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.

sunday, february 3, 2008

Good stuff this morning.

It was Communion Sunday so I wore my robe and stole.  As I try to remind folks, the stole is from a great friend in El Salvador, and I wear it to remind myself and those around me that the Lord’s Supper is not only an individual act, not only a local church exercise, but a connection with the larger Body of Christ.

Before Communion, I made some opening remarks, which felt long to me, about community and this goal I have of taking Phil. 2: 1- 11 seriously as a church body.  Did it feel long to you?  Was it worth the time it took?  Do people listen to introductory stuff like that?

The service was wonderful.  Mike- great job!

The choir was outstanding as usual and their song lent itself so well to the spirit of communion.

Joan’s “Somewhere It’s Snowing” was incredible.  I had never heard that song before and was really moved by it.  To compare that snowflakes to the joy of salvation is a beautiful metaphor.  I think it will cause me to look at snow differently the next time I see it coming down.

The praise team section of worship was neat.  I know we don’t always do praise and worship on Communion Sunday but I am a big fan and thought it was great.  The songs fit the theme for the day and the praise team led us in some good singing.  I like seeing Mike out front with the Praise Team.  Having a man in the mix is a good thing.

RuthAnn blended her children’s sermon into the theme of the day remarkably well.

The message focused on the idea that we are called to capture the heart of our community.  The message didn’t feel that heavy as I prepared it but it sounded very heavy as I delivered it.  But heavy in a good way!  Did it feel heavy to you?  I ended with a question, a big time question, “If FBC closed its doors tomorrow, would anybody in the community miss us?”  I hope that question and our desire for a positive answer will be a driving force as we work on future ministries in our community.

sunday, january 27, 2008

Wow!!!!  Was anybody else blown away by Sunday’s worship time?  I thought it was incredible from start to finish. 

Mike’s prelude with the scripture scrolling on the wall was very cool. 

Even the responsive call to worship (which, isn’t my favorite thing) was awesome.  I sensed people were hearing the words they were saying- “When one suffers, we all suffer.  When one is honored, we all rejoice.”  It laid a great foundation for the theme for the day, “being a caring family.”

Following the call to worship with “How Great Thou Art” was the perfect choice-  We had just declared commonality and unity.  Why?  Because God, who is worthy, calls us together!

The Choir number was a goose bump song.  Erin and John did amazing solos and the song itself really ministered to me. 

The Bell Choir’s version of “I love you Lord,” during the offering was wonderful.  It was a lean back, close your eyes, and reflect moment.  For me, times in worship where I can chill out and close my eyes and focus on God are “good for the soul” moments.  Thank you bell choir for supplying that moment today.

The praise and worship section was particularly strong this Sunday.  Wonderful songs- “Sway Songs”- you know, the kind where you can just let your body sway back and forth as you sing and worship.   The congregation seemed to jump in and participate really well. 

RuthAnn’s children’s message was great.  I think I liked that they projected RuthAnn onto the screen during the children’s time.  We do need to get the camera set, however.  Lots of movement makes me a little sea sick.  What did you think of that addition to the service- being able to see the children’s sermon as well as hear it?  I do know that I won’t sit in the middle of the front row again, because I saw me way too much up on the screen.

I will be honest with you about the message.  While it was the kick off message for our 50 day adventure, I really believe it may be the most important message I have preached in a long time.  Let me explain.  This church is full of tremendous people who do a really great job of caring for each other.  My experience in ministry over the past three decades, however, is that many Christians have a skewed perception of what people are looking for as they look at us.  It strikes me that many of us believe that living as a Christian  means believing the right stuff, standing up against the things we are told to stand up against, attending church religiously, serving on boards and committees, using church words, avoiding bad words, avoiding the appearance of sin, etc.  My conviction is that most people are bored by our pronouncements and judgements and holier-than-they-are  attitudes.  Most people are going to be impressed by our faith not by the things we say we believe, but by the way we treat each other. So my sermon was really about treating each other in a way that reflects all the things we say we believe.  Maybe I am nuts to think that a church can live out the lifestyle that I shared in the sermon, but I really believe this church can.  It would mean changing our way of thinking a little bit.  It would mean working very hard at being positive and encouraging.  It would mean drawing a line in the sand against gossip and negative attitudes.  It would mean not caring about getting it our way.  But I really believe this church can do it.  At least I am putting all my eggs in that basket, and trusting to see some special results. 

