Monday Morning Musing - 2024-04-29

Dear Lakewood Friends and Family,

Several places in the Gospels, we find that the common people were simply “astonished” or “awestruck” with Jesus — His authority and power were without rival.

I am often asked by family and friends questions like, “How’s it going up there?” or “Are you doing okay in Michigan?” I am naturally more of an optimist, so they are expecting a good report. However, when I begin to share all of the great things that God has been doing, they are astonished! Likewise, I am awestruck with what the Lord is doing among us!

We had another great Lord’s Day!

Congratulations to Veronica DePotty on her 50th Birthday!

Sunday morning was a great time of worship unto the Lord!

• Following a Call to Worship scripture, our Sunday School children shared about their offerings that have gone to put together 10 homeless kit bags (from over $330 collected). Then they sang a song about The Lord’s Prayer and led the congregation in The Lord’s Prayer as well. If you are interested in teaching in the future, please contact Sara Steed, Marin Thrun, Susy Flessner or me. We will also soon have opportunities for people to serve in children’s church ministry this fall.
• Landon Mendes and Sue Winkler (drafting me on one) led a couple of wonderful songs of worship and closed with Blessed Assurance.
• The Lord blessed our time of praise reports and prayer requests offered unto the Lord!
• Our attendance was 178! God is growing the church! That takes our average attendance in 2024 up to 150!
• Several more are watching our live stream each week and many others watch the service later via Facebook (click link to view).
• We really appreciate everyone who watches the service online! This is a great way to invite friends and family! Send them a link to a recent service so they can see what we are all about at Lakewood Church!

I was thrilled to continue GROW (God’s Right Of Way) Conversations with the church.

• Step #4 — We GROW by Nurturing the Sprouts!
• We looked at Three Major Influences of Early Growth:
  • Nature — Carnal Envy and Strife
    
  • Nurture — Tender Loving Care
  • Nutrition — Food and Fertilization
• We need a Continual Filling. When His Spirit is continually pouring in, there is a…
  • Fullness—we are filled to Full Capacity!
  • Freshness—we have a fresh, Dynamic Relationship!
  • Flowing—we have more than enough to bless Others’ Lives!
• We briefly touched on how we Nurture the Sprouts in our Spiritual Lives with the Proper Nutrition…
• We had a meeting after the service with those interested in Baptism on May 12. At last count, we are now at 12 to be baptized! That’s awesome!!
• To continue to GROW, we continue Shining the Light and

 
We continued Coffee Quest with GROW last night from 4:44 to 5:55!

• Jeff Booi did a find job of providing some prelude music in the coffeehouse atmosphere.
• The coffee baristas served delicious drinks and treats which set the tone. We so appreciate Veronica, Abrielle, and now Isabell Laberge!
• We went much deeper on how we Nurture the Sprouts in our Spiritual Lives with the Proper Nutrition…
  • Bible — Medication and Meditation (Jer. 33:6 & Psa. 119:11; 97)
  • Prayer — Ready and Steady (James 5:16 & 1 Thes. 5:17)
  • Music — Aspiring and Inspiring (Is. 51:11 & 55:12; Eph. 5:19)
  • Church — Preaching, Teaching, and Reaching (Acts 11:19-30)
  • Fellowship — Caring and Sharing (Prov. 27:17, Gal. 6:2, & Heb. 10:25)
• Anyone is welcome to attend anytime even if you have missed other sessions! We have a seat reserved for you!

Have a blessed week! If you have any questions, needs, or concerns, please reach out to me anytime!

Love In Jesus,
Pastor Tim Linick