Out of the boat

Our friend Tom sat with Steve yesterday morning, allowing Cooper, Katie and me to attend church and Sunday school.

After children's time, Katie went to the nursery, and Cooper and I sat together for the rest of the service.

Pastor Wendy spoke about stepping out of our comfort zones as an act of faith. She spoke about Peter stepping out on the Sea of Galilee -- he walked on water until he took his eyes off Jesus.

For full dramatic effect, Wendy stepped in and out of a canoe that sat on the altar for the day.

After the sermon, the congregation is invited to speak aloud joys or concerns. After someone says a name or condition, we all answer, "Lord, hear our prayer."

Cooper has never spoken up before. Yesterday, he spoke clearly: "For my dad."

As the congregation responded, "Lord, hear our prayer," Cooper whispered to me, "Mommy, I just stepped out of my boat."