10/06/2026
PALMYRA MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
FIRST SUNDAY TESTIMONIAL WORSHIP SERVICE RECAP
Sunday, October 4, 2026
As we entered the sanctuary and prepared our hearts for worship, Brother Edward Stevens welcomed us into a spirit of praise by playing a beautiful selection of praise and worship songs from his playlist. The music set the atmosphere and prepared our hearts and minds to worship the Lord together.
What a blessed First Sunday Testimonial Worship Service we experienced at Palmyra Missionary Baptist Church!
Deacon Norman Harris opened our service with a testimony, reflecting on how good God has been to us and reminding us that we have so many reasons to praise Him. We lifted our voices together singing “Thank You, Lord,” followed by our morning prayer.
During Sunday School, we continued our lesson, “Radical Commitment to God’s Way,” from Joshua 24:18–27. We were reminded that we must make intentional choices about how we will live and whom we will serve. Our obedience belongs to the Lord, who has proven Himself trustworthy. Deacon George Stevens also emphasized the importance of establishing spiritual guardrails that help keep us rooted and walking according to God’s Word.
Our worship continued as we lifted our voices with “I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me” and “I Woke Up This Morning with My Mind Stayed on Jesus.” Scripture was shared from Psalm 23, reminding us of the comfort, guidance, and faithfulness of our Good Shepherd. Prayer was offered by Deacon George Stevens.
Sister Ollie Thomas welcomed everyone and shared an inspirational message, “Avoiding Compromise,” from Proverbs 2:1–9. We were reminded that as Christians, we must come before God honestly and resist the temptation to compromise what we know is right. The best safeguard against compromise is to stay rooted in God’s Word.
Sister Meredith D. Belford brought greetings, and our Testimonial Worship Service continued with heartfelt expressions of gratitude for the goodness and faithfulness of God. Deacon George Stevens shared his testimony, and Sister Ollie Thomas gave thanks to God for His healing power. Sister Yashika Tate shared her thankfulness for God's faithfulness.
Brother Larry Scott Butler led us in “We Give Praises to Your Name,” and Brother Jacques “Jay” Kelly shared Scripture from Psalm 150, calling everything that has breath to praise the Lord!
As we prepared to receive the Word of God, Deacon George Stevens blessed us with the sermonic solo, “Safe in His Arms.”
SERMON: “MOVE THE STONE”
Scripture Reading: John 11:38–44NKJV
The Word delivered by Pastor Sandra Stevens Smalls reminded us of the powerful account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Jesus had the power to perform the miracle, but before Lazarus came forth, He gave the people an instruction:
“Take away the stone.” — John 11:39
Sometimes we are waiting on God to do something that He has already given us instructions to prepare for. Jesus was going to perform the miracle, but the people still had a part to play.
The stone may represent fear, doubt, disappointment, unforgiveness, old habits, excuses, or anything standing between us and our obedience to God. Whatever the stone may be, when God says move it, MOVE THE STONE!
We were reminded that our responsibility is obedience; the miracle belongs to God. We must be willing to move what God tells us to move, trust Him with what we cannot do, and make room for Him to demonstrate His power.
As we entered this special First Pastoral Anniversary season, we were also reminded of how faithful God has been to Palmyra Missionary Baptist Church. Through every season, every challenge, every testimony, and every victory GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL!
Palmyra, we are continuing to pray, worship, testify, serve, grow, and WALK BY FAITH together!
Move the stone. Make room. The miracle is on the other side of your obedience! Palmyra, we are on the move!
💜 1st Pastoral Appreciation Breakfast
Following our worship service, we continued the fellowship with our 1st Pastoral Appreciation Breakfast, lovingly prepared by Sister Yashika Tate in observance of Pastor Appreciation Month and Pastor Sandra Stevens Smalls’ First Pastoral Anniversary.
Sister Yashika prepared a delicious meal of smothered shrimp and gravy, grits, scrambled eggs, biscuits, assorted juices, and lemonade.
Everyone enjoyed the wonderful food and fellowship!
We extend a heartfelt thank you to Sister Yashika for her thoughtfulness, love, and beautiful act of service. What a special way to begin our First Pastoral Anniversary Week! 💜
