Kivette Sinclair-Hamilton
Barry Bonner, pastor, and the members of First Church in Loxahatchee Groves, Fla., became the sermon when they made their way to Currie Park in West Palm Beach, Fla., on February 2, 2019, for a community service outreach project — “A Sabbath Without Walls!”
Bonner and his congregation opted to forgo the traditional church worship service. Instead, they gathered in Currie Park and sought to be obedient to the Word expressed in Mark 16:15, to “…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
To facilitate those members who were unable to travel to Currie Park, Bonner hosted a condensed sermonette via the church’s prayer conference line; no one was left out. The sermonette lifted the spirit of all members and set the stage for “A Sabbath Without Walls.”
At Currie Park, the members were able to fellowship with the community and, in particular, the homeless. The Holy Spirit was in this place, as members of the community were fed with both physical and spiritual food.
Community folks were provided clothing as well as personal hygiene items donated through the Loxahatchee Community Services Ministry. In addition, the community was blessed with warm meals prepared by the church members. The Sabbath was indeed a blessing to all in attendance. Individuals requested and received prayers, and the church was even more blessed when a community member (despite her situation of being homeless) decided to praise the Lord in song. Oh, what a marvelous experience it was for all as they were reminded of the Scripture that says, “I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being,” Psalm 104:33.
The members praise the Lord for providing the opportunity and experience of “A Sabbath Without Walls.” It is their hope that they will have many more opportunities and experiences to go out into the community, and to minister to God’s people.
Southeastern | June 2019
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