Rob and I decided to go to a church that was steeped in civil rights history. Farish Street was once a thriving black area. Today it is riddled with boarded up stores, houses falling down, and drugs and prostitutes on the corners.
Do we have the bravery to walk there on Sunday morning not knowing what we would encounter? Are we as brave as our black counterparts who demanded civil rights knowing that they might be hurt? After much discussion and prayer, we walked out the door of our hotel, which by the way had gated parking, to the Farish Street Baptist Church.
Our prayers were answered. The church was very friendly, modern, and welcoming. The music was EXCELLENT. Hymns were sung with an upbeat tempo: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. We felt right at home.
The soloist was Katie Graham from Atlanta. Her rendition of Elijah Rock could pass for a Patti LaBelle concert selection.
Acts 1:1-5: The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had given orders by the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen. To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of things regarding the kingdom of God. Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Confession
Leader: When a tattered stranger is wounded, and those around us tend the better-dressed:
Men: Shall we be Law, an impatient toe tapping upon the floor?
Women: Or shall we be Love, an able hand probing for a human pulse?
Leader: When a fragile spirit is shattered, and those around us will not pick up the pieces:
Men: Shall we be Destruction, another empty bottle smashing against the wall?
Women: Or shall we be Creation, old glass fragments being melted into
something new?
Leader: When the defenseless earth is poisoned, and those around us hide from the hideous places:
Men: Shall we be Silence, an unseen snake hissing before its strike?
Women: Or shall we be Sound, a thunderstorm drenching a thirsty forest?
Leader: O Lord, whether body, spirit, or world requires healing, let us not withhold it. If the choice be ours, let love triumph over law.
All: If the choice be ours, let creation overcome destruction.
Leader: If the choice be ours, let sound resound through silence.
All: In the name of the tattered stranger, the fragile spirit and the defenseless earth, we pray.
OFFERTORY
A woman held out a basket in front of the pulpit and everyone went up to the front to give their tithes and offerings while upbeat music played.
SERMON
Togetherness in Jesus
What does it mean? It must be answered by Christians. Christians need to show the world what it means to be together in one place.
There is power in being together. Live, pray and worship together. Together in one mind and in one place. Commit all our being. Come prepared to head in the same direction. Believe in God and each other. Something happens when we are all together.
Wait for the promise of the Father.
If someone told you don’t leave, how long would you stay? Commitment is needed.
Go to 11:55-17:00 to hear an amazing rendition of Elijah Rock by Katie Graham.
20:25 Rob introduces us and said that we were traveling down the Natchez Trace. The pastor said that we must have a lot of time on our hands!!
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