Agape Bible Church
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
Matthew 6:33-34
I found a local church in humble Willits. ABC seems to have it going, with not only a church, but an elementary school and a gymnasium. The church is almost thirty-five years old. The people greeted me and most exchanged names, complete with firm and warm handshakes and eye contact. And when they did the mid service greeting, it was chaos, people moving all over the sanctuary to say hello to one another, the leader struggling to get the crowd back under control.
The musicians welcomed us with two guitars, drums and keyboard and an additional two singers. We sang contemporary songs, 'Come Just as You Are,' 'Worthy is the Lamb,' and 'Here I Am to Worship,' and most people participated. The kids lined the front row and wiggled quite a bit, but they are, after all, kids. After worship they took off as we sang, 'Jesus Loves the Little Children.' If I was a kid and I heard that week after week, I'd plug my ears.
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
Matthew 6:33-34
I found a local church in humble Willits. ABC seems to have it going, with not only a church, but an elementary school and a gymnasium. The church is almost thirty-five years old. The people greeted me and most exchanged names, complete with firm and warm handshakes and eye contact. And when they did the mid service greeting, it was chaos, people moving all over the sanctuary to say hello to one another, the leader struggling to get the crowd back under control.
The building kept with a Northern California theme, with wood siding and pitched roof. Plenty of long hair, shorts and flip flops decorated the faithful as well. The carpet was a pink/gray mix with matching padded chairs. The white drywalled interior bore little decoration, save a few banners.
The musicians welcomed us with two guitars, drums and keyboard and an additional two singers. We sang contemporary songs, 'Come Just as You Are,' 'Worthy is the Lamb,' and 'Here I Am to Worship,' and most people participated. The kids lined the front row and wiggled quite a bit, but they are, after all, kids. After worship they took off as we sang, 'Jesus Loves the Little Children.' If I was a kid and I heard that week after week, I'd plug my ears.
A previous pastor of ABC, Ken, was the guest speaker today, in the middle of their eight week prayer series. He preached about the Lord's Prayer. He started with "Our Father." How appropriate. Yet he expounded on it, as the Jews of the day had finally stopped worshipping stars, cows and the Baals, and worshipped God, but held Him in such high esteem that they would not utter His name, Yaweh. Now Jesus comes along and starts with "Our Father." Ours, not mine. And Father, not king. Daddy, Papa. Wow. It was shocking, in the day.
The rest of the sermon was just as good, as Pastor Ken broke down every phrase, sometimes explaining how it translated from Greek. Great job Pastor Ken.
We closed with a song and dispersed, people once again friendly and engaging.
Agape Bible Church was a bright spot in Willits, California.
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