What a Blessing! This was by far the best Sunday I have had in a long time. I woke up excited to go and arrived early (not typical for me). I came prayed up and praised up and came expecting and brought church with me to our local assembly. I should never expect to “go to church as if it were a building” (not God’s idea at all). The Spirit of our fully-alive God was present in many ways. We had the relaxed beginning, knowing that is OK with God if I seem fallible, because I am. Perfection is His alone and thereby releases me from the obligation of it, though I am to strive to do everything as unto Him. His Spirit just electrified the air through the praise reports, concerns, prayers, testimonies and Faith Report concerning our finances. If we were to perceive “in the Spirit” the wondrous colors and smells our vocal praises sent to the Father of us all, and only to glorify Him, not exalt our efforts, we would do this all the time. And then to put a wrap on it by fellowshipping as a family, not hurrying to gulp down the needed provisions for energy to move on to the next activity, but gracefully and easily enjoying God’s plenteous bounty lovingly prepared by so many hands and presented so nicely by the Open Door Class, while we broke bread with friends as family eager to draw a long drink from the cup of fellowship, as each individual chose to do. I can just imagine God tapping Michael on the shoulder and saying, “See! I told you! They awaken. (giggle) This is exciting!”

I should not be thrown by the Spirit that was so obvious this Sunday for all who were ready to perceive and receive. He has been here all along. We bring Him with us each time we assemble at the coffee shop, in family gatherings, at our club and organization meetings, in our business places, in our school rooms, in our quiet and personal prayer closet. I bring Him not in some preachy sort of way, but by the way I carry myself through my day by being receptive to the urging of the Holy Spirit to be proactive to meet the need of someone else around me since, after all, God is the Source of all that is entrusted to me and He has no end of supply. What I have is not just for me and mine, but entrusted to me to be His hands to others. Let us go tell others what is happening in our lives at FUMC-Kennett and show it as we are alive through Him.

I know some will say that I am being overly emotional about all of this and that is OK, but I would invite you to consider the Methodist church from its beginnings and how they were emotional and filled with the Spirit and the like. They worshipped God will their all. I believe God has shown me the key to what happened this Sunday is exactly what I said. I came prayed up, expectant and full of praise and acknowledging that I was not self-sufficient and had need of Him and He met me at my point of need. It is about Him. I have my part to do to prepare the bride (me). But it is for and about Him. Just a little effort on my part, but oh what a blessing from Him.

Ain’t God Good! May He continue to grace us with His mercy as we learn more of Him. To God be the glory!

Blessings,

Barney Greenway

1/30/06

Good morning. I just had to write to tell you how much I enjoyed yesterday's
service. I grew up in a tiny (30 on a good day) Methodist church in the sticks of
Piggott, AR where most of us were family and the ones who weren't related were
loved like family. Yesterday's service was the closest I have ever felt to "home" and what being a "Methodist" has always meant to me. We were in Piggott on Christmas so we missed the first Singspiration. I will not miss another one! We
appreciate all you do for FUMC in Kennett.

Raye Lynn Haywood

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January 30, 2006

Gary:

Your 5th Sunday celebration turned out great! I could sense your energy and enthusiasm that caught on to the entire congregation. An new happening! I was listening on the radio - surprised that it was on.

B. J. Robison