A threatened overnight snow storm did not materialize, allow many members and guests to gather at Vine Street Baptist Church for worship and study.
The service started when Deacon Joe Gross began reading Psalm 33 and saying an opening prayer. Dr. Johann Kim, Minister of Praise and Worship, spoke of the passage’s powerful urging the listener to praise the Lord and encouraged the congregation to sing a number of hymns right out of the Baptist Hymnal.
- Crown Him with Many Crowns
- All Praise to Thee
- Jesus, Lover of My Soul
- O Zion, Haste
With the large number of visitors, the welcoming fellowship time was full of handshakes, hugs and introductions. Pastor Ben Dockery called everyone together and went over some of the activities and announcements of the church.
- Jeff Street Mission expresses their thanks for opening the building to Great Lakes Christian College
- Shape Note Singing this afternoon in the Fellowship Hall
- Dr. Kim will present his Vision 60/2020 tonight in the evening service
- Two church members will participate in the New Praise Youth Festival on March 31
- Introduction of today’s guest preacher.
- Health concerns of church members
After a time of pastoral prayer, Brenda Waters read Luke 8:4-21, then the gathered sang “Come, All Christians, Be Committed.” While the offering was collected, pianist Mia Kim played Meditation on the Cross, a song arranged by Ramona Hallman. Just before the sermon started, the choir sang “In God We Trust, written by Robert C. Clatterbuck, an anthem from the Glory Songs collection.
To conclude the Great Aspects of the Church sermon series, a guest preacher brought a message from the Bible. Picking up where Pastor Ben left off last week, the speaker told his first-hand accounts of going out and making disciples. Because the guest preacher serves in a protected country, we are unable to disclose his name or post the sermon audio. (Please feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions or concerns.)
After the message concluded, the congregation sang “Go Forth and Tell! O Church of God.” Pastor Ben closed the service by recapping the series and reading the last stanza of the response hymn for the benediction. Before dismissing, everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to Mrs. Edna Terrell, who was celebrating her 93rd birthday today. Mrs. Terrell was accompanied to church today by several members of her family.