The title of this post is the titled written at the top of the sermon I shared with the Kirtland Community of Christ Congregation this past Sunday (31-Jan-2010). A string of words found nowhere else within the document, and which none saw or heard but myself. I know this title changed a bit at the sermon was written, and not sure at what point I went, yes that’ll do. But it does give a glimpse of what was upon my heart and soul as I was reflecting upon the scripture lesson of Jeremiah 1:4-10, the Sunday Theme of “God Provides Strength and Understanding” and what I felt led to share with the people. It was also my first sermon as co-pastor.
For this sermon, I went primarily from the written manuscript as I shared the words with the congregation. It was perhaps one of the longest sermons I have given clocking in at just over 27 minutes. After the service, the usually and customary things took place, you know people going by and saying things to the preacher. However I noticed a few things different this time… One is I feel like I received more hugs from people than I have in a long time. This probably has nothing to do with the sermon but still, it is worth noting. Then there were things people said. Comments from two people have entered into my thoughts over the past few days. The first was something along the lines of “My mind normally wonders during sermons, but you kept me and I stayed with you… you made me think about my calling” (this is a gross miss representation of the many words this individual said in conversation with me, however it hits the points that stuck with me). The other was along the lines of “You sounded more confident… last time you spoke I felt you were holding back”
The first comment I think meant a lot to me, I wasn’t so sure about the sermon. But if at least one person was able to be captured by the words, caused to reflect and hopefully to continue to as the days go forth, then I know it was a good sermon, at least for that one individual. Perhaps not for all, but at least for one. It also goes to show that a longer can work, though don’t expect me to anytime soon go to the 3 to 4 hour long sermons of old.
The second causes me to wonder as well. Is it true I was more confident, did I hold back before? Is it that my last sermon with this congregation was from notes alone and I do not believe ever made it to manuscript form? Were there environmental factors that impacted what I shared then and what I shared today? Or was it just the impact the message had on this person… or something else, I just don’t know, but it does make me wonder.
Well there was a third comment that should come up as well, someone asked me “where I was” for I mentioned some memories of my time in the DR Congo but forgot to mention that is where I was, I realized it as I spoke, but at the time I did it was a bit awkward to slip it in so I just kept going… and well I was caught on it.
If anyone is interested in providing any constructive comments about the sermon I would more than willing to read them, hear them… so here is the audio of it:
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Peace be with you,
— Lyle II