If you want to see and hear how things went on Sunday, you can watch the service online at www.brookwoodchurch.org. If you click HERE, it will take you right to the video. To view the video, you need to have quicktime installed. Most PCs do.
I think you'll be happy with what you'll see and hear.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Prayer Request
Please join the Worship team in lifting up Nate Wells and his family during the passing of his Grandfather. Nate was the drummer who played for the band this past Sunday (2/22) and on Christmas Eve. Nate's grandfather was Albert Wells who was killed yesterday while trimming tree limbs in his yard.
Below is a posting from Nate's facebook concerning his grandfather. It is quite touching:
Grandpa Joe
Breaking the mold of getting old
Today at 1:52pm
For those of you who may be reading this who are unaware, my grandpa Joseph Albert Wells was killed yesterday, February 25th 2009, while he was cutting tree limbs in his front yard. One of the limbs that he was cutting fell on him and killed him instantly.I don’t so much want to focus on his death, as I do on who he was to me and to my family.Grandpa was 80 years old in August, and while that is a lot of years for anyone, he was a very young 80 year old. He never slowed down, he never gave up, and he never took no for an answer.
There are so, many things that I will remember about my Granddad. In fact there are too many to put in this note, but I will try to sum up who he was.
I will always remember in his early seventies, when he bought his first motorcycle. From then on he replaced it with a bigger and bader bike three times. Finally at age 80, he was cruising around on a bike with a bigger engine than what is in my car. Talk about breaking the mold.
The thing that always amazed me about grandpa was that he was so active all the time. He always played golf and tennis multiple times in week, and competed in senior tournaments in Hilton Head every year. We would take our annual bike rides up on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and let me tell you he is the fastest old man I have ever seen. It is always amazing!Grandpa loved to do yard work. In fact he maintained his thirteen acres of land by himself! Of course, my brothers and I and cousins would lend a hand some, but he loved to do it even without our help. Yesterday after the accident, his work gloves were lying on the ground where he had been, and I could not help but think of that as a great symbol of who he was. I found myself walking in the woods where I had worked with him stacking logs that we cut from fallen trees, remembering the conversations we had while working and the look of contentment on his face when the job was done. He was such a hard worker.
Those of you who know me well, know that I am an aviation freak. I love to fly, and I love to talk about aircraft. Well I owe the passion that is in my heart for those things in large part to Grandpa. He was a private pilot for many years and owned a series of aircraft that were top of the market in the General Aviation community. In his life, he flew over 1800 hours and held ratings from Private pilot through Commercial Instructor. My favorite thing was to sit with him and swap aircraft stories. I will never forget the light in his eyes during those times. His passion rubbed off on me VERY early in life.My earliest memory of Grandpa is of when he retired from Orthodontics in 1993. I was 4 years old and my parents tried to explain what it meant to be retired. I think I got it, the only problem was that I went around telling people that “grandpa is expired”. We have had many laughs about that in the past years. In fact at my birthday on Sunday we were talking about that. But sadly Grandpa Joe has finally expired. I wish it had not been now, but I know that he did not want to “get old” as he always said, so, he was spared from growing old. One other thing of great comfort to me in this situation is that Grandpa was working in the yard as he so loved to do, once again breaking the mold of getting old. I will always miss him, but I will also always be eternally grateful for having known him. I also know that I will see him again. You see, Grandpa loved Jesus, He walked with him and sought after him, and I know that I will get to spend eternity with my savior and LORD, and Grandpa Joe.
I Love you Grandpa, and I will never forget you.
Until forever comes, I will meet you in a memory…
Here is a link to the News story last night regarding the accident: http://www.wyff4.com/video/18798534/index.html
Please keep Nate and his family in your prayers as they go through this very difficult time.
"But God will redeem my soul from the grave; he will surely take me to himself." Psalms 49:15 (NIV)
Below is a posting from Nate's facebook concerning his grandfather. It is quite touching:
Grandpa Joe
Breaking the mold of getting old
Today at 1:52pm
For those of you who may be reading this who are unaware, my grandpa Joseph Albert Wells was killed yesterday, February 25th 2009, while he was cutting tree limbs in his front yard. One of the limbs that he was cutting fell on him and killed him instantly.I don’t so much want to focus on his death, as I do on who he was to me and to my family.Grandpa was 80 years old in August, and while that is a lot of years for anyone, he was a very young 80 year old. He never slowed down, he never gave up, and he never took no for an answer.
