Neely's Chapel was our choice on this beautiful Sunday morning. I met Pastor Lamar McGriff a few weeks ago when he decided to have a church outing at Camp MACOBA. As a matter of fact, his memory seems to recall that he was the first one to bring a group up to the camp somewhere around 43 years ago. What makes the number 43 stick out is that is how long he has been married and he believes the trip occured shortly after that time.
We showed up at the church a little early as it was not as far from our place as I thought. Pastor Lamar was there and greeted us with open arms. He tells me that years ago the church used to be located where Patterson Road Baptist is today (off Oscar Patterson) and they moved because of constant flooding since the church sat right by the creek.
This morning everyone started off in the sanctuary for general assembly time, where Brother Rayford led everyone in a song, we read a passage from 1 Peter 3, and then prayed together. We were then dismissed and everyone went to their Sunday School Classes. Denise and I decided to stay in the sanctuary where the adults our age seemed to be. The song leader, Brother Rayford, taught the class from Acts 13:13-42 and did a very good job. He asked how many had brought their Bibles and how many had read Scripture during the week. I remember when all churches used to track things like this in Sunday School.
Once the class was over we remained where we were and probably spoke to and shook hands with most everyone in the church. Brother Lamar had told me earlier that we just might be the first from the MBA to visit the church and asked if I would speak a few minutes telling about what I do and about the Camp. I did and hope everyone is a little more informed now. Once the choir was through leading us in worship, the song leader asked if there was anyone else who wanted to sing this morning. A couple relatively new to the church got up and the gentleman sang while his wife played the piano. They both did a very good job.
Brother Lamar brought a great message from the Book of John, chapter seven about the power of words; God's Word, specifically. It really reminded me of some things. He told Denise as we were leaving, that he'd had spent the week preparing a different sermon, but that on Saturday, the Lord spoke to his heart and gave him a different word, so to speak. It was definitely a God-breathed message.
I saw this framed on the wall in the corner and found it very interesting.
Next to it was probably an antique and something my kids' generation have never seen . . . it's even been awhile for me.
I heard someone make a comment about there never being a problem in the church there. We had a great morning of fellowship and worship and look forward to returning again in the future.
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