Some people brought children to Jesus so that he would place his hands on them and pray. But the disciples scolded them. “Allow the children to come to me,” Jesus said. “Don’t forbid them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like these children.” – Matthew 19:13-14

Sunday morning I woke up, walked Max, poured a cup of coffee, went out on the deck, breathed in the fresh Carolina air, thanked God for the day, and knew immediately it was going to be a good one.

First off, church – of course. We love, love, love our faith community here in Wake Forest and it is always a joy to be together with these amazing people.

What made this day extra special was one of Rebekah’s favorite preacher-opportunities, and that is to place God’s word into the hands of children. The latest “prep-for-worship” class (3rd-Grade) had finished up their work and the children all showed up – not only to receive their own Bible but to experience Pastor Rebekah sharing a few personal words of encouragement and promise.

It was also wonderful to see the trickle of people coming back to in-person worship click up another notch, filling both the CLC and the sanctuary with so much love.

Pastor John shared an excellent message on “The Valley of Dry Bones” and Jimmy made me cry with his moving rendition of Fairest Lord Jesus. Everything about being together was, in a word, beautiful.

But I will let the photographs tell the story. Here is worship, June 13 2021, in pictures.

Enjoy, and let your heart fill to overflowing with gratitude – DEREK