Sunday, May 11, 2008

What made me happy this Sunday?

Well, my mom was with us for Sunday service and that made me happy.  This is the first Sunday that she has been with us since we have moved to Illinois.  She was really impressed with the congregation’s friendliness.  I have said it before- it is our biggest asset. 

The attendance made me happy.  We looked pretty good.

The look of the sanctuary made me happy.  As we entered the buidling, we were greeted by smiley faces in the windows.  Four happy face posters (thank you Polly) ushered us into the sanctuary.  The platform looked so cool.  Smiley face balloons, beachballs, furniture and knick-knacks were everywhere.  It was festive.

The attitude of the congregation made me happy.  There was a good spirit Sunday.

The prelude made me happy.  Lively and festive- great job Mike.

The story of the Pig of Happiness made me very happy.  The pig chose happiness and developed so much of it that it leaked out to all the other pigs and onto the other farm animals as well.  What a great story. 

The congregational singing made me happy.  The praise songs were great.    I love “Shout to the North.”

Marcia’s Moment in Mission made me happy.  To be reminded that mission is who we are and what we are about is important for us to hear.

The sanctuary choir made me happy.  Their song was wonderfully done.  Many churches don’t have choirs anymore and it is exciting to see this group who week after week work hard to prepare and then share God’s word in song.

Shelby’s song made me happy.  The song itself is moving, and her rendition was great.  She is a very talented young lady and I can’t wait to hear more from her.

RuthAnn’s basket message always makes me happy.  It is a highlight of the service.  And the kids were great.  I talked to them at breakfast about staying off the platform because of the temptation to mess with all the stuff, and they responded wonderfully.

The puppets made me happy.  The black light puppets are so funny.  They did a good job with the song and the acrobatics cracked me up.

I was happy with the message.  I think I made the points I was hoping to make.  As we spend a few weeks in Matthew 5 - 7 (the Sermon on the Mount), I wanted to emphasize the importance of these chapters as fundament to understanding Jesus’ teaching about the Kingdome of heaven.  Hence, the idea that the Sermon on the Mount is reflective of Jesus’ stump speech- his ongoing teaching.  In particular, we looked on the Beatitudes.  Jesus focuses on what makes us feel blessed, happy, fulfilled.  Interestingly, it is not the stuff most of us would list.  Rather, it is the recognition that if we take Jesus seriously, life changes and the facts of life, the circumstances of life, are not the stuff that bring us joy or happiness.  It is life lived in the presence of God.

I was happy that Samantha, Shelby, Kailey and Joel chose to make public professions of faith at the end of the service.  Now, it is the congregation’s responsibility to nurture them through our words, actions, and prayers.

It was a happy day.  What about you- what made you happy?  Feel free to share a comment- it would make me happy!

Steve 

may 4, 2008

ahh, a fascinating Sunday morning.  One person commented that my sermon was “interesting.”  I said ”thank you,” but I am not sure I was being complimented.

We were trying to build the service around the temptation story in Matthew 4.  Using the title “Toe to Toe” we developed boxing imagery for the day.  I constructed a partial boxing ring on the platform, had gym equipment scattered around, and dressed the part of a trainer for the message.  I thought the metaphor worked very well.  In fact, I thought the metaphor worked better than the sermon itself.  The message, including “Rocky” clips, was that we are more prepared to go toe to toe with temptation if we have trained.  We train by developing a relationship with God and by serving people. 

Mike’s prelude was cool!  Very big.

The choir introduced us to the table as we gathered to share communion. 

I was in and out of the sanctuary through some of the other elements but things sounded wonderful.  Marcia’s song was beautiful, the praise team sounded very good, the children’s sermon was excellent, and I liked the way Mike stopped the instrument on “Sanctuary.”  It was very powerful as the congregation sang those great words without accompaniment.

One of the cool things in the service was the powerpoint during the scripture reading.  Bob put it together and it was really helpful in highlighting the experience of Jesus in the desert.

I look forward to your comments.

Next week is mother’s day and our theme is “Be Happy.”  It should be a great day!

Steve

4-28-2008

I thought today’s service was pretty cool.

Granted, it took a few moments for some folks to get over the anxiety that came when there weren’t bulletins being passed out before the service.  The necessity of bulletins has always confused me a little.  In a lot of ways, it seems like a waste of paper, and yet, panic sets in if we don’t have them. 

