i've been counting down since last Dec 26 ... are you ready? me neither!!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Sunday = church day

#8 Church ...
Dictionary.com
-noun
1. a building for public Christian worship.
2. public worship of God or a religious service in such a building: to attend church regularly.
...
6. a body of Christians worshipping in a particular building or constituting one congregation: She is a member of this church.
7. ecclesiastical organization, power, and affairs, as distinguished from the state: separation of church and state; The missionary went wherever the church sent him.
...
–verb (used with object)
15. to conduct or bring to church, esp. for special services.

BIBLE DICTIONARY
Church
From the Greek, Ecclesia, meaning “an assembly called together.” The church is the organized body of believers who have taken upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ by baptism and confirmation. To be the true church it must be the Lord’s church, and must have his laws, his name, and be governed by him through representatives whom he has appointed (3 Ne. 27: 1-12; D&C 115: 4). In this sense, the church began with the days of Adam, and has been on the earth among mankind whenever there were a group of believers who had the priesthood and revelations of heaven.

Yesterday we attended 2 baptisms ... our day began with an 8 yr. old that is in Elyssa's class and ended that evening with a 16 yr. old daughter of a wonderful woman that was recently baptized with her 2 older sons ... now everyone but dad are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As I look back on the day's events ... it was jam packed - we were non stop action until 8pm and even then we headed home for showers and preparation for Sunday ... but as I evaluate the day, I think the tone of the day was set by that baptism ... I was a little more patient, a little less stressed, a little more loving, and a little less frazzled. And the 16 yr. old's baptism was packed! (funny thing - there were lots of the same people there as were at the 8 yr. old's) It was the first time since my mission that I have had the opportunity to attend multiple baptisms in one day! The Spirit was there - I felt it, and I hope everyone did.

Church isn't just a place, or a group of people that worship the same God ... to me church is a family, a refuge, a home, 'base' if you will. Ammon and Easton have been playing tag a LOT lately and there's always 'base' ... if they are touching 'base' they are safe. The very same principle applies, when we are 'touching' or allowing the Spirit to touch us we are safe, the world can't get to us and we are able to be guided and feel the love from our Heavenly Father. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church - with the full truth - and it is led by His representatives, our bishop, whom He has appointed. I feel so blessed to be a part of this church. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

4 comments:

Julie Tegeder said...

amen

Chalonn said...

Very well said Emily! You are so awesome and I'm glad you were able to realize what an awesome day you had even when it's jam packed!

V and Co. said...

i'm so glad you were able to help kelly! can you give me an email letting me know what pattern you would like and what email to send it to? thank you much!

Colleen said...

We went to a baptism on Saturday too, and you are right. What a peace that brings. Great post!