Deacons' Sunday

Romans 12:2-13 "[2] Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. . . . [11] Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord."

On Sunday, 24 April 2005, the Deacons' conducted Worship Service focused upon the concept of service. To see more photos from the service, please click on slideshow.

Charlotte Patrick (above) delivered a sermon on "The Word, The Encounter, The Service." In it, Charlotte introduced us to the basic tenets of John Calvin's spirituality:

1. Knowledge and understanding of God, humanity, and creation through study of the Bible and other means;
2. Cultivation of personal experiences with God--personal encounters; and
3. Sharing our life in God through a life of service.

According to Calvin, believers need to balance all three elements of spirituality within their lives. If we do, we will find that our focus is less on this life, that we will love others and be hospitable, and that we will feel a need to share our gifts with others.

Observing that many of today's popular religious movements focus almost exclusively upon the individual transforming experience, Charlotte explained that Calvin cautioned against focusing solely on our personal encounters with God. Instead, we need to be transformed by our encounters with God into a life of service.

In his book Church: Why Bother?, Philip Yancy explains that we in the Church represent God on earth to others. We need, Charlotte said, to put the Word into action . . . for everyone.