What do you think?  Is it possible for church folks to live out Philippians 2: 1 -11?  Is it possible for us at Decatur FBC to live it out?

I am looking forward to your comments.       

“A life of Jesus” by Shusaku Endo

My son, Caleb, gave me this book for Christmas.  Endo is a novelist and I loved the book he wrote entitled, “Silence.”  It made me think seriously about what real commitment and unconditional love really mean.  Great stuff.

In this book, without footnote or study helps, Endo writes the life of Jesus in narrative form.  Obviously aware of history, deeply touched by biblical criticism and cognizant of all the controversial issues surrounding the life of Jesus, Endo dives in with a passion for the story of the Savior he has followed since he was a young boy.

Particularly interesting to me was Endo’s assertion that Jesus had been in a close relationship with John the Baptist before his baptism and that Jesus message was very different than John’s as John preached performance and Jesus preached grace.

Also of interest was the idea that most, if not all, of Jesus’ followers were looking exclusively for a military messiah and that Jesus message of “turn the other cheek” was a message that many of his contemporaries rejected.

Endo also contends that Judas’ act of betrayal and Peter’s act of denial were a glimpse of the greater fall-out on the part of all the disciples.  Endo suggests a deal was made to crucify Jesus and leave the other disciples alone.  In response to such action, Jesus words of forgiveness and grace carry even greater significance.  I personally see no reason to draw a conclusion of a larger conspiracy, but it is interesting.

Endo completes his book by asserting that the only activity that could transform the cowardly disciples into world changing evangelists was something that “rocked” their world - namely experiencing the Risen Christ.

I enjoyed the book immensely.  The primary audience of Endo’s writing are the people of his birth country.  In the opening pages, he asserts that many in his culture struggle with the concept of a macho, wrathful deity and that is  one reason why evangelism that emphasizes judgement has not been overly successful.  Endo’s intention while writing the book; therfore, was to display a Jesus of grace and love who came to bring news to folks who needed to hear some good news. 

I am now reading “I like church but. . .,” “Red letter Christians,” and “Irresistable Revolution.”

What are you reading and how is it touching you?

january 20, 2008

Who knew writing a blog would be so hard?!?  Finding the time to write some thoughts down is a challenge.  A challenge worth the effort however, especially if we can get some feedback and some good discussion can take place.

We just finished a three week series dedicated to the vision that I have proposed for fbc.  The vision points are:

1)    In the next five years, First Baptist Church will continue to grow in worship and will work to create a worship environment that is excellent, creative and visitor- friendly.       

2)  In the next five years, First Baptist Church will become a church that is intentionally family friendly.  We will work to invite, encourage, assimilate and disciple families. 

3)    In the next five years, First Baptist Church will become known as a great neighbor on the northwest edge of Decatur and in Forsyth. 

4)    In the next five years, First Baptist Church will become an agent of ministry in the city of Decatur. 

5)    In the next five years, First Baptist Church will become involved in an ongoing personal relationship with a missionary, ministry, or church somewhere outside the United States.   

6)    In the next five years, First Baptist Church will grow in grace.  We will refuse to get caught up in the culture of judgment, and we will strive to be people who follow Jesus’ pattern of acceptance, forgiveness and empowerment.  We will speak the truth, and we will speak it in love. 

7)    In the next five years, First Baptist Church will slash the amount owed on the church mortgage by 75%.         

    In the next five years, the average attendance in worship at First Baptist Church will double.   

Sunday’s service was dedicated to how we could accomplish the vision set before us.  The theme was “cowboy up.”  The term means to get ready to work, to strive, to step up and do the right thing.  My fear in response to the vision laid out is that we will talk about it ad nauseum and never really get around to pursuing it.  Therefore, the message was intended to call us out so that we can strive for the goal.

If anything, I wish we would have built more around the cowboy theme- maybe encouraged folks to dress western, to be a little more intentional about all the elements.  Our call to worship was a great folk song, “Pokey the Rodeo Clown” and we ended with “the Great Adventure,” but I thought we could have done more.

Judi did a great job with Pokey.  I have the song on vinyl but couldn’t find it on cd.  We didn’t have the music for the song, so Judi spent hours listening and re-listening to the song on the turntable so she knew it by Sunday.  Thank you Judi.

