Sunday 26 April 2009

Valuing Faith & Community

Often it's very easy to take the blessings of life for granted. So with purposeful planning, we met in worship today at Inala Chapel determined to value our Christian faith and those within our worshipping community.

Reflecting on the privilege of personal salvation and the need for pursuing holiness, we considered the spiritual blessings made available to us through Christ under the theme, "Come, Feast At The Table".

The Inala Choir brought much inspiration with their sensitive rendition of "At the table of the Lord", reminding us to be always be open to experiencing the hope, peace, love and grace of God that brings fulness of life as we claim the promises of God everyday.

A special feature of our meeting was an acknowledgement of the ministry and service of Major Win Barker, who has faithfully served the Lord as Chapel Pastoral Care Officer for the past 10 years. Win's effective ministry of personal care and concern has been greatly valued by the chapel fellowship at large. The wording on the appreciation card said it all: "Everything you do for the Lord matters, and everything you do for others is an expression of God's abundant love to you." Win's personal dedication in developing an effective pastoral ministry has certainly been beneficial both on a corporate and individual level that only eternity itself will reveal.

In a further endeavour to strengthen our faith community, fifty people gathered together around common meal tables to share a fellowship luncheon. Social interaction over a scrumptious menu certainly enhanced our spiritual bond of fellowship, with the highlight being the spirited singing of grace - "Be present at our table, Lord".

Feasting on God's 'banquet of grace' was, and always is, most valuable!

"Come and take your place at the banquet of grace.
There is room at the table for you."
(Joseph M Martin - At the table of the Lord)