Monday, June 3, 2013

Summer Begins

Yesterday our summer program began, which usually means excitement and anticipation by the body of believers.  As for the staff, it is a day of stress, glitches, and hoping people understand the purpose of what is being done.  I believe we accomplished both!

I received many good comments about the material for our Sunday morning class "In the Beginning...".  My goal is for people to be so awestruck by our great God that I, as the teacher, disappear into the study.

We continue to get positive comments about the duo song leading and songs, even though we had a few glitches here and there.  The goal is for the church to feed off the energy, inspire praise, and encourage one another through the song service.  So far this has been the overwhelming consensus.  The leadership has made it known they are dedicated to acapella worship at its highest level.  We are still learning, but constantly looking for ways to improve this aspect of worship.  This Wednesday night is the kick off of our singing class in Lynn Center #105.  We will be learning songs from the Keith Lancaster "Praise & Harmony" CD Reigning God.  David Brooker is one of the best at teaching parts.  I have been listening to the CD for the last week in my Jeep and my 9 year old is already singing parts from the times she has been in my vehicle.  Bella also has favorites she turns on and one of those was the song we sang yesterday morning before the sermon.  There is also another study in the auditorium on the justice of God, so there is another excellent choice.

Sunday night was another success, based on the comments.  One person told me how much they enjoyed the "Gospel Hour" and hearing a sermon from a beloved preacher of the past.  The "Summer Celebration" in the upstairs Lynn Center also went well after we worked out a few glitches with the PowerPoint.  Joel Soumar did his regular great job inspiring us with a "hands on" lesson.  We had moments of singing, talking about the things we are thankful for, and ways we have seen God working in our lives this past week.  It was all very inspiring to those who came.  Some mentioned they wanted to attend but couldn't climb the stairs.  I apologize, and the leadership will look into this.  If you would like to come and need help getting up the stairs or a piggy back (well, something similar), let the staff know and we will make arrangements.  The goal of these two services is different.  We wanted to offer the "Gospel Hour" because we understand the power of traditions of our past.  Our Sunday morning worship incorporates new and older songs.  We try to be respectful of the style of all ages while still offering praise to God.  Sunday evening focuses on those two styles of songs.  Also, there have been some great preachers in the past who have inspired many of you through the years.  Some of them are responsible for leading you to King Jesus.  We celebrate your past and hope these will give you a sense of comfort as you end your evening of worship.  The "Summer Celebration" is also intended to inspire.  There is more than one way to skin a cat and there is more than one way to inspire others to praise.  This service is not for young people, but all ages who are looking for fresh ways to experience our Creator.  The goal is for each person to end their day of worship refreshed by the breath of God.  Both services fulfills the Biblical call to worship.  Enjoy your time, whichever you choose, but may we never forget our saying, "In doctrine - unity; in opinion - liberty; but in all things love."  Let go of yourself and your wants and put all that energy into the One deserving our of worship.  Amen.

Wow!  I have droned on long enough.  That is what happens when summer begins.  Pick up your Bibles today and read a portion of Scripture.  Meditate on it.  Let it live within you.  Understand the privilege we have to come before the throne of God and spend time in prayer.  Don't let the world cloud your life.  Be inspired and serve someone in the name of Jesus Christ.  Love your church family.  Inspire the world!

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