May 14, 2023: Temporary short Worship Service : "On the Occasion of Mother's Day"”　

Worship Service  Title: "On the Occasion of Mother's Day

Bible:

Prelude:"My Mothers Prayer"

Message:

I have an article that referenced a woman named Anna Jarvis from West Virginia, USA.

Ann married a pastor and had Anna. It was when the United States was in the midst of the Civil War.  During this time, Ann led a group of women called the "Mother's Day Work Club," which actively tended to and nursed wounded soldiers, regardless of whether they were on the side of the enemy or not.

After the war, she continued to organize "Mother's Friendship Day," a peace initiative to bring together the enemies of the North and South, whose fires were still smoldering. Ann's activities inspired many people and contributed to peace in the United States. Ann had lost eight of the ten children by war and disease.

After Anne's death, her daughter Anna held a meeting to pay her respects and tribute to her mother. Anna handed out white carnations to the participants in this meeting. Carnation was her mother's favorite flower. It was the beginning of Mother's Day.

My mother is in heaven. I imagine that she must be having a grand celebration in heaven. I often miss my grandparents and parents who took good care of me. How about you?

If your parents are still alive, please take the opportunity to visit them or send them a letter.

My heart aches when I think of those who have lost family members in wars, disasters, and illnesses. Let us be thankful that we are alive today.

Mother's Day is not only celebrated by Christians but by people all over the world. We thank God through gratitude to our parents.

My mother used to tell me when I was a kid. It was about the mother of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Lincoln's mother died when he was nine years old. She always had her son on her lap, read the Bible to him, sang hymns to him, and prayed for him every day.

Lincoln worked as a lawyer for 16 years before becoming president. He always remembered his mother's words, "Always be honest.” Lincoln's reputation for honesty and integrity was so well known among lawyers that sometimes even opposing counsel in court would recognize Lincoln's character.

After becoming President of the United States, Lincoln said, "I still remember the prayers for me. I am now entirely because of my mother's prayers."

Mother's faith protected and guided her son Abraham's life. I had always been prayed by my grandmother and mother. I believe they still are cheering me on from heaven. I hope we can celebrate Mother's Day together and spend a day overflowing with gratitude.

Postlude:"은혜(Grace)"