REV David Greenwood led the service at Crediton Methodist Church on Sunday, January 30.

His theme was “Love one another as I love you”.

David asked “What is Church Like?” 1 Corinthians chapters 11 and 12 give a critical analysis about all the things that were wrong with the church in Corinth.

The reading from chapter 13 showed the importance of love.

Are we a place of love? Do we greet people and make them feel welcome? Do we fit Paul’s model of what a church should be or do we fit the church in Corinth?

“Who is Church for?” David spoke of a church which seemed to be a social club.

Social events are important but is that why we are here?

All members of the body are needed. The service is what we all bring – not just the preacher.

David read a quote “Church is the only organisation that exists for the benefit of non members”.

In the reading from Luke Jesus returned to His home town Nazareth and read from the scriptures in the synagogue.

He said it was all about the poor, oppressed and those people who were not welcome.

The congregation did not like what Jesus was saying and they threw Him out.

Church is not actually about what we do on a Sunday morning, but is about after we have left and for the rest of the week. It is about pastoral equipping.

What can we take from the service and put into action when we meet our neighbours, colleagues, friends and family?

It is about creating and building up disciples.

David asked if we are happy to be Jesus’ disciples or would we throw Him out if He came to our church today?

Are we happy to be the one who loves others or do we just want to be loved?

Are we willing to use our gifts for the building of God’s kingdom of love?

“The love of God is here to stay, embracing those who walk His Way” Bronwyn Nott