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