Pastor John Taylor
Worship Style - Traditional Methodist
This beautiful late summer morning, we decided to take a drive to a familiar church in Westborough, MA. There was lots of activity both outside and inside the church as we arrived. A hymn sing was in progress, and the church was filling up. The hymn sing covered both traditional hymns as well as some contemporary ones.
Since school was about to begin in this community and the church has a backpack ministry, Pastor Taylor gave a children's message on backpacks and preparing for the start of school. He suggested many items they should bring with them, but suggested the most important thing to bring with them was Jesus. He told them to remember that they are never alone and that Jesus goes with them wherever they go.
Pastor Taylor's sermon was entitled, "Searching For Your Purpose". He referred to Romans 12:1-8, which tells us "to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship...We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us." He began with the story of Moses and how as a baby he was saved for a reason. He then told an inspiring story of Yukio Shige, a retired Japanese police officer who founded a non-profit organization that helps prevent suicides. Shige spends most of his days at the Tojimbo Cliffs, a scenic spot where many people come to commit suicide. When he spots suspicious-looking loners, Shigie goes and talks to them to see if they are okay. Using this method, he has saved many people: "Many people don't have anybody to turn to when they are in dire trouble," said Yukio Shige. "Even those who are determined to commit suicide still hope that someone will come from behind and stop them from jumping off the cliff." To read more of his fascinating story check out, www.nytimes.com/2009/12/18/world/asia/18japan.html.
We were reminded that we are all saved for a reason and need to find our purpose. Pastor Taylor closed with the familiar Home Depot motto, "More Saving. More Doing."
Worship Style - Traditional Methodist
This beautiful late summer morning, we decided to take a drive to a familiar church in Westborough, MA. There was lots of activity both outside and inside the church as we arrived. A hymn sing was in progress, and the church was filling up. The hymn sing covered both traditional hymns as well as some contemporary ones.
Since school was about to begin in this community and the church has a backpack ministry, Pastor Taylor gave a children's message on backpacks and preparing for the start of school. He suggested many items they should bring with them, but suggested the most important thing to bring with them was Jesus. He told them to remember that they are never alone and that Jesus goes with them wherever they go.
Pastor Taylor's sermon was entitled, "Searching For Your Purpose". He referred to Romans 12:1-8, which tells us "to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship...We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us." He began with the story of Moses and how as a baby he was saved for a reason. He then told an inspiring story of Yukio Shige, a retired Japanese police officer who founded a non-profit organization that helps prevent suicides. Shige spends most of his days at the Tojimbo Cliffs, a scenic spot where many people come to commit suicide. When he spots suspicious-looking loners, Shigie goes and talks to them to see if they are okay. Using this method, he has saved many people: "Many people don't have anybody to turn to when they are in dire trouble," said Yukio Shige. "Even those who are determined to commit suicide still hope that someone will come from behind and stop them from jumping off the cliff." To read more of his fascinating story check out, www.nytimes.com/2009/12/18/world/asia/18japan.html.
We were reminded that we are all saved for a reason and need to find our purpose. Pastor Taylor closed with the familiar Home Depot motto, "More Saving. More Doing."