SUNDAY SERVICES---

Church is a little different here in Cesis. Since there are four other denominations that share this same church (actually owned by the Lutherans) ... the Baptists have the 2:30--4:40p time slot. There are no Sunday School rooms and only a very small restroom (unisex!). The weather right now is fantastic but it has no air conditioning if (or when) it warms up. It is fairly chilly in the winter even with the two wood-burning stoves. It is fairly common as to most churches in Latvia.

There are no printed programs and the songs in the hymnals have no title ... just a number. There are a few hymns that we recognize but not many. The sermons are well-thought out and seem to be understood by the congregation (which numbered about 30 today). We usually have a translator that whispers to us what is being preached or at least the main points.

Olegs preached from Mark 8:35-36 concerning trying to gain the riches of the world but losing your own soul in the process. Earlier in the service he had asked for special prayer for a CBC member that had lost a large amount of money recently after being cheated by another Christian in Cesis. I thought it was a very applicable passage for the circumstances.

The offering is always at the end of the service. Today we had two offerings (I'm not sure how that would go over in the States). The first was for repairs that the Lutherans are making on the building and the second was their regular offering. No plates are passed. A deacon comes down each aisle and actually puts the offering box in front of you for your contribution!

There is no hymn of invitation or altar call. Joining the church or seeking baptism is first done privately with the pastor. I am not exactly sure of the process after first consulting with the pastor. I must find out as we want to become a part of the church here but really don't know how!

These are very good people. They have welcomed us with open arms and always go out of their way to make us feel comfortable. We have been impressed with their faithfulness, especially the older members that have been through the Communist years.

After church we were invited to Inesse's and Peteris' home. She is one of my favorite Latvian cooks. We had cutlets, potatoes, cucumber salad and finished with crepes and fresh raspberry jam. I don't know how the Latvians stay so slim. The food is always great (and plenty of it)!

It has been a good God's day.


Mark



Here are a few pictures from the last couple of days: (double-click on pic)




Vija (mother to several church members), Laura and Iveta (pastor's wife,
expecting second child in less than a month). In front of church.

For some reason they like bicycles but don't take your
daschund with you!








For all of you NASCAR fans, there was a road rally through
downtown Cesis on Saturday. They seemed pretty excited about it
but its something I've yet to understand.