Sunday October 21, 2007

 

 

Serving Compassionately

 

Monday, a week ago, Pastors Rick and Carl of Cross Roads Brethren in Christ Church, visited TFC’s International Office.  Within hours Pastor Rick called the office to see if the promotional chapel was available for today’s worship service  – “Serving Compassionately.” 

We and Bunny (Director of Chaplains) and Peg O’Hare just “happened” to have an open Sunday!  Bunny and Peg are members of this church.

 

Cerwin and I arrived early this morning to set up for the first service.

 

As I sat in the truck, waiting for Cerwin to see if we were in the correct parking space, I was facing the cemetery.  All of I sudden I remembered the last time I attended this church.  It was the funeral of my great-grandfather, Samuel Rosenberger – forty-eight years ago.

 

I was pleased to quickly locate his and great-grandma’s headstone.

 

By the time I got back to the chapel, Cerwin and Pastor Rick were setting up the steps, and I was able to go inside and prepare for visitors by removing bungie cords from drawers and cupboards (to keep them shut during travel) and placing literature on counter tops.

 

Then it was time for first service, where the audience saw a five-minute TFC video, then heard a dialogue by Bunny O’Hare and Pastor Rick.

 

The service was closed in a very unique way, when the pastor invited everyone to go outside for the closing hymn and benediction.

 

 

 

Pastor Rick (right) and most of the members came inside to see the chapel.  I told Cerwin I lost track of how many times I heard the word, “Wow” when people came inside.

 

During Sunday School, teachers brought the younger children to the chapel.  In this photo Cerwin is telling them why we place chapels in truck stops. 

 

Second service was a repeat of the first – except a few more people.

 

Pastor Rick used the steps as a platform.

 

It was a fabulous experience for us.  We met people we hadn’t seen for many years.

 

Peg and Bunny took us to Gus’s Keystone Family Restaurant for lunch.  We are grateful to serve the Lord in the same ministry as these two special friends.