The service began with Mike’s “good news” prelude.  As it ended, several “newsies”  came down the aisles passing out “The Decatur Sun,”  the bulletin dressed up like a newspaper.  The call to worship focused on the life of the newsies, a group of young people who made their living in bigger cities by selling newspapers.  Their profit depended on the selling of their newspapers, so creativity was a must as they barked out the news, “Extra! Extra! Read all about it.”  The thrust of the call to worship was that we have good news to share.

From there, the service unfolded.

The choir number was wonderful. 

The bell choir piece was great.  They will now take a break through the summer.  I have appreciated their hard work throughout the year.  Thank you bell choir.

Praise team lead us in a sweet time of worship.  We had them on the floor again this week.  I still can’t decide if I prefer them up or down (when they are up, they are more visible but further away from the congregation). 

The children’s message was worth a second listen.  We are called to be samples of Jesus.  That message is not just for the kiddos, but for all of us.   How can you be a sample of Jesus to the people you encounter every day?

The message of the morning “Don’t believe your own press clippings?”, was intended to remind us of one simple fact- Jesus is Lord.  Everything that we have going for us, all of our churchiness, all the accolades that we hear, don’t change the fact that He is Lord and we are servants.  I thought it connected.  What did you think?

Let me know what you thought of the day.  And feel free to give a critique of the articles in the “Decatur Sun.” Be sure to post a comment.

Steve

Oh, by the way, communion is this coming Sunday and will happen early in worship.  If you are a late arriver, you might want to be aware of that.

 

 

 

 

april 20, 2008

It was kind of weird, wasn’t it.  Here we are in april and yet the music wafting out of the sanctuary sounds distinctively Christmas like. 

In our series, “Jesus 101,” this past Sunday was the day we focused on Jesus’ birth (from the gospel of Matthew).  Since we have heard the story so many times, I chose to focus on a passage that many of us know, but we tend to skip over during the Christmas season.  The passage deals with the death of all those babies in Bethlehem and the forced “refugee” status of Joseph, Mary and Jesus.  We used the passage to talk about the other side of Christmas; the side not acknowledged in sweet carols, yummy dinners, happy childrens’ programs and the like.  The other side of Christmas is the dark side, where people struggle and hurt and wonder when “joy to the world” will come to them.

I thought the message was important for us to hear.  As I was delivering it, however, it struck me that it was especially heavy.  This particular message doesn’t motivate us to jump up and down in joy, but it does remind us that the ugly of life visits each of us and that God is still present and working in the midst of it.

What did you think of the message?  Too heavy? 

The worship leading up to the message was planned as a service we would have during advent.  Many of you wore red or green (cool) and the music and media and children’s message were all Christmas-themey.

Erin’s song was beautiful.  Her voice filled the sanctuary.

Ruth Ann’s Children’s sermon was delightful.  Watching her interact with the kids is so neat.  She handles them so well and shares the neatest messages.

The choir’s song was very cool.  I missed seeing their faces and expressions since they were on the floor facing the front, but the song was great.

I liked the worship team down on the floor!  They were so close to the congregaton that there was a real a sense of intimacy.  It did make them harder to see however, and they provide leadership in singing not just with voices and instruments but also with their bodies.  What do you think?  Up on top or on the floor?

Mike played wonderfully.  We have come to expect that to such a degree that we may take for granted the immense talent in our presence.  Mike, you may have to mess up once in a while for us to be reminded of how good you are!

A big thank you to Adam and Bob for their work in the back.  As we try new things and strive to be creative, it puts pressure on these guys to know what’s what and when’s when.  Sound and media are difficult tasks and Bob, Adam, and Barb, and John do a wonderful job for us.  Kudos.

Let me know what you thought of this week’s service.

Steve

april 13, 2008 - Oh Jonah

What an amazing day!

The children did an awesome job with Oh Jonah.  I was so proud of each and every one of them. 

Rather than write about the service, I am just opening the door for you to write your comments about the day and the adventure that was Oh Jonah.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Steve

april 6, 2008

Who is Jesus?  That is the question we will seek to answer in the coming weeks (months) as we begin a study in Matthew’s gospel.  This past Sunday was the introduction to the series.   The sermon was intended to pose more questions than answers.   It may have left some uncomfortable in that we like our messages wrapped up neatly (3 points and a conclusion we can grab hold of).  One of the many things I am learning about Jesus is that He is not neatly wrapped up in points and conclusions.  The personal work I have been doing in preparation for this series has been life transforming for me.  I am of stronger conviction on many things about Jesus than i ever was before, and in some areas, my long held thoughts have been challenged to the core.