There are so, many things that I will remember about my Granddad. In fact there are too many to put in this note, but I will try to sum up who he was.
I will always remember in his early seventies, when he bought his first motorcycle. From then on he replaced it with a bigger and bader bike three times. Finally at age 80, he was cruising around on a bike with a bigger engine than what is in my car. Talk about breaking the mold.
The thing that always amazed me about grandpa was that he was so active all the time. He always played golf and tennis multiple times in week, and competed in senior tournaments in Hilton Head every year. We would take our annual bike rides up on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and let me tell you he is the fastest old man I have ever seen. It is always amazing!Grandpa loved to do yard work. In fact he maintained his thirteen acres of land by himself! Of course, my brothers and I and cousins would lend a hand some, but he loved to do it even without our help. Yesterday after the accident, his work gloves were lying on the ground where he had been, and I could not help but think of that as a great symbol of who he was. I found myself walking in the woods where I had worked with him stacking logs that we cut from fallen trees, remembering the conversations we had while working and the look of contentment on his face when the job was done. He was such a hard worker.
Those of you who know me well, know that I am an aviation freak. I love to fly, and I love to talk about aircraft. Well I owe the passion that is in my heart for those things in large part to Grandpa. He was a private pilot for many years and owned a series of aircraft that were top of the market in the General Aviation community. In his life, he flew over 1800 hours and held ratings from Private pilot through Commercial Instructor. My favorite thing was to sit with him and swap aircraft stories. I will never forget the light in his eyes during those times. His passion rubbed off on me VERY early in life.My earliest memory of Grandpa is of when he retired from Orthodontics in 1993. I was 4 years old and my parents tried to explain what it meant to be retired. I think I got it, the only problem was that I went around telling people that “grandpa is expired”. We have had many laughs about that in the past years. In fact at my birthday on Sunday we were talking about that. But sadly Grandpa Joe has finally expired. I wish it had not been now, but I know that he did not want to “get old” as he always said, so, he was spared from growing old. One other thing of great comfort to me in this situation is that Grandpa was working in the yard as he so loved to do, once again breaking the mold of getting old. I will always miss him, but I will also always be eternally grateful for having known him. I also know that I will see him again. You see, Grandpa loved Jesus, He walked with him and sought after him, and I know that I will get to spend eternity with my savior and LORD, and Grandpa Joe.
I Love you Grandpa, and I will never forget you.
Until forever comes, I will meet you in a memory…
Here is a link to the News story last night regarding the accident: http://www.wyff4.com/video/18798534/index.html
Please keep Nate and his family in your prayers as they go through this very difficult time.
"But God will redeem my soul from the grave; he will surely take me to himself." Psalms 49:15 (NIV)
Happy Anniversay
Happy 15th Anniversary to Tim and Larry. They have a beautiful family. Sorry about the Santa picture. It's the only one I could find of the Manos clan.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Can't Stop This Worshipper
I may be stealing thunder, and it wouldn't be the first time, but when it has to be shared, then I feel the need to share. I was reading Unquenchable Worshipper on Sunday evening after a glorious day of Praise. On the opening page of Chapter Six, Matt Redman recounts this historic tale:
"The year is 1744. Hymn writer, Charles Wesley is in Leeds, England, holding a prayer meeting in an upstairs room. Suddenly, there is a creak in the floorboards, followed by a massive crack, and the whole floor collapses. All 100 people crash right through the ceiling into the room below. The place is in chaos - some are screaming, some are crying, some just sit in shock.
But as the dust settles, Wesley, wounded and lying in a heap cries out, "Fear not! The Lord is with us. Our lives are all safe."
And then he breaks out into the Doxology: Praise God from whom all blessings flow" - perhaps a bizarre choice of song, considering what just happened.
But here's the point: While everyone else was still licking their wounds, the heart of this unstoppable worshipper, was responding with unshakable praise!
(this photo is of a Shaker Worship House in Pleasant Hill, Ky.)
