Três horas

I wonder how many American Christians would be willing to gather for three hours (três horas) on a Sunday morning with more fellowship afterwards? The community church in Porto Alegre just did. I am told the church has about 1,200 people. It is quite diverse in age, socio economic status and color. The gentleman on my right turns 89 later this month. On my left was a woman with a 3 year old. The service began with greeting and worship facilitated by a team of seven, with 3 guitars, a drummer, a keyboard player and 2 vocalists. Brazilians are very expressive in their worship. Then six people were baptized and prayed for with the worship team playing. Announcements came next, first about an upcoming all church retreat, and then about a youth retreat. We then observed the Lord's Supper with about a thousand people. They shares little pieces of the bread with one another and use real wine. Then one of the elders led us in prayer for members of the congregation who were sick or in the hospital. There are eight or nine elders who share duties jointly. There is no hierarchy. These are humble men Three couples who had labored for many years in youth ministry were released to pursue other ministry as they were shown appreciation and received prayer. Finally the preaching was ministered by a brother from the congregation who has been sent out to minister in other countries, principally in Europe. He taught on the three fold ministry of Jesus as prophet,priest and king,and how men specifically were to follow His example. At one point all the men stood up to pray for their family members and disciples. Perhaps the highlight was the pure joy expressed as people greeted one another. It was heart warming for me to observe.