SUNDAY-TO-SUNDAY

Yesterday was our first Sunday back. I thought I'd compare my last Sunday (Jan. 18) in Athens with our first Sunday in Cesis.

In Athens, I checked the weather forecast to see how WARM it was going to be (I believe it was about 70 degrees for a high). In Cesis you check to see how COLD it is going to be. (Yesterday...about 29, which is actually a little warmer than usual.)

In Athens, you know that if you make it the few steps from the parking lot to the church, you will be plenty warm. In Cesis, there is no parking lot. You aren't going to be too much warmer in the church (usually it is about 55 degrees inside) unless you get a seat near the wood burning heater.

In Athens, the first smell is that of freshly brewed coffee (from the Global Cafe). In Cesis, the smell is of wood smoke. Depending on who built the fire and how good they are, the smell can be a pleasant reminder of the heating system or a smoky distraction.

In Athens, we have an excellent multi-piece praise band (guitars, drums, keyboard, piano), great sound system, multiple cameras and PowerPoint slides. In Cesis we have an outstanding musician, Tabita, that plays the keyboard.

In Athens, it requires six people to take up the offering. In Cesis, we have one young man that passes the collection box.

In Athens, we had many, many people express that they would be praying for us, God's work and the Cesis people. In Cesis, we had many, many people express that they would be praying for us, God's work and the Athens people.

Two cultures of worship, two completely different facilities, two distinctive climates but people of one mind, worshipping the same God. What a privilege for us to be able to be a part of both worlds. Thank you!