Pandora
I haven't talked for awhile about PANDORA. Those of you who are new to the Praise Choir should check out www.pandora.com. It streams a playlist to you based on artists that you select. The song list that they feed is absolutely awesome. And ... it's FREE. Check it out and let me know if you like it.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Living knowing our victory
Reading Max Lucado's book on Grace, Daily Morning and Evening devotional, today's word was about assurance of Victory. And he says, "If you have no faith in the future, then you have no power in the present. If you have no faith in the life beyond, your life on earth is powerless. If you believe in the future and are assured of victory, then there should be a dance to your step and a smile on your face". Why am I always smiling? Because My God is great! :)
Then we're asked to remind ourselves of many victories our God has given us! Are we smiling?
I live my life purposely trying my very hardest to enjoy every moment- and in doing that it makes me happy. I think if we are thankful, have a giving heart, seek God daily and love others....we are on our path to finding and exploring our life's purpose....and finding inner happiness. Let's celebrate our victory of our promise from God.
I feel that being in the Praise Choir has enhanced my life tremendously and is aiding my walk with Christ towards growth.
Love you all my pweeps! :) Looking forward to rehearsal Wednesday!
Michelle-
Then we're asked to remind ourselves of many victories our God has given us! Are we smiling?
I live my life purposely trying my very hardest to enjoy every moment- and in doing that it makes me happy. I think if we are thankful, have a giving heart, seek God daily and love others....we are on our path to finding and exploring our life's purpose....and finding inner happiness. Let's celebrate our victory of our promise from God.
I feel that being in the Praise Choir has enhanced my life tremendously and is aiding my walk with Christ towards growth.
Love you all my pweeps! :) Looking forward to rehearsal Wednesday!
Michelle-
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday - still enjoying it!
I'm still enjoying the morning of praise that we had yesterday. Isn't it great to be in the Praise Choir? Most Brookwood people only get to enjoy the praise and worship in one service. We get to relish it in three services. Sweet!
It's one of those realities that is apparent in so many ways. The one who serves receives the greatest blessing. We are blessed.
I'll look forward to seeing you Wednesday.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Sunday - I am pumped!!
I am PUMPED about Sunday! I went to the praise band rehearsal last night to be sure that I'm in sync with what they are doing. It was awesome. When we put it all together on Sunday, it will have the potential to be amazing.
I hope that we are all prepared spiritually so we can open our hearts to God in praise, surrender to Him, and watch the Holy Spirit move in. When He moves in, it will be AMAZING! Please, prepare yourself in prayer.
Reminders: (1) I'll be in Pod I at 6:30 AM. I'd like you to be there for warm ups at 6:45 AM. Then we need to be on the blacktop ready to sing at 7:00 AM. (2) We are wearing all black this week.
I hope that we are all prepared spiritually so we can open our hearts to God in praise, surrender to Him, and watch the Holy Spirit move in. When He moves in, it will be AMAZING! Please, prepare yourself in prayer.
Reminders: (1) I'll be in Pod I at 6:30 AM. I'd like you to be there for warm ups at 6:45 AM. Then we need to be on the blacktop ready to sing at 7:00 AM. (2) We are wearing all black this week.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Prayer Requests
1. Pray for the sale of Rob Wharton's house. It sounds like he may have someone looking at the house TONIGHT!
2. Pray for Gladys' granddaughter. It sounds like she is like a lot of us ... not created for the traditional school room environment.
3. Pray for the family that needs a van for their son. Dave mentioned this one last night.
4. Pray for Sonya's mother.
5. Pray for Dennis, Dawn, and April ... still between jobs.
6. Pray for my oldest son. He got laid off in the downturn and is getting very discouraged.
2. Pray for Gladys' granddaughter. It sounds like she is like a lot of us ... not created for the traditional school room environment.
3. Pray for the family that needs a van for their son. Dave mentioned this one last night.
4. Pray for Sonya's mother.
5. Pray for Dennis, Dawn, and April ... still between jobs.
6. Pray for my oldest son. He got laid off in the downturn and is getting very discouraged.
How can Something so Familiar Seem so New?
Growing up in the sweet little church family of Wesley Grove United Methodist Church in Cordova, SC, I probably sang the Doxology close to 572 times (yes, I calculated it). But in all those times, the sad truth is I didn’t really get what I was singing about. It was tradition. I grew up hearing Bible verses and going to Sunday school. My parents made me go and even wear a dress (ugh!), but my heart was far from God. But the seeds were planted and over time, God did what only He can do… pierced through my bubble of religiosity and taught me what it meant to have a relationship with Him. Wow… what a difference! It’s almost funny to me now how something so familiar (The Doxology) can seem so new. The way God can transform a heart is really amazing. Some of the people that will be in the congregation this Sunday will have sung the Doxology hundreds of times and some will have shadows that never darkened the door before. My prayer is that God will meet each one where they are and reveal to them that He’s the one from whom all blessings flow. I also pray that God’s transforming power will be present in our praises (how’s that for alliteration)…and that this Sunday will be the break-through day for someone when all things become new.
