God's Timing to Come Together

What a special day of worship the first Sunday that PVUMC and Closer Walk merged together!  I knew the Holy Spirit was in that room when their praise band played, “Fresh Wind” by Hillsong Worship.  We all sang, “Spirit sound, rushing wind. Fire of God, fall within. Holy Ghost, Breathe on us, we pray.”  And He did!  One of my favorite parts that morning was when a gentleman prayed over the offering and said, “God, this is the most people I have seen in this building.  200 people gathered to praise You.” I was not the only one who had to wipe their eyes.  

 Pastor Tim shared that he had wanted to merge with Closer Walk two and a half years ago but looking back he knew it was not time.  Now is the time - Kairos.  Esther 4: 14, “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”  He shared our mission statement, “Make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”  Our vision, “connecting hearts to Christ and one another.  And our values, “Excellence in worship, engaging spiritual formation, extra-mile caring and expressive faith sharing.”  We must never leave like we came to church.  1 Thessalonians 3:12, “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you”.  We should never be so busy that we don’t care for someone.  We must share the Gospel.  1 Peter 3: 15, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”  

 We were challenged to invite people to church. God has told us that His Word will not return void. 

 Matthew 28: 18-19, “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…’” We have all been commissioned!  

 As a church family, we celebrated Holy Communion, shared a meal together and had wonderful fellowship.  I believe this was God’s time to come together!  Welcome to the family, Closer Walk!