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conducted by Europe ’ s senior minister , the Rev . Göran Appelgren . He showed us : “ How the historical prophecy of the Lord ’ s coming ( Matthew 24 ) also describes how He is coming within each of us .”
“ Getting to know you ” continued when Howard as host minister ran the Welcome Plenary Session . He asked those from each continent to raise their hands in turn . The traditional banter between nations soon had us all laughing together . We had attendees from Africa , Asia , Europe and North America . And so to bed ? Not quite . An evening bar was available and lot more meetingand-catching-up went on .
On Saturday morning we soon fell into our daily routine of breakfast , worship and sessions divided by refreshments . Bishop Keith led morning worship , continuing our theme by talking about : “ The secret of life being persistence in following the Lord .”
It is difficult to convey the sphere of love and joy we experienced during this Assembly . However , having members of the laity take active reading and singing roles in the presentations helped to enhance this sphere . Also , the degree of informality encouraged everyone to participate with questions as well as telling their own story of “ where they were and how they got there .” There was no shortage of people who spoke up ! There were four main plenary sessions :
• Plenary 1 : The Lord ’ s Glorification Series – A Case for Real Spiritual Growth by the Rev . Göran Appelgren . This was illustrated as the Lord being a builder , with us doing our part . Like a chrysalis that would look a confused mess if cut open , but from which a beautiful butterfly emerges when we trust the Lord is in charge .
• Plenary 2 : Teaching the Ten Commandments to College Students by the Rev . Dr . Ray and Star Silverman . They described the techniques used in their book , Rise Above It , demonstrating the various levels of meaning of The Ten Commandments and applying them to our lives . A considerable number of people also attended a continuation session the next afternoon .
• Plenary 3 : Finding Our Place in the Kingdom . The Rev . Howard Thompson led us through a careful consideration of what the Lord ’ s Kingdom is to each of us .
• Plenary 4 : The Lord ’ s Leading and the Paths Through Which He Leads Us . Bishop Peter Buss Sr . continued the theme of the 23 rd Psalm , upon which he had based our Monday morning worship service , saying , as part of his conclusion : “ Firstly , whatever state you are in , you are never alone . The Lord is always with you holding your hand . And secondly , the Lord leads you by touching you so that you freely walk with him as He holds your hand .”
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