Church holds ‘family reunion’
A church congregation is much like an extended family in many ways. So when a church comes together, it is somewhat of a family reunion. That’s what it felt like this past Sunday at St. James A.M.E. Church during their Family and Friends Day.
Every pew in the church was filled with family and friends of the congregation. All visitors on this special day were greeted with a warm welcome from the St. James members. St. James has been holding its annual Family and Friends Day for 25 years.
“It is a wonderful feeling to see all of these faces because it lets me know they are talking about St. James, they are proud of the ministry here and they want others to come and witness the movement of God in this place,” said St. James’ senior pastor, the Rev. Dr. Steven L. Lyons.
Before the sermon, Lyons gave a special presentation to those who helped coordinate the Family And Friends Day.
Dr. Lyons’ sermon, titled “How to Change God’s mind,” centered on people believing in the Lord even during the trying times in ones life.
“Despite what they see in difficult times, in times of struggle and times of going through, God will change His mind and bless by showing His love,” said Lyons of his message Sunday morning. “If we just believe in him and not receive a lot of what we hear and see just like a plate turning over and realize who we are and are humble, He will change his mind and bless us and take us to the place he would have us to be.”
To his surprise, Lyons and First Lady Nikki Lyons were presented with a special thank you from the congregation. It was obvious he was not expecting to receive anything but it was a touching moment to close the service.
“I have learned to expect the unexpected and I am always humbled by their love and encouragement,” he said of being honored by the church. “I was just inspired by it and did not expect it.”
