Homecoming 2007
As crisp leaves crunch beneath our feet, and the cool air of autumn greets us, there are several rites of passage that have become engrained in our culture. One such rite is “Homecoming.” Many would associate this with high school football, and the cheering crowds that rally the team as they face off with their rivals.
At Grace Apostolic Church of Clawson, Homecoming has taken on a whole new meaning. In addition to annual school or university events in the autumn, Homecoming can also be defined as, “a coming or returning home.”
Over the years, there have been many who have come to Grace and then and left us. For one reason or another, many friends and families have moved on. The body of believers that currently represents Grace Apostolic is only a fraction of what she could be if everyone who had ever entered her doors remained. No matter the reason for their leaving, Grace Apostolic wants it to be known, that Homecoming, the coming or returning home, can happen anytime. Our doors are always open to those with whom we’ve crossed paths. But, each year, we set aside a special day, Homecoming, to recognize those who have contributed to the growth and are currently part of Grace’s body of believers, and to reach out to those who may have moved on or lost their way.
One of the most beautiful representations of Homecoming in the scriptures takes place with the prodigal son. Characterized by being rash or wasteful, the prodigal son in Luke, Chapter 13, starts with separation, but ends in a glorious Homecoming.
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
The sentiments of the father in this story are echoed by Grace Apostolic! Some of you may be a “great way off,” but you have a Heavenly Father that’s running toward you even now, if you will shake yourself, and come to your senses, like the Prodigal Son!
Won’t you arise and come to your Father’s House? Allow Him to wrap his arms around you, kiss you, and celebrate your Homecoming!
We haven’t been there yet, but one day we will be going to a place that’s been prepared for us. That will be the Homecoming to end all homecomings. We all want to be ready for that great day. Won’t you return to Grace – won’t you allow your Heavenly Father again to work in your life. Our God is all about restoration. He’s not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance.
Welcome home…Welcome Home to Grace!
You are cordially invited to attend Homecoming 2007 at Grace Apostolic Church of Clawson
October 28, 2007
Main Service at 1:30 p.m.
700 E. Elmwood
Clawson, MI 48017
Phone: (248) 307-0850
