I received a tradition from the Lord, which I also handed on to you: on the night on which he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread. After giving thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this to remember me.” He did the same thing with the cup, after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Every time you drink it, do this to remember me.” – 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
This is the invitation. This our privilege. Breaking bread not only with one another but with Jesus himself.
Communion. The Lord’s Supper. Today. At Wake Forest Presbyterian Church. At a church near you. Don’t miss the invitation.
Peace, love, promise, and blessings – DEREK
But the signal moment of the day, for me, came late in the afternoon. Rebekah had just returned from officer training (she runs an eight-week class for incoming elders and deacons), and she was excited to share about the experience. Then Jesse asked her about something she’d said in her sermon that made him think (in a good way) and the two siblings fell into an animated, enthusiastic, “we-share-this-vision” conversation about the scriptures.
both still owning every bit of the enthusiasm they started out with years ago in seminary – only now more so…
First, Sunday afternoon – and this is the featured photo in today’s post – Rebekah and I drove to Henderson for the ordination and installation of the new pastor at First Presbyterian Church.
Then, earlier in the day, worship filled the space at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church. It was a good morning, and Rebekah preached both services with her signature “hold nothing back” passion.
Five years in and I’m still blown away by the excitement generated around here in response to “Promotion Sunday,” kicking off the fall “education and discipleship” schedule.
This year the youth introduced their adult leaders by giving them appropriately corny “Wrestler Names.” And the adults cooperated by showing up in capes and masks, strutting around, making faces, talking trash, showing the kind of enthusiasm, love, and commitment the gospel always brings out when we let Jesus be our guide.
The other thing that’s important is the fact Rebekah I were in worship. Believe it or not, we actually heard someone say, “But Rebekah’s a preacher, and she’s on leave, why on earth are you in church?” Hello! We’re talking about worship, we’re talking about God here! I don’t care if you’re a teenager in school, a business-owner, retired, a stay at home parent, or the pastor of a large congregation, the choice to spend an hour or so in church on a Sunday morning is a simple decision with deep implications.
A few days ago I sent an email to a friend in another state who has stopped going to church. Instead, he and his wife watch televangelists on TV.
Preaching is a tough gig. Bringing God’s word to a congregation is challenging at the best of times. Then, when the occasion calls for a prophetic voice, the responsibility and the implications ratchet up an extra notch – or three – or more.
The church – and in my case that happens to be 
As a matter of preference, I’d rather be known as a wordsmith. As a matter of practicality, however, a lot of people click on this site to see my photographs. It’s okay: because either way I have this opportunity to share some good news and to encourage readers along the road as you all – as we all – do y/our best to live as beings of light in a sometimes dark world.
If you want to see all 170 pictures you’ll have to go to the Presbytery of New Hope website, or scroll through the gallery on their Facebook page. But I will share a representative few here.
I think I’ll highlight that list:
This is good stuff! This is what I’m talking about when I say life is rich, and good, and a gift I’m constantly grateful for. Friday evening I sat at the dining room table, across from Rebekah, and we talked about faith, and 
“We saw it, we heard it, and now we’re telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. Our motive for writing is simply this: We want you to enjoy this, too. Your joy will double our joy!”