In the beginning was the Word
    and the Word was with God
    and the Word was God.
 The Word was with God in the beginning.
 Everything came into being through the Word,
    and without the Word
    nothing came into being.
What came into being
     through the Word was life,
    and the life was the light for all people.
 The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light.

John 1:1-5

The ongoing “Rebekah and Derek go to Church” series took off in a new way this past weekend, as we got up extra early and headed over to First Presbyterian Church in Wilson for the “Early Light” service at 8:45. It may have been the coldest Mother’s Day in memory, but the spirit of welcome and fellowship at the church was warm in every way.

Rebekah was her relaxed, animated, engaging self; singing was led by Wilson’s remarkably gifted and versatile director of music, Robert Morehead; and I felt very much at home in the authentic atmosphere of worship. I counted 40 people in the wide circle of prayer we formed at the conclusion.

Traditional worship in the sanctuary was more formal, but we were greeted with the same friendliness and receptivity. Robert coaxed life and beauty from the pipe organ, and Rebekah’s message was received enthusiastically.

Rebekah is beginning her ministry in Wilson with a series of messages on The Great Ends of the Church, and this first week featured, “The Proclamation of the Gospel for the Salvation of Humankind.” Essentially, she explored the following questions:

• “Why does The Church exist?”
• “What is the purpose of this congregation in this time and place?”
• “Why are you/we even here this morning?”

Stay tuned, to see what transpires over the next few weeks. Rebekah and I are excited to be in a position to encourage this part of the Body of Christ over the summer months.

There is so much to be done in terms of being light to a confused and broken world. If the church was ever in the right place at the right time (and I mean any church and every church), then that time is now.

Peace, mercy, grace, light, hope, and promise – DEREK