Sundays are when we come to church as individuals to be together as a family. I’ve never known life without church. My grandparents raised their children to attend church every Sunday. And then my parents did the same with my sister and me. Jay and I have continued to make Sunday church attendance an important, vital rhythm for our family as we raised our daughters. Being together at church brings a sense of stability and belonging. It sets a weekly rhythm, adds strength to our souls, and breathes life back into our bones. All of that is good, but honestly, those are added benefits from the first purpose of attending church. The first tabernacle was designed for one purpose, to worship the One True God. We are reminded over and over to first, Worship God.

Attending church on Sunday and worshiping our Holy God can be two very different things. This past Sunday, for me, was full of caring for families as they gathered for a particular purpose of Dedication. They came to church to Dedicate themselves and their children to Follow Jesus. I came to be with young families. Being present at church is my rhythm of life. I have found my place at this church. I am continually encouraged and blessed by this church family. However, when I sat in the pew Sunday morning I can honestly say, I really wasn’t there to worship. Would you like to know what happened as I sat in that pew? My spirit began to quiet, my soul began to settle, and my heart began to feel glad. I was able to soak in the beauty of the music. I enjoyed the sights and sounds of praise. Thanksgiving began to bubble up from inside of me. From that place of silence and reflection, I began to worship, thanking God for His abundance.

I thank my God for the gift of life. For the blessings of young children who will have the opportunity to know and learn about God’s love for them. I thank God for a church family who understands the importance of providing a safe place for children and encouragement for their parents. I thank God for talented people who share their musical gifts that lead us to a place of worship. I praise Him for the many generations who have gone before us to gather for worship so that the next generation will know to first, Worship God.

“Shout with joy before the Lord, O earth! Obey him gladly; come before him, singing with joy. Try to realize what this means—the Lord is God! He made us—we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Go through his open gates with great thanksgiving; enter his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. For the Lord is always good. He is always loving and kind, and his faithfulness goes on and on to each succeeding generation.” Psalm 100

P.S. We are thankful for young families and want to celebrate this fall season with your preschooler. Join us at Veteran’s Park, Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 6:00 for our Preschool Park Parade.

Here are some photos from dedication!