was a member. Not a member of this local church, but a member of the family of God, of which this church and these people were a part. The music was from our hymnals,taking me back to my childhood, our voices accompanied by just a piano. Not an electric guitar or drum set to be found. But they had a choir dressed in robes , something I've never experienced before. And Pastor Ort's message? "Are you shipshape in your relationships?", which ties in perfectly with our church's current series! Yes, I was in the right place. I was in my Father's house and I thanked him for guiding my decision to listen.
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