Upon Further Review...

Was sitting here on a Monday thinking about yesterday's services at New Hope. Had just read a guy on the Pastors.com forum questioning on the basis of one Sunday morning's visit and a perusal of the church's bulletin, whether that church should have received the "Healthy Church Award" given by Rick Warren's group. So I wondered, what would he have seen at New Hope?

There was a young man visiting Sunday School classes, telling us about Matt Kenseth's oil leak problems in the race this weekend.

There was a young woman in 2/3 of a red dress.

There was one baby who cried during the service, another young one who vomited during lunch.

Then that night, the pastor led the music, having only the need to help, not the skills.

A healthy church?

Well, that young man updating the Nascar news is Allen, who is mentally challenged. He calls New Hope his church, calls our RA leader his grandpa, and gathers groups of us to sing "Oh How He Loves Me".

The young woman... what was thrilling about her visit wasn't the dress, it was that she was in church and was welcome. Her choice of clothing was the best she had.

The babies - one was accompanied by her unwed mother, who could have felt she wouldn't have been welcomed back into our hearts. The other was the son of our departing worship leader, and after a message on servanthood, I got to clean up vomit. (Just call it an extended sermon) :)

The evening music. Yes, it could have been better. No argument there. But we'll see what God has for us.

So had someone come to New Hope looking for perfection, I'm afraid we would have been sorely lacking. But if they were looking for God - He was there!

Grace!

David