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On Sundays, Sermons, and Service

I love Sundays.  I love the fact that I get to take a break from the million-and-one errands on my endless to-do list, and I love the fact that Sunday affords a routine of its own.  Church doesn't start until mid-morning, and now that the kids are old enough to self-sufficiently get ready, the mid-morning start time means a fairly relaxed start to the day.

Church itself is comfortably familiar with its various classes and meetings.  One thing that perhaps is different than other churches is that instead of a sermon delievered by a preacher, we have "talks" given by members of the congregation.  The assigned members are typically given a topic and a week or two to prepare.  Generally, one or two youth speakers each talk briefly, followed by two adult speakers who each take about 15-20 minutes.

The speakers today did a great job, and I would have said that even if my husband hadn't been one of the speakers.  One girl spoke about being honest and true to your standards, a woman warned of the danger of pride, and then John spoke about agency, the chance we have to choose our actions.  All in all, the meeting reminded me that showing love through service to others is really what living a Christ-like life is all about. 

Have you ever learned a new word, and then suddenly that new word seems to pop up in everything you read?  Well, sometimes service is the same way.  It's not a new concept, but when you are excited about service, opportunities seem to present themselves. 

This afternoon I learned about someone who could use some help.  I'm finding myself thinking of how I can best meet her needs.  I'm also inspired by friends, who, though they have busy lives of their own, are reaching out to organize some relief for this woman. 

So, today I am thankful for Sundays, sermons, and service.  And, to keep with the alliterative theme, I'll add in a scripture:  "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17)

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