It has already been a great series for me, and we have only shared the first message.

Apart from the sermon, last Sunday’s worship was great.  Good energy, good singing, good fellowship.  The communion segment (from the prelude to the song after communion) was powerful.  The time we take to celebrate the supper is special to me in that it creates forced reflection.  I tend not to reflect much anymore (got to get on to the next thing) so communion forces me to breathe, think, reflect, pray.

What parts of the service spoke to your heart?  I am looking forward to your comments.

steve

This Sunday is “O Jonah.”  Our children, along with kids in the neighborhood and from Muscademy present a musical based on “Jonah.”  Just for fun, read the bible story before you come.  Come on, you can do it -  4 chapters that cover two pages.  See you Sunday

sunday, march 23, 2008

A very cool day today. Our youth blessed us with a sunrise service at 7:00 and a breakfast at 8:00.  What is up with the black light puppets?  They were hilarious.   We have some kids with amazing talent and great energy and we need to support and encourage them at every turn.  Great job guys. 

On to resurrection worship at 9:00.  Good stuff.   

The music: 

The prelude was wonderful.  The bell choir did a piece that led us from Gethsemane to the empty tomb.  I loved the end of it.  Very powerful.  It helped set up a very inspiring service. 

The choir music rocked.  “The Tomb is Open Wide” was upbeat and powerful and the choir sounded great.  I had heard that the song had the potential to be very cool and I though it reached its potential.   

Mike’s offertory was super.  He does such an awesome job; this congregation has found a special treasure in him .   

We sang the normal Easter fare- “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”, “Christ Arose” and “Because He Lives.”  There was lots of energy as we sang and the congregation sounded good. 

The praise team sounded really good today and the songs fit the service well.  Having a full compliment of instruments: guitar, bass, keyboard and drums sounds good.  Vocally, the team blended well and helped lead the rest of us to sing our praises.

Lessons from the Basket.  Ruth Ann  shared a great truth that we are priceless in God’s sight and the resurrection emphasizes his amazing love for us.  Her use of the game show “The Price is Right” was great and the kids soaked it up.  It was exciting to see that many kids up there.

 The theme: Our theme today was Open Doors.  From the image on the screen to the opening words about the 25 doors in my house to the choir song, “The Tomb is Open Wide,” to the story about Jason finding open doors at the Christian Center to the scripture reading to the singing of the “People Need the Lord” chorus to the video clip from “Get Smart” to the message with a prop door on the platform, our goal was to focus on the doors that have been opened because of Jesus’ resurrection- the doors to life, hope and purpose. 

I thought it worked really well.  I was really pleased.  I am curious to hear how you responded to the whole day.  Let me know. 

The atmosphere: There was a great spirit in the sanctuary today.  It was powerful. 

I was especially excited about our youth and kids.  They seemed to have a lot of fun in worship today.  The group on the front row looked like they were enjoying themselves immensely as they sang and clapped and did motions to the music.  I love their enthusiasm and joy.  Thank you guys so much for blessing me today!!!!

steve  

march 19, 2008

Its Wednesday and I am just now sitting down to blog about Sunday.  And to be honest, with all the planning that goes into Holy Week, I have to be reminded of what happened last Sunday.

I began the service underwhelmed as our attendance seemed so low.  Folks settled in and we ended up close to our average attendance but we were teeny in the beginning. 

I was quickly heartened, however, by the spirit and thrust of worship.  The metaphor for the day was “treasure” and our goal was to enlighten in all of us the need to seek the treasure that God has prepared for us.  By treasure, I do not mean some material gain or even some spiritual high; by treasure, I mean life in the presence of God- knowing Christ and sharing in the life He desires to live in us.

The music Sunday was incredible. 

The praise team lead us in some great music and the congregation sang well.   I was blessed.

Our choir has been rocking lately and Sunday was no exception.  My understanding is that their Easter music is really cool! 

Judi sang one of my favorite songs from the PK movement.   She did a great job and words to the song are powerful.

All I once held dear built my life upon

All this world reveres, and wars to own

All I once thought gain I have counted loss

Spent and worthless now, compared to this 

Knowing you, Jesus knowing you

There is no greater thing

You’re my all you’re the best

You’re my joy, my righteousness

And I love you ,lord 

Now my heart’s desire is to know you more

To be found in you, and known as yours

To possess by faith what I could not earn

All surpassing gift of righteousness

Tell me what you thought of the service?  Anything speak to you or move you to decision?  If you want to comment, click on “comment” and share your thoughts.

