Waking Up to Church Memories (5:29 am. Sunday, 28th April, 2024)
Even though I set my alarm for 6:00 am on Sundays, I always find myself waking up before it rings. It’s funny, because I wouldn’t call myself a morning person, especially when it comes to early church services.
Morning services always take me back to my childhood. Every Sunday, my mom would wake us up at 5:00 am to get ready for church by 7:00 am.
Back then, I never understood the rush. In my mind, Jesus wouldn’t want us showing up grumpy and exhausted before His presence. It just didn’t make sense to me. Honestly, Sunday mornings weren’t exactly my favourite time, not until I got to know Jesus for myself.
The Beauty of Pre-service Moments (9:29 am. Sunday, 28th April, 2024)
There’s something special about arriving early for church. It’s 9:29 am, and the pre-service buzz fills the air. I love catching up with people before we dive into God’s word.
These morning conversations, hugs, encouragement and banters are a beautiful reminder of God’s love. Hearing how God works in others’ lives makes it so real. It’s like seeing glimpses of His intentional actions on a daily basis.
Making friends isn’t my strong suit, but these moments of bonding change that. These conversations remind me of the importance of connecting with fellow believers. It’s a chance to share and be encouraged by each other’s journeys with God.
The Power of Praise and Prayers (Sunday, April 28th, 2024 – 9:47 AM)
The second service is in full swing, and as always, I’m having a blast during praise and worship. It gets even better when the host shares praise reports and prayer requests.
Hearing how God has touched the lives of others within my church community is incredibly powerful. It’s a tangible reminder that He’s working in so many ways, big and small.
Suddenly, my faith doesn’t feel like a private belief. It becomes a shared experience. These testimonies ignite a spark within me, a realisation that I’m not alone in seeing God’s hand in our lives.
This isn’t just some abstract concept – it’s real, and it’s happening all around us. It’s a beautiful feeling, one that replaces any doubts with a deep sense of assurance.
A Heartfelt Moment of Recognition (10:10am. Sunday, 28th April, 2024)
Sycamore Church truly shines in its intentionality towards everyone in her community, regardless of their profession. Today was no different, with a special “Workers Honour Moment” that highlighted the importance of all workers.
This heartwarming event wasn’t just about recognition – it went a step further. Special “love notes” were given to those present. This heartfelt message contained prayers and confessions, reminding them of their value and offering spiritual support.
I can only imagine how many people felt a sense of being “seen” during this special moment. Being recognised for your hard work, no matter your profession, can be incredibly uplifting and motivating.
Reflections on Making Work Work Series (10:25am. Sunday, 28th April, 2024)
One of the highlights of my church service is hearing Pastor Tolu teach the Word. He has a remarkable ability to make the Bible relatable and applicable to my daily life. It truly feels as if Jesus was thinking of me when he came to Earth, and I pray that others experience that same connection.
This week, I eagerly awaited the continuation of the series titled “Making Work Work.” The sermon focused on the joy of seeing our efforts pay off and the frustration we experience when they don’t. Pastor Tolu then delved deeper, discussing how our work holds redemptive value when Jesus is involved in it.
This series serves as a powerful reminder that God cares deeply about my everyday life, including my professional pursuits. It also reminds me that I can transform even the most mundane tasks into meaningful contributions, aligning my efforts with God’s greater plan.
Letting Go With Joy (12:50pm. Sunday, 28th April, 2024)
The announcement for the New Members Open House event is displayed on the screen, and I do a double-take. I am genuinely shocked to see myself on the screen, considering I tend to keep a lower profile (at least, that’s what I think 🙂
The service ends on a particularly uplifting note with Martin Smith’s “Joy (what the world calls foolish).” This song lifts a weight off my shoulders. It reminds me to let go of worries and anxieties, to trust in God’s plan, and to find freedom by surrendering control.
As I jump along to the music, it strikes me that I’ve been holding on too tightly. There are only so many things I can truly control, and focusing on that just leads to frustration.
The sing out song reminds me that God is ultimately in charge, and that’s a liberating feeling. Little by little, I’m learning to let go and embrace the freedom that comes with trusting Him.
Written by Ese Ewaifoh
Edited by Osham Ndubisi
Osham volunteers with the Content Team
(Blogposts are creative expressions generously provided for Sycamore Church. The ideas and thoughts do not necessarily represent the position of Sycamore Church)
