20 Dec, 2009
When Snow Keeps the Church from Meeting
Posted by: Bob Kauflin In: —Other Holidays|—Worship and the Church
The blizzard of 2009 prevented our church from meeting this morning. We ended up having a few families from our neighborhood over for a time of singing and prayer, thanking God for all his gifts, especially sending his Son to redeem us. After that we chowed down on eggs and french toast.
I appreciated what Josh Harris, our senior pastor, sent out to the church via email, and also posted on the church blog. It’s an example of grace-filled leadership that builds the church together, roots us in the gospel, and encourages grateful serving, even when we can’t meet. Which, come to think of it, is the way we should always be thinking.
Well, I’m bummed that we can’t gather together tomorrow to worship as a church. I worked on my sermon all day today and was looking forward to wrapping up our Bookends Series. But God had other plans! This snowstorm is a great reminder that God is sovereign over weather patterns, and his plans are better than ours.
Though we can’t gather together as a church, I want to encourage you to set aside time as a single, singles household or family to worship and read God’s word. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Take a moment to pray together for our nation, our local community and for our church. A morning like this that we can’t gather is a good reminder of what a blessing it is to be a church family. Pray for others you know in the church that God brings to mind.
2. If someone in your house is musical sing a song or two of worship. If not, consider singing along to a worship CD.
3. Download and listen to a recent sermon (especially one that you missed.)
4. Listen to one of our past sermons on the incarnation from our sermon archive.
5. In place of a sermon, read the account of Christ’s birth in Luke 1 & 2 (if you have young children, a selection from a children’s Bible works great, too.)
Remember, none of this has to be fancy. And it’s okay if you’re still in your pajamas. But it will be well worth your time to focus your attention on our great God and give thanks to him in song and prayer.
The Harris family will be thanking God for you and praying for you tomorrow as we worship in our home. Stay safe and warm, and have a wonderful Lord’s day.
P.S. One more thought: This snowstorm presents a unique opportunity to reach out to and serve your neighbors. Ask the Lord how you can express care and develop relationships by offering help with snow removal. Children, teens, singles: this is a great way to honor the Savior by spending yourselves on behalf of others. Families: Maybe you can put the whole crew into action!
