Pastor Cheryl Lavornia
Worship Style - Contemporary
The senior pastor at this church is a gentleman named, Lyle Mook. Our daughter had him as a professor of Biblical thought at the University of Rhode Island, so we took this opportunity to visit this church. Unfortunately, he was not speaking this particular Sunday. We, however, had a great worship experience lead by Pastor Lavornia.
We were directed to the coffee shop as we entered the church as the previous service was still in progress. We had a warm chat with the Neil Botts, the Executive Pastor. He was very interested in our pilgrimage, and we had a great time sharing stories of the many places we have visited.
The church was in the middle of a series entitled, "Prayer! Does it make a difference?" Pastor Lavornia took us through Daniel 9. She suggested that Daniel prayed with great passion. She indicated that we must pray as Jesus, not just His words but His character. She said that Daniel prayed from his gut. When we truly feel someone's suffering and passionately reach out to God, God desires to heal and make us whole. We must suffer with and suffer for; by doing so we touch God's heart. Daniel says, "Incline your ear, O my God, and hear. Open your eyes and look at our desolation and the city that bears your name. We do not present our supplication before you on the ground of our righteousness, but on the ground of your great mercies." Daniel 9:18.
The church asked the question, "Prayer! Does it make any difference?" and stated, "It may sound wrong to even ask. But the question forces us to be honest and go deeper. There is no subject that is more talked about and less practiced today than prayer!"
There we approximately 200 people in attendance at this service and about the same at the previous service. The church has a very interesting structure as you can see in the pictures. We look forward to returning after our pilgrimage is completed to hear Pastor Mook preach.
Worship Style - Contemporary
The senior pastor at this church is a gentleman named, Lyle Mook. Our daughter had him as a professor of Biblical thought at the University of Rhode Island, so we took this opportunity to visit this church. Unfortunately, he was not speaking this particular Sunday. We, however, had a great worship experience lead by Pastor Lavornia.
We were directed to the coffee shop as we entered the church as the previous service was still in progress. We had a warm chat with the Neil Botts, the Executive Pastor. He was very interested in our pilgrimage, and we had a great time sharing stories of the many places we have visited.
The church was in the middle of a series entitled, "Prayer! Does it make a difference?" Pastor Lavornia took us through Daniel 9. She suggested that Daniel prayed with great passion. She indicated that we must pray as Jesus, not just His words but His character. She said that Daniel prayed from his gut. When we truly feel someone's suffering and passionately reach out to God, God desires to heal and make us whole. We must suffer with and suffer for; by doing so we touch God's heart. Daniel says, "Incline your ear, O my God, and hear. Open your eyes and look at our desolation and the city that bears your name. We do not present our supplication before you on the ground of our righteousness, but on the ground of your great mercies." Daniel 9:18.
The church asked the question, "Prayer! Does it make any difference?" and stated, "It may sound wrong to even ask. But the question forces us to be honest and go deeper. There is no subject that is more talked about and less practiced today than prayer!"
There we approximately 200 people in attendance at this service and about the same at the previous service. The church has a very interesting structure as you can see in the pictures. We look forward to returning after our pilgrimage is completed to hear Pastor Mook preach.