The 2nd Worship Service at Mulberry Grove Senior Living Grows on Palm Sunday
The time of the worship service here is 3 p. m. on two Sundays a month. Pastor Wayne Butler and his wife, June, had everything in place. We were in place and ready to start. The residents started to stream down the halls to the dining hall where we currently are meeting.
June Butler greeted each lady who came for worship with a joyful smile and a cordial word "We are happy to see you." She gave each person a freshly cut Palm branch and a binder with the music and words of a number of hymns.
Our pianist, Irma Clifton was not present. I learned after the service she had pain in her right leg. When we announced we need a pianist, God gave us a miracle immediately. Sara Lynn Holbert who was visiting her sister-in-law a fellow resident spoke up and said she would play for us to sing. She sat on piano bench and Pastor Butler placed the hymnal on the rack with hymn we would sing, "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name." How beautiful were her fingers as they touched the ivory keys with trained accuracy.
What is amazing is that she knew our Stephanie when they sang on the worship team at Cornerstone Church of God in East Athens. I had met her there when Melvine and I would visit.
My role on Sunday was to conduct the liturgy of worship.
I began the service by sharing the latest news about Princess Kate whose medical team advised her to have female surgery. Upon examing the tissue it was discovered to be a cancer. She and Prince William have decided that Princess Kate will have chemotherapy. Kate wants to live and continue to be the mother of Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8; and Prince Louis, 6. and care for her family.
Then I led the congregation in praying for a miracle of healing for Princess Kate.
Later, I prayed for the healing of those who were present and those not present.
I read the call to worship recorded in John 12:13:
"They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting,
"Hosanna!"
"Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord!"
"Blessed is the King of Israel!"
NIV
I asked the congregation to take their palm branches and we waved them with joy and shouted the above Scripture.
Pastor Butler led us in the singing of two hymns. We sang the second one at the close of the service that fit appropriately in with the theme of the message he gave us.
Pastor Butler sang two solos with musical accompaniment:
"People Need the Lord" and "Rise Again," written by Dallas Holm.
People Need the Lord
Author: Steve Green
Everyday they pass me by
I can see it in their eyes
Empty people filled with care
Headed who knows where
On they go through private pain
Living fear to fear
Laughter hides their silent cries
Only Jesus hears
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
When will we realize people need the Lord?
We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong seems right
What could be too great a cost
For sharing life with one who's lost?
Through His love our hearts can feel
All the grief they bear
They must hear the words of life
Only we can share
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
When will we realize that we must give our lives?
For people need the Lord, people need the Lord
+++++
Rise Again
Author: Dallas Holm
Go ahead, drive the nails in my hands
Laugh at me where you stand
Go ahead, and say it isn't me
The day will come, when you will see!
'Cause I'll rise again
Ain't no power on earth can tie me down
Yes, I'll rise again
Death can't keep me in the ground!
Go ahead, and mock my name
My love for you is still the same
Go ahead, and bury me
But very soon I will be free!
'Cause I'll rise again
Ain't no power on earth can tie me down
Yes, I'll rise again
Death can't keep me in the ground!
Go ahead, and say I'm dead and gone
But you will see that you were wrong
Go ahead, try to hide the Son
But all will see that I'm the One!
'Cause I'll Come again
Ain't no power on earth can keep me back
Yes, I'll come again
Come to take my people back
Wayne has a clear, smooth, natural voice that captures your listening ear. As he sang I noticed two ladies mouthing the words of "Rise Again."
Wayne explains the Scripture by using stories to help his audence understand and remember the message given to him by God.
We had 18 people present for our second worship service with these precious people who need the Lord.
Thank you for praying for these worship services.