Father's Day
I love Father's Day -- although I miss Dad quite a lot. It's easier now, that 16 years have passed. He died on the Thursday before Father's Day in 1991. All through the week, I've been thinking of him, and thankful for his godly example.
Yesterday was great. We had beautiful church services. Andy, a young dad in our congregation, tearfully shared about his recent journey to faith from a latent, non-verbalized agnosticism. Some very difficult experiences in his life left him doubting the existence of a loving heavenly Father. However, through attending Alpha at our church, significant spiritual conversations, and his faithful "Band of Brothers" Andy's faith has bloomed like a beautiful flower.
"I still have some questions," he admitted, "but my fear is gone. Now, when I pray with my children, I really mean it." Everybody choked back tears, and at one of the services he (or, I should say HE -- meaning God) received a heartfelt standing ovation.
Then, the four Heyworth children surprised their dad and sang a special Father's Day song just for him. We made him sit in the front row. It was absolutely precious. We all wiped tears again.
I preached on living as "Sons of the Second Adam" using the last verse of the Old Testament as my springboard and I Corinthians 13:7 as my text: . . . Always Protects, Always Trusts, Always Hopes, Always Perseveres."
We closed the service by having all the dads and grandpas stand, and then we prayed a blessing over them.
After church, one dear lady came up to me and said, "If you guys don't quit ruining my mascara, I might just have to go back to the boring church.
We also had several reqests for Kleenex in the pews.
In the aftenoon, my family grilled brats (with strawberry shortcake for dessert), went fishing (caught ten between us), played a game, and watched Perry Mason.
Adam called from Iowa, and Ryan phoned in from Texas. Cathy called her dad in Illinois, and I called Mom in Ohio. Thank God for Alexander Graham Bell.
I'm a Happy Pappy.
Yesterday was great. We had beautiful church services. Andy, a young dad in our congregation, tearfully shared about his recent journey to faith from a latent, non-verbalized agnosticism. Some very difficult experiences in his life left him doubting the existence of a loving heavenly Father. However, through attending Alpha at our church, significant spiritual conversations, and his faithful "Band of Brothers" Andy's faith has bloomed like a beautiful flower.
"I still have some questions," he admitted, "but my fear is gone. Now, when I pray with my children, I really mean it." Everybody choked back tears, and at one of the services he (or, I should say HE -- meaning God) received a heartfelt standing ovation.
Then, the four Heyworth children surprised their dad and sang a special Father's Day song just for him. We made him sit in the front row. It was absolutely precious. We all wiped tears again.
I preached on living as "Sons of the Second Adam" using the last verse of the Old Testament as my springboard and I Corinthians 13:7 as my text: . . . Always Protects, Always Trusts, Always Hopes, Always Perseveres."
We closed the service by having all the dads and grandpas stand, and then we prayed a blessing over them.
After church, one dear lady came up to me and said, "If you guys don't quit ruining my mascara, I might just have to go back to the boring church.
We also had several reqests for Kleenex in the pews.
In the aftenoon, my family grilled brats (with strawberry shortcake for dessert), went fishing (caught ten between us), played a game, and watched Perry Mason.
Adam called from Iowa, and Ryan phoned in from Texas. Cathy called her dad in Illinois, and I called Mom in Ohio. Thank God for Alexander Graham Bell.
I'm a Happy Pappy.
I was at the boring church and now I wish I could have been at yours.
ReplyDeleteGreat services yesterday Pastor Mark. We were really blessed.
ReplyDelete