I love y'all,
Sharyn
I love y'all,
Sharyn
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Check out Adam's article on Brookwood Worship
Adam has posted a great article on his blog about how we do worship at Brookwood from a more technical perspective. Here is a link ...
Adam's Blog Post
Ride to choir
Sonya is looking for a ride to choir rehearsal this week. If you are interested in giving her a ride, give me a call and I'll fill you in on the details. Thanks.
Don's Idol Experience Adventure
Be sure to check out Don Chapman's adventure at the opening of Disney's American Idol Experience. Here's the link to his story ... The Adventures of Don Chapman
Monday, February 16, 2009
Grace Walk
If you volunteered to bring a copy of Grace Walk for Carole Gibson (for her small group study), she asks that you please bring it to choir this Wednesday evening. Your copy of the book will be returned after the study is over, so please put your name inside the front cover!
Thanks!
Thanks!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The Power of Praise
By Steve Fry.
This is pasted from PraiseChartsLive -- http://www.praisecharts.com/live/articles/496/1/The-Power-of-Praise/Page1.html
Praise Opens Us To Faith
The great enemy of praise, and the root of complaining, is unbelief. One of the reasons God so abhorred the murmuring of Israel was that He knew it would engender a “culture of complaint.” It seems so harmless to grumble about life’s inconveniences like the neighbor’s dog, the stock market’s dip, or the boss’s surly attitude. Little comments mumbled under our breath like these almost seem therapeutic in a way. At least we have “gotten it off our chest.” At least we have externalized our emotions rather than internalizing them.
But complaining leads to frustration, rudeness, and impatience. In fact, impatience seems to feed off the tiny little complaints we spew. Complaining seems to reinforce the realities by which we are frustrated. We become rude, irritable, self-focused. And ultimately imprisoned by the feelings of confinement, powerlessness, and discouragement that grumbling tends to reinforce. But God invites us to praise Him, because it frees us. For to praise Him is to affirm His control over the world – and if He is in control, why worry? Praise is the recognition of His sovereignty, which infuses our lives with joy unspeakable.
Praise opens us to wisdom. When the Psalmist summons us to praise God because He is in control of all things, he is drawing a relationship between our praise and the recognition of God’s sovereignty. If we truly believe that He holds the whole world in His hands, then we’ll be more apt to praise and thank Him. The converse is true as well. If I find my praises mute or catch myself “stumbling over my grumbling”, it may signal that somewhere I have lost my confidence in God. Perhaps seduced by a cultural mindset that puts such a high premium on free choice that, over time and very subtly, I have come to believe that my freedom is greater than God’s power.
We want to believe in God’s overriding control, but often feel vulnerable to others’ bad choices. If only our employer hadn’t done that, if only our spouse hadn’t done this, and so forth. This is especially true when it comes to our bad choices. We feel disqualified because of repeated sins and bad judgments.
“Just praise me,” the Lord would say, “And see if I don’t reveal the ways of my sovereignty. Praise me and see if I don’t ‘make sense out of life’ to you.” Indeed, He does work all things together for good (Rms. 8:28). God’s invitation to us to praise Him in all things, to rejoice and again rejoice, is an open invitation to wisdom! Complaining shuts us off from this wisdom. Thus life seems to be random and we often feel victimized by others’ actions and choices, which seem to retard our game plan and jeopardize our joy.
Praise opens us to faith. To praise God is to recognize that He is in absolute control. Others’ choices cannot keep us from our destiny. Even our wrong choices cannot keep us from our destiny as long as we “come into the light”, repent of them and go on. In fact, it’s not our bad choices that keep us from our destiny, but rather blindness to God’s redeeming power! Remember, to say that God is our Redeemer is to say that what has been lost – the missed opportunity, the lost time, the broken relationship – can be recovered. Not always in the ways we expect, but always in ways that remind us that our ultimate destiny in Him cannot be jeopardized – if we stay tender to His grace.
