April 5, 2023
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” ~ Philippians 1:6
Second chances. By grace, they’ve been given since the beginning of time. Adam and Eve, King David, and St. Peter were recipients of multiple chances. And last Sunday, during Palm Sunday, it happened to a member of our Jr. Choir who got mixed up during her solo as a part of the anthem and dissolved into tears. I think everyone present held their breath in solidarity with her, not able to do anything to help.
Immediately following the anthem one of our adult members read the morning scripture, and then mistakenly began to read something that had already been read. She caught her error, said something along the line of “oops” and returned to her seat. Her “oops” relieved some of the tension. I was relieved that the young girl wasn’t the only one who got something wrong! I’d already messed up a couple of times myself and made a passing comment of thanks that I’m not the only one as I began the sermon.
We were almost at the end of the worship service, during the time when people are invited to give a thank offering. The Jr. Choir director stood up and said, “We all deserve a second chance. So, I’m going to ask the Jr. Choir to sing the anthem again.” The children lined up, and when it was time for the solo, the soloist opened her mouth and out came the pure, joyful, beautiful notes and words of her solo. Tears were flowing from many people’s eyes as they gave a spontaneous round of applause.
In a worship service full of moments of grace, grace was poured out in one of the finest moments I’ve ever experienced in worship. Grace, not just talked about, but acted upon. It was a moment of heaven, right here and now. Better than any sermon I will ever preach.
This is the good news of Jesus. This is the way we are to live. ~ Anne
Wayfinding 