Today’s Meditation;

Lost people are more amazed at our silence than offended at our message.

~Alvin Reid

Welcoming Guests and Announcements – Pastor Ross

Hymn Sing – Congregational Hymn Pick

Prayer Concerns – Pastor Ross

Backpack Blessing

Pastoral Prayer – Silent Prayer, Pastoral Prayer, Lord’s Prayer

Scripture Reading – 1 Peter 3:13-16 – Pastor Ross

Message – What Brought You Back?

Communion – Pastors Linda, Ross & Dave

Benediction – Pastor Dave

Welcome & Hospitality Homework for this week:

1. Pay attention to People who return. Call them by name
2. Introduce them to a Pastor. Bring them to us so we can meet them.
3. Invite them to after worship Party at Smoot Hall or to breakfast with you. Pour them some coffee or lemonade. Get to know them. Ask, “What brought you to church? Or What brought you back?” You could say, “When I came here the first time, it was because… “
4. Introduce them to 1 other Person.
5. Practice your homework AGAIN. Use the word church and say something positive about our church. I just love live music. We have these great concerts at our church.  I bought some great items last year at the church rummage sale. I got all my Christmas shopping done.  I’ll be little late getting to your house, I have to stop by my church for … (a meal… choir practice, volunteering to work with the homeless).

1 Peter 3:13-16 – New Revised Standard Version

¹³ Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good?

¹⁴ But even if you do suffer for doing what is right you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear and do not be intimidated,

¹⁵ but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you,

¹⁶ yet do it with gentleness and respect. Maintain a good conscience so that, when you are maligned those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame.

What brings us back to church? How to encourage & respond to people who return to church. Getting know newcomers, with winsome witness, sharing an authentic desire for deeper connection. When people return, they’re looking for something the church can provide. We want to help them find that gift of faith, hope and love.

We share hardy & resilient hope. IT is easy to place our hope in things fragile/can be taken from us: money; career; retirement/future. The hope God gives us fuels our hospitality. We want others to experience it. God does not want us to hide it. Our hospitality allows others to meet God.

Being hopeful about what God is doing and giving to us. Grateful for what God provides for us in our worship & in this church. We are showing and sharing our spiritual home. Our spiritual home at Lakeview provides what a house does: a place of refuge from the world; nurture- that prepares us grow up spiritually, take on world; family we can turn to when life is messy. Lakeview is a place that recharges our hope.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you…for the hope that you have. What is inside of us that others will see & want to know about? One answer is the hope God has given us. The hope that we are not alone in our troubles. The hope that God is greater than our difficulties. The hope that in Christ God is constantly working on our behalf.