Coming up this week:

Maundy Thursday @ 6:30 -  We have a neat service planned that we hope will lead us into a experience with the spirit of God.

Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday @ 1:00 - activities, puppets and egg hunting.  Bring the kids and grandkids and neighborhood kids.

Easter Sunday-

Sunrise Service at 7:00 a.m.  Our youth share with us in this special service.  Be there as we share a great day together.

Breakfast @ 8:00.  Our youth are preparing some breakfast for us.

Resurrection Worship @ 9:00.  It is going to be a special day and a special service.  the theme is “open doors” and I hope you will come with your heart prepared for blessing.

Sunday School @ 10:30.  An hour of study after a great time of worship.

Join us Sunday and invite someone to come with you.

sunday, march 2, 2008

Aaaarrrrgggghhhh!!!!!  Sometimes I drive me crazy.  We had a neat service planned today. I knew time would be an issue, but rather than plan correctly, I rushed my message in a way that left me feeling like I hadn’t communicated at all.  I felt like I missed an opportunity to dig into an amazing passage, I undertold my stories, did not tie things together well, and totally messed up John Perkins “marks of an authentic church” (which is worthy of looking at again).  Oh well, there is always next week.

The service itself was really good. 

I was pleased that so many folks chose to wear clothes cheering on their favorite baseball teams.  It helped create the opening day spirit I was hoping for.  Mike’s work on the organ with the vamp (the familiar music heard in ball parks when rallies are needed) and “Take me out to the ball game” helped create a festive mood.

RuthAnn’s clever children’s sermon about playing softball was a homerun (not that she could hit one).

My biggest concern today was how to do the baseball theme with the sacredness of communion.  So we basically split the service, creating a solemn beginning (thank you choir for a wonderfully worshipful song) for communion, and then amping up the rest of the service.  I thought it worked really well.

A special thanks to Margee for her song during the offertory.  It was a wonderful piece that allowed me to just relax, sit back, and worship.

Just a word of thanks to our media folks working hard in the room through the back window.  We couldn’t get it done without Adam, Bob, and Barb back there.  Thank you so much.

I am looking forward to your comments!

february 17, 2008

Worship was fun today!  I know the word “fun” is an inappropriate modifier in some people’s minds but I can’t think of a better word to use.  The air was electric, folks were enthused, the spirit was hovering- it was fun.

 Things began with an organ prelude that absolutely “rocked.”  It is a shame that it is during the prelude that so many of us are just finding our seats because Mike’s work on the organ is worth a concentrated listen.

After the ‘lude, Mike broke into the University of Illinois fight song (I lobbied for the Purdue fight song).  As he played, nine of us, pom poms in hand stormed the stage to lead the congregation in a cheer of encouragement.  From the moment we started planning this week’s service, I had anticipated the congregation’s response to our cheer.  It would be met either with enthusiasm and joy or dead panned faces that killed the moment.  Good job guys, your response was great!  As we led the cheer, you responded wonderfully.

As we moved from the cheer to singing, the congregation sang with gusto- it sounded great.

Choir- great job on a beautiful song.

Judi- amazing on Child of God

Praise team- super job on the praise and worship stuff.   “How great is our God” was wonderful.  If at first you don’t succeed . . .

The children’s message fit the theme for the day perfectly.  RuthAnn brings so much positive energy to that time.  The bugs are slowly working their way out of the video stream and I think allowing folks who sit farther back in the sanctuary to see what’s happening during the children’s sermon is a positive.

Preaching was fun today.  I was concerned that my illustrations were a little too autobiographical but personal story is the best way I know to connect.  I hope I don’t tire people out with my stories.  The message, over and over and over, was that we need to encouarge each other.  Can we be that church?  A church that focuses on what God is doing and isn’t concerned about the pettiness of church stuff.  Can we be that church?  A church where folks encourage each other and lift each other up and walk the journey with each other.  I think we can. 

Although the primiary passage I used in the sermon was the story of Apollos and Priscilla/Aquila, a second passage that was quoted bears repeating, “Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet.  Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs.  And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other.  Look for the best in each other, and always do you best to bring it out.”  1 Thess. 5:13 (msg)   

I am looking forward to your responses.