Praise opens our eyes to where God is already working, and makes us spiritually alert. Just as caffeine seems to “waken us”, so praise stimulates our spiritual senses. Complaining is a downer. There may be a short, momentary pleasure in it. But, like an addict on drugs, the long-term affect dulls us spiritually. Praise heightens our sensitivity, opens us up to creativity, and renders us alert to the whispers of God. So, when in doubt, praise.
This is pasted from PraiseChartsLive -- http://www.praisecharts.com/live/articles/496/1/The-Power-of-Praise/Page1.html
Praise Opens Us To Faith
The great enemy of praise, and the root of complaining, is unbelief. One of the reasons God so abhorred the murmuring of Israel was that He knew it would engender a “culture of complaint.” It seems so harmless to grumble about life’s inconveniences like the neighbor’s dog, the stock market’s dip, or the boss’s surly attitude. Little comments mumbled under our breath like these almost seem therapeutic in a way. At least we have “gotten it off our chest.” At least we have externalized our emotions rather than internalizing them.
But complaining leads to frustration, rudeness, and impatience. In fact, impatience seems to feed off the tiny little complaints we spew. Complaining seems to reinforce the realities by which we are frustrated. We become rude, irritable, self-focused. And ultimately imprisoned by the feelings of confinement, powerlessness, and discouragement that grumbling tends to reinforce. But God invites us to praise Him, because it frees us. For to praise Him is to affirm His control over the world – and if He is in control, why worry? Praise is the recognition of His sovereignty, which infuses our lives with joy unspeakable.
Praise opens us to wisdom. When the Psalmist summons us to praise God because He is in control of all things, he is drawing a relationship between our praise and the recognition of God’s sovereignty. If we truly believe that He holds the whole world in His hands, then we’ll be more apt to praise and thank Him. The converse is true as well. If I find my praises mute or catch myself “stumbling over my grumbling”, it may signal that somewhere I have lost my confidence in God. Perhaps seduced by a cultural mindset that puts such a high premium on free choice that, over time and very subtly, I have come to believe that my freedom is greater than God’s power.
We want to believe in God’s overriding control, but often feel vulnerable to others’ bad choices. If only our employer hadn’t done that, if only our spouse hadn’t done this, and so forth. This is especially true when it comes to our bad choices. We feel disqualified because of repeated sins and bad judgments.
“Just praise me,” the Lord would say, “And see if I don’t reveal the ways of my sovereignty. Praise me and see if I don’t ‘make sense out of life’ to you.” Indeed, He does work all things together for good (Rms. 8:28). God’s invitation to us to praise Him in all things, to rejoice and again rejoice, is an open invitation to wisdom! Complaining shuts us off from this wisdom. Thus life seems to be random and we often feel victimized by others’ actions and choices, which seem to retard our game plan and jeopardize our joy.
Praise opens us to faith. To praise God is to recognize that He is in absolute control. Others’ choices cannot keep us from our destiny. Even our wrong choices cannot keep us from our destiny as long as we “come into the light”, repent of them and go on. In fact, it’s not our bad choices that keep us from our destiny, but rather blindness to God’s redeeming power! Remember, to say that God is our Redeemer is to say that what has been lost – the missed opportunity, the lost time, the broken relationship – can be recovered. Not always in the ways we expect, but always in ways that remind us that our ultimate destiny in Him cannot be jeopardized – if we stay tender to His grace.
Praise opens our eyes to where God is already working, and makes us spiritually alert. Just as caffeine seems to “waken us”, so praise stimulates our spiritual senses. Complaining is a downer. There may be a short, momentary pleasure in it. But, like an addict on drugs, the long-term affect dulls us spiritually. Praise heightens our sensitivity, opens us up to creativity, and renders us alert to the whispers of God. So, when in doubt, praise.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Happy Valentines
I hope you have a happy Valentines Day. Do something sweet for someone you love.
Right now I'm on a little "get away" with my sweety. Having a great time.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Don
Don is having a great time at Disney World at the opening of the American Idol Experience. He's been hanging out with some famous people. He sat next to Phil Stacey at the show. Here is with Harvey from the Celebrity Fit Club. I think he's doing a little recruiting for the Brookwood Praise Choir.
Thank you from Holly
Holly sent a thank you note to the choir via Alba. Alba wanted to be sure that we all got a chance to see it asked that I post the text on the blog ...
