08/10/2026
What a blessed time we shared during our 2nd Sunday Dress Down Worship Service at Palmyra Missionary Baptist Church! 🙌🏾
Our worship began with Deacon George Stevens playing a beautiful instrumental selection, "The Center of My Joy.” Deacon Norman Harris opened the service with a powerful testimony and a Spirit-led prayer, reminding us of God’s promise in Jeremiah 30:17: "For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds.”
Deaconess May Stevens Sunday School Recap came from today’s subject “A Dirty Job,” teaching on the life of Stephen. She shared what Stephen went through and how his faithfulness to God even in suffering continues to inspire us today.
Our Devotional Service was led by Deacon George Stevens. His opening song was “I Woke Up This Morning With My Mind Stayed on Jesus.” Scripture was read from Psalm 139:1–10. The congregation then lifted up the hymn “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior,” followed by a spirit-led prayer that ushered in the presence of the Lord.
The service continued with the selection “Sword In My Hand,” led by Deacon Norman Harris.
The presence of the Lord continued to move throughout the service:
Welcome and Words of Inspiration: Sister Ollie Thomas, who shared from Ephesians 3:20–21, reminding us to keep our faith during these trying seasons and that we are called to follow Jesus.
Greetings and Encouragement: Sister Merry Belford encouraged the congregation that we have choices and must choose to love one another, referencing Matthew 5:14–16 and Galatians 6:9.
Congregational Song: “On Time God,” led by Deacon George Stevens
Prayer:** Minister Nathaniel Smalls offered a heartfelt prayer
Sermonic Solo:“I’m Available to You,” rendered by Deacon George Stevens, preparing our hearts to receive the word of the Lord
Pastor Sandra Stevens Smalls delivered a powerful message:
Sermon Topic: “Connected and Chosen for a Purpose”
Scripture Lessons: John 15:16, 1 Corinthians 12:27, Ephesians 2:19, and 1 Peter 2:9
Sermon Highlights:
* Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that remains.”
* We are not only chosen, but appointed to live lives that produce lasting spiritual fruit.
* As the Body of Christ, we are connected every member matters and has a divine purpose.
* We are no longer strangers or outsiders, but fellow citizens and members of God’s household.
* We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.
* Our purpose is to declare the praises of God who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.
* Our choices matter—so we must choose faith, love, unity, obedience, and perseverance.
* We are called to let our light shine and not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.
* We need one another to fulfill the assignment God has placed on our lives.
We closed our service singing “I Need You to Survive,” reminding us that we are one family, connected by faith, chosen by God, appointed for purpose, and committed to loving, praying for, and supporting one another.
We are connected. We are chosen. We are appointed. We are God’s people. We are Palmyra!
