The sanctuary quickly filled on Sunday evening, May 29, as everyone has been looking forward to participating in the first ordinance service in two years.

The meeting began with a beautiful duet of “The Cross Medley” played by pianist Janice Calhoun and harpist Cheryl Paulsen. Then the choir sang “I Plead the Blood.” Before the message on the Lord’s Supper, Gary Wolfe sang “This Love Is Mine, I Cannot Comprehend It.” Then Wayne Butler read 1 Corinthians 11:23-30 and highlighted three instructions given by the Apostle Paul that believers should follow concerning the Lord’s Supper. The first is to examine their hearts, knowing that if there is a concern, they are only one prayer away from remedying the situation. The second and third are to partake of the symbols of Christ’s Body and Blood, and to do so in remembrance of His sacrifice for mankind. Following the message, everyone went to prayer as the ministers prayed over the emblems and distributed them.

The second half of the service began with the congregational song “Nothing but the Blood.” Then Tony Boyce read for his text John 13:1-17, which tells of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. Focusing on verse 17, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them,” he asked, “Do you want to be blessed?” He said people do not need to understand everything about this ordinance or any other part of the Bible to receive God’s blessing. When people are obedient to God’s Word, He will bless, and many times the understanding comes later. Following this, the men went to the activity room and the women went to the chapel to wash each other’s feet. It was a wonderful time of fellowship.  

To close out the evening, everyone sang “Amazing Grace” before Larry Montgomery led in prayer. The congregation went away happy and blessed, just as the Bible said would happen.