Body of Christ Fellowship at Vaughn’s Chapel
Sabbath Report
A day of fellowship, Scripture, prayer, and praise
Fellowship of the Word: “Do or Die”
Michael Deering led the morning online study, continuing the fellowship’s attention to the brethren in India. The title, “Do or Die,” set a serious tone for considering what it means to remain faithful when following God calls for courage, conviction, and perseverance.
Building on last Sabbath’s attention to the fellowship’s connection with believers in India, the study brought those brethren’s example back into the shared life of the Body of Christ. Their witness invites us to remember that faith is more than words: it shapes the choices we make and the way we remain committed to God and to one another.
The phrase “Do or Die” underscored the weight of wholehearted discipleship. It encouraged the fellowship to consider how we respond when faith is tested, to strengthen one another rather than stand alone, and to keep our brothers and sisters in India in our prayers. Though separated by distance, believers remain joined in the same hope and in their devotion to God.
Songs Sung
- [Lord I Need You]
- [Where Could I Go]
- [Greater]
- [Hallelujah]
Watch The Song
“You Shall Receive Power”
Acts 1:14–18, King James Version
Gary Hall: You Shall Receive Power
Gary Hall’s reflection centered on the promise of power through the Holy Spirit. Beginning with Acts 1:14–18, he spoke about the believers gathering in prayer and about the work of God continuing through the Body of Christ.
“I think this is something we have not tapped into. It’s the same power David used to slay Goliath, the power Elijah used to call fire down from heaven. The Holy Spirit is inside of us.” Gary asked, “What is this power?” His answer was, “It’s the Holy Spirit.” He reminded the fellowship that the Spirit is with us and within the Body of Christ.
Gary emphasized that the Holy Spirit does not need us to be its boss. God is the one authority and leader. From the beginning of the fellowship, he said, everyone has had a voice: “Not around this table—we all have a voice.” He also reflected on the promise in John 14:18: “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”
He spoke of the Holy Spirit’s power as a gift that reaches across the Body of Christ, including believers in every denomination. Gary shared that Isaiah 41:10 had been a promise to him since he was seven years old. At the time, he did not know how he would become part of the Body of Christ, but he held onto God’s words—and he said that promise is for all of us.
Gary left the fellowship with this thought: “You shall receive the power of God.”
Acts 1:14–18 (KJV)
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
LeighAnn Ellison: The Psalms and the Wonder of Praise
LeighAnn Ellison led the main message by drawing directly from the Psalms. She selected passages, read them aloud, and compared them with the Old Testament, inviting the fellowship to listen for the connections between the Psalms and the wider story and teachings of Scripture. She also reviewed the five-book shape of the Psalms and the way its movement echoes themes found in the Torah: Psalms 1–41 are often associated with Genesis, Psalms 42–72 with Exodus, Psalms 73–89 with Leviticus, Psalms 90–106 with Numbers, and Psalms 107–150 with Deuteronomy. This structure helps readers notice how worship, lament, thanksgiving, instruction, and hope run through the whole collection.
LeighAnn also invited everyone to think about how wonder can become familiar. The first time we see the ocean, or look across the lakes during the Feast, the view can leave us amazed. If we return years later, will we still see it with that same awe—or will familiarity make us pass by without really looking?
That question can be brought into our worship. The Psalms repeatedly call people to remember who God is and respond with praise. A familiar verse, song, or gathering can still carry fresh meaning when we pause, pay attention, and remember the One we are praising.
LeighAnn highlighted the word Hallelujah as a call to praise Yah. The word invites wholehearted praise—joyful, open, and unreserved. Her message encouraged the fellowship to recover that sense of wonder and to praise God with the energy and gratitude He deserves.
Holding One Another in Prayer
We are grateful to bring these needs and praises before God together. This wall can be updated each week; please edit or remove any name or detail before publishing as needed.
Prayer Requests
- Unspoken requests.
- Steve and Lisa.
- Reda: Amalia and for Reda’s rotator cuff.
- Elysia: a friend’s unspoken need and her grandmother’s travels.
- Devan gives thanks that Lacy turned 13.
- LeighAnn and family.
- Anusha: protection for the children attending church camp.
- Amanda’s father, facing a procedure and radiation treatment.
- Emily and the three little ones who have colds.
- Devan’s cat and an upcoming veterinary appointment.
- Darrell: an evaluation to determine whether he will be able to walk.
- Additional unspoken needs shared with the fellowship.
Praises & Thanksgiving
- Granny, Jasmine, and Joseph.
- Rachel gives thanks that her mother is doing well.
- Thanksgiving for the good weather.
- Darrell gives thanks for rest and renewal after the Feast.
- Emily and Tyler celebrate their 11th anniversary.
- Gratitude for family time, fellowship, and God’s continued care.
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