I like to visit other congregations and I do not have a lot of opportunities to do that. Recently, I mentioned that I am enjoying being able to listen to some sermons on my iPod. I call those my traveling preachers. Listening on an iPod is not the same as visiting though. This past Sunday, I was blessed to be able to attend Grace Crossing in Collierville, TN. It’s always neat to get some fresh ideas. Now, I would not consider a praise team a “fresh idea”, but we don’t have one and I did enjoy theirs. It was different for us, but different is not bad. The sermon was part of a series but I was not left feeling like I missed anything on the front end. The church honored their graduating seniors on Sunday morning and it was obvious that the youth minister loved those kids.
One of the things I learned this Sunday was that I should warmly greet visitors. I admit this is a challenge for me, but I have been convicted in my heart and I need to step out and do something that is outside of my comfort zone. The other thing that sticks out the most in my mind – **disclaimer: I like unique and simple ideas** – their prayer list was printed on a bookmark size part of their bulletin and it was perforated! (I know, it doesn’t take much does it?) I mean you can tear it off and put it in your Bible! I thought it was cool. I know I can stick my whole bulletin in my Bible or make a list myself – but I like those a-ha type ideas.
It’s good to go for a visit, but there’s no place like home and I love that South is my home. now if we could get that whole bookmark thing going ….