THE CARD:
HOLLY'S NOTE:
Thanks to all of you, for your thoughts, for your prayers, and the dinners. It is truly amazing to know that so many people in my life can be so giving and caring, especially in this day and age, with the world the way it is. I am blessed and truly proud to call all of you family.
Love, Holly, Chris, Christopher, and Brendan
THE CARD:
YOUR THOUGHTFULNESS IS A REFLECTION OF GOD'S LOVE.
-- BY HELEN STEINER RICE
WHEN SOMEONE DOES A KINDNESS, IT ALWAYS SEEMS TO ME , THAT'S THE WAY GOD UP IN HEAVEN WOULD LIKE US ALL TO BE. FOR WHEN WE BRING SOME PLEASURE TO ANOTHER HUMAN HEART, WE HAVE FOLLOWED IN HIS FOOTSTEPS AND WE'VE HAD A LITTLE PART IN SERVING HIM WHO LOVES US-- FOR I'M VERY SURE IT'S TRUE THAT IN SERVING THOSE AROUND US, WE SERVE AND PLEASE HIM TOO.
Your thoughtfulness meant much more than any words can say. Thank you very much.
HOLLY'S NOTE:
Thanks to all of you, for your thoughts, for your prayers, and the dinners. It is truly amazing to know that so many people in my life can be so giving and caring, especially in this day and age, with the world the way it is. I am blessed and truly proud to call all of you family.
Love, Holly, Chris, Christopher, and Brendan
Update on Wayne
As you know, Wayne had surgery a couple of weeks ago. I heard yesterday that he had a stent put in yesterday and is doing well. I'll let you know more when I hear more. Keep him in your prayers.
Rehearsal Notes
Rehearsal last night was pretty amazing. It's like we have almost instantly moved to a new level. Wow! Thanks for your humble hearts and your hard work. I hope you feel, as I do, that God is doing something special in our group. I don't know exactly what He has in store for us, but I'm up for it! How about you?
In your own personal rehearsal this week, I ask that you focus attention on two things. (1) Memorize lyrics. The less we have to depend on the confidence monitors, the better we will sing. (2) Study and rehearse the transitions between sections in Today is the Day and Love the Lord Your God. Last night I noticed, in our final run thru, that we sounded powerful in the main sections of songs, but when we moved into a new section, for example for a chorus to a bridge, we sounded weak. Once we got into the new section it was great. The transition, however, was a problem. I suspect that happens because not all of us are sure where we are in the song and what we are supposed to be singing in the transition. Study in on your own so you can sing confidently through each transition.
Do you pray daily for our group? Let's all do that. Talk with God about what he has in store for us. Ask Him to deepen our ministry. Pray for each other.
I can hardly wait for rehearsal next week!
In your own personal rehearsal this week, I ask that you focus attention on two things. (1) Memorize lyrics. The less we have to depend on the confidence monitors, the better we will sing. (2) Study and rehearse the transitions between sections in Today is the Day and Love the Lord Your God. Last night I noticed, in our final run thru, that we sounded powerful in the main sections of songs, but when we moved into a new section, for example for a chorus to a bridge, we sounded weak. Once we got into the new section it was great. The transition, however, was a problem. I suspect that happens because not all of us are sure where we are in the song and what we are supposed to be singing in the transition. Study in on your own so you can sing confidently through each transition.
Do you pray daily for our group? Let's all do that. Talk with God about what he has in store for us. Ask Him to deepen our ministry. Pray for each other.
I can hardly wait for rehearsal next week!
Lead Worshippers
Thank you for allowing me to share with you all last night. John is one of my favorite Gospels and I wanted to tap a point home. Whether standing on a stage singing our hearts out, praying for those in the congregation to follow, or walking down the street in a hurry, oblivious to all thats around us, it's God's intention for us to be more like his Son, and our Saviour.
Jesus said: (John 10:14) "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—"
And he meant that he is the pastor, the tender of the flock.... the "lead worshipper." Sheep in this reference, are not animals, but His Children. He knows us all, by name, by cell count, by spirit, and where He leads, we shall follow.
And in an effort to be Christ Like in this life, its up to us as Lead Worshipers to be pastors (pastores).... knowing the flock, by name, by heart, by spirit? Possible? I don't think so, as I have over 100 friends on Facebook, and couldn't name them all.
But.
That won't get in the way, of leading worship, no matter the form, in my Heart, My Soul, My Mind. And doing so in an unpredictable manner.
