Ryder and Isobel strolled to the front of the room, hand in hand, to take their usual spot. Terry, Sam, and the kids were already situated in the row ahead of them, while Celeste trailed behind. Amidst the hushed conversations filling the room, Isobel caught Rose's voice greeting the usher. Rose and Wren settled into their customary seats beside Ryder, Isobel, and Celeste.
Savannah turned in her chair, waving at Ryder and Isobel. She signed something to Ryder, who then flashed a grin at Isobel and signed back.
"What did she say?" Isobel inquired.
Ryder leaned in, his shoulder pressing gently against hers. "She said you are very beautiful, and I agreed."
Savannah continued to smile at Isobel.
"How do you sign 'so are you'?" she asked Ryder.
Patiently, Ryder showed her, and Isobel signed it to Savannah. With a warm smile, Savannah touched her fingertips to her chin and extended her hand forward and down—the sign for 'thank you.'
Luther meandered through the room, greeting everyone as was his habit. He paused next to Celeste, gently taking her hand and planting a kiss on her knuckles.
"Good morning, Celeste," he greeted.
Blushing slightly, Celeste replied, "Good morning, Luther."
Luther continued his rounds of greetings with a fist bump for Savannah and Luke each before taking a seat in the front row as the praise band began setting up. Ryder and Isobel both joined them on stage. Ryder opened his case to reveal his guitar, slinging the strap over his neck while Isobel settled herself in front of the piano and adjusted her microphone.
The band launched into "In Christ Alone," with Ryder and Isobel harmonizing effortlessly. They performed two more songs before Isobel began playing "Amazing Grace: My Chains Are Gone" on the piano. After a few measures, Ryder stepped up to the microphone to begin singing.
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
As Ryder strummed his guitar, the rest of the praise band and singers seamlessly joined in.
Celeste closed her eyes as she listened to her son sing, thanking God for bringing all of them to this day and this moment in time.
My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love
Amazing grace
When Ryder finished, he took a step back from the microphone, silently thanking God for liberating him. The band members stepped down and returned to their seats as Luther ascended the stage.
"Let's give our praise band a hand for leading us in worship this morning with that powerful final song. It really makes you step back and reflect, doesn't it? 'My chains are gone, I've been set free.' Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice to free us from our sins. Let's pray and express our gratitude to God."
Luther led the congregation in prayer before beginning his sermon on generosity. He discussed caring for the poor and supporting those in need, emphasizing that those who emulate Jesus by giving generously would grow in godliness and draw nearer to God in Christ.
"I've demonstrated through my efforts that we must support the weak. Remember the words of Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive,' as cited in Acts 20:35."
"And Isaiah 58:10 says, 'Feed the hungry, and help those in distress. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, making the dark as bright as noon.'"
"Acts without devotion are just acts, but with devotion, your obedience drives you to fulfill God's work. Your faithfulness will bring light to others amidst darkness. If you're wondering what you should do, ask God through prayer; He will guide you on how to serve Him."
As Luther continued his sermon, Ryder listened quietly and attentively, absorbing every word. Various thoughts swirled in his mind as Luther preached.
"Jesus said people would know you're My disciples by your love for one another—love and compassion that inspire believers to give generously. God's love for us overflows into good works for His glory."
When the sermon concluded, the praise band returned to the stage. Isobel tapped Ryder on the arm to regain his attention.
"Are you alright?" she whispered.
Ryder nodded with a smile and stood up to join her on stage.
After the blessing for the week, church ended, and the congregation filed out. Luther joined Celeste as they discussed lunch plans. The rest of their group headed to their vehicles, planning to reconvene at Celeste's in the evening for another family gathering.