1013 saturday night?

Mike came by himself to pick me up for church; Carol was at an S-Factor meeting in West L.A. Mike and I discussed this on the way to SBCC; it's a group of married women from SBCC who can't spell. Thus, the name, S-Factor.

I chose to walk into church tonight so I brought my walker. Mike helped me up the steps as the ramp would have taken too long. The evening service had already begun; we could hear the worship music while still outside the main doors. Mike mentioned that it didn't sound like Nathan; I quickly agreed as I could clearly hear the lyrics this time, and we were still out on the patio.

As we entered the sanctuary, we saw Simon, the guest worship leader onstage. That's when I remembered that Nathan and Nicky were out-of-town, visiting Nicky's sister, who was having a baby.

Pastor Gary's message was a continuation of his "Dangerous Church" series, and this week's installment focused on the selfless chuch family. He spoke about the importance of ministries and lifegroups, and how everybody does life together. He also brought up Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, hs friend can help him up, but pity the man who falls down and has no one to help him up!"

He spoke about dangerous Christians within the church, who face adversity and often meet the challenges placed in their paths by Satan. At one point, I thought I heard my name being mentioned. I asked Mike about it. He replied that maybe I was snoring too loudly.

After the service, we headed for the kitchen, as it was Supper Saturday. Mike. who was supporting me by holding onto a belt around my chest, asked what would happen if he let go. I reminded him of Ecclesiastes 4:10. He thought for a minute, then replied,"No one will pity you. Someone will pick you up." We shared a laugh and found an open seat at the kitchen table. Supper tonight was stew over rice with vegetables and salad. It was very good!

Thw Walk With Jesus study began promptly at 7pm. I found Arnold, Lyle and Liz from my study group; Alice and Orlando were absent. We discussed the parable of The Wise and Foolish Builders. I found myself rethinking my perception of the parable, and how I need to apply the Word to my life on a daily basis.

Naomi was going to drop-off Carol at the church after the S-Factor meeting was over, so Mike and I waited in the kitchen, along with Gary, Steve Takenaga, Judy and Kiyomi. We pulled some vanilla ice cream from the freezer and Kiyomi made some chocolate topping by heating up some cream and melting chocolate chips into it. Gary found some chocolate chip cookies, and offered them to everyone at the table. Mike declined the cookie by saying, "No thanks, I'm diabetic" as he shoveled a spoonful of ice cream and chocolate sauce into his mouth.

Carol arrived just after 10pm, and we all left the church soon afterwards.