We can't know whats going to happen next. That would make life predictable, and in my opinion, pretty dang boring.
Why should we worship that way?
I love you all.
God's Mercy and Grace cover you, and give you peace.
Jesus said: (John 10:14) "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—"
And he meant that he is the pastor, the tender of the flock.... the "lead worshipper." Sheep in this reference, are not animals, but His Children. He knows us all, by name, by cell count, by spirit, and where He leads, we shall follow.
And in an effort to be Christ Like in this life, its up to us as Lead Worshipers to be pastors (pastores).... knowing the flock, by name, by heart, by spirit? Possible? I don't think so, as I have over 100 friends on Facebook, and couldn't name them all.
But.
That won't get in the way, of leading worship, no matter the form, in my Heart, My Soul, My Mind. And doing so in an unpredictable manner.
We can't know whats going to happen next. That would make life predictable, and in my opinion, pretty dang boring.
Why should we worship that way?
I love you all.
God's Mercy and Grace cover you, and give you peace.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
A Prayer For Graham
Please lift Graham up in prayer as he goes through this life event:
"The pharmacy gave me the wrong strength of coumadin and I have spent the last 24 hours in the emergency room and Dr.'s office trying to get my blood back to an acceptable clotting range. It looks like I will have to miss rehearsal this week. Sorry but it's just one of those things life puts in your way so you have to deal with it." - Graham
"The pharmacy gave me the wrong strength of coumadin and I have spent the last 24 hours in the emergency room and Dr.'s office trying to get my blood back to an acceptable clotting range. It looks like I will have to miss rehearsal this week. Sorry but it's just one of those things life puts in your way so you have to deal with it." - Graham
Something to think about
I read a good quote today.
No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.
- Robert Frost
I think this applies to what we do. What do you think? I welcome your comments.
No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.
- Robert Frost
I think this applies to what we do. What do you think? I welcome your comments.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Prayer Requests
Remember to pray for Holly today. She is having gall bladder surgery.
Sonya asked us to continue to pray for her mother who is experiencing seizures. The doctors think they know what is going on. She also asked that we pray for her niece who is trying out for the softball team. She's made the first cut and the final cuts will be made on Friday.
Sonya asked us to continue to pray for her mother who is experiencing seizures. The doctors think they know what is going on. She also asked that we pray for her niece who is trying out for the softball team. She's made the first cut and the final cuts will be made on Friday.
Easter
Here is our service schedule for Easter.
Saturday, April 11 - 4 and 5:30 PM
Sunday, April 12 - 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30 AM
We will have a THURSDAY technical rehearsal that week rather than our regular Wednesday rehearsal.
Saturday, April 11 - 4 and 5:30 PM
Sunday, April 12 - 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30 AM
We will have a THURSDAY technical rehearsal that week rather than our regular Wednesday rehearsal.
Rehearsal Notes
Last night's rehearsal was simply awesome. Thank you for working so diligently and responding so positively to what we are doing. You are sounding fabulous!!
Let's be sure to thankRay Jackson for his willingness to come to our rehearsal and work on the micing. It is going to be a huge benefit to us.
This week, please, work to memorize the words to at least the choruses of all of the songs we are doing. Having them by memory will help us to sing with more confidence.
Let's be sure to thankRay Jackson for his willingness to come to our rehearsal and work on the micing. It is going to be a huge benefit to us.
This week, please, work to memorize the words to at least the choruses of all of the songs we are doing. Having them by memory will help us to sing with more confidence.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Prayer Request
Keep Lisa Chappell in your prayers. She left this morning early to go to Augusta, Georgia to the University of Georgia Medical College for a health evaluation. The UGA Medical College has accepted her for the kidney transplant program. Today she has a general health evaluation to make sure that she is physically fit to be added to the transplant list. Lisa’s kidney function is currently at 10% so she will have to go on dialysis very soon.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Upside Down
Rob sent this link to a pretty amazing video. Be sure that you watch the entire 2 minute 16 second video.
http://media.creativepastors.com/mediapreviews/index.php?stream=Upside_Down_MPEG1
http://media.creativepastors.com/mediapreviews/index.php?stream=Upside_Down_MPEG1
Worthless but Interesting Information
Ever wondered how to bake a cake in a mug? Check out this link ...
You do this in a microwave oven!! It would be a kick to do at work in the breakroom. Wouldn't that create a buzz around the office?
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