Hey Mike, the prelude rocked. 

Praise songs were great.  It was good to see Adam on the bass.

The choir song was beautiful.

Ruth Ann’s children’s sermon was “right on”  Good job Ruth Ann.

The message was ok. I have had several folks make really positive comments but I thought it could have been better.

By and large, the service went well.  What did you think?

This week we start the 50-day adventure.  Should be great fun!

january 6, 2008

Worship- what a great day!

Mike’s work on the organ and piano was wonderful.  I especially dug the monk stuff during communion and the offertory- “open the eyes of my heart”- very powerful.

Great children’s sermon as always- RuthAnn relates to our kiddos so well.

What did you think of our call to worship?  I thought it was cool, but I didn’t know if people who didn’t know “Lord of the Rings” would get it.  I think there are times we all feel like Frodo- willing to go, but not knowing where it is we are going. 

I kidded Mike this week about the title of the choir song, “in the bleak midwinter,” but it was beautiful and lead into communion perfectly.  Good pick Mike!

What did you think of the message.  It went just as I imagined it would, so I was pleased.  Did it make sense to you?   Were the movie references intermingled with biblical references too confusing?  I hope not.  I listed five movies that have the “quest” as their plot line- Lord of the Rings, Footloose, Indiana Jones, Freedom Writers and Rocky Balboa.  Can you think of others that would fit well into this category?  If you can, list them in your response.

One of the goals of the sermon was to leave folks wanting to hear details about the “vision quest” next week.  Did I achieve that goal?

Next week we will focus on the vision that I believe God is laying out for us.  Plan to be here and invite someone to come with you.  It will be a great Sunday!

I have this habit, some probably think its annoying, of commenting on how things are going during the service.  I especially focus on my flub ups and absent mindedness.  I do it to help us relax and see worship as a natural process rather than a formal exercise.  What do you think?  Annoying? Funny? Interesting? Silly?

Don’t forget the 50 Day Adventure.  Sign up for materials quickly as I have to order stuff next week.

I am looking forward to your responses.

Grace, Steve  

  

my reading list for 2008

I have selected 15 books to read this year.  I have made the decision based on 1) my preaching and teaching responsibilities and 2) my personal desire to grow in grace.  I list them here for your perusal.  As I read, I will post my reaction to what I am reading.  Your job in all of this is to respond by letting me know what you are reading and by giving your thoughts and insights.  Maybe, as we share our thoughts about the books we are reading, we will be inspired to pick up new books as we continue to strive to grow.

My book list for 2008:

-       “A life of Jesus”  by Shusaku Endo

-       “I Like Church but . . .” by J. Daniel Lupton

-       “Red Letter Christians” by Tony Campolo

-       “Beyond Charity” by John Perkins

-       “Winning on Purpose” by John Edmund Kaiser

-       “The Secret Message of Jesus” by Brian McClaren

-       “Irresistible Revolution” by Shane Claiborne

-        “Grace (Eventually)” by Anne LaMott

-       “God the Possible” by Greg Boyd

-       “The Magnificent Defeat” by Frederick Buechner

-       “Posers, Fakers, and Wannabes” by Brennen Manning

-       “Lead” by Leonard Sweet

-       “The Bible Jesus Read” by Philip Yancey

-       “American Childhood” by Anne Dillard

-        “Crazy for God” by Frank Schaeffer

steve’s sunday blog

oops.  I didn’t get anything written last week so i will try to cover the last two weeks with this posting.

First, let’s do a survery.  tell me your favorite Christmas songs and why.  And your least favorite Christmas songs and why.  After some responses I’ll share some of mine.

The sermon series this month is intended to open our eyes to the incredible depth of the grace of God.  We often confine God’s grace to people in the know, the insiders, when the story of Scripture gives us the picture of a God who reaches well beyond those in the know.  He reaches out, not only to the insiders, but to the outsiders, to the down and out, and to the alienated and misunderstood. 

Two Sundays ago we covered the invitation to the insiders.  Yesterday I spoke about the invitation to the “down and out” and used the shepherds as my starting point.  I wanted to clarify that shepherds in the first century were not an elevated group of clean cut gents; they were smelly low lifes who weren’t allowed in the temple, were barred from many towns and who had a reputation of being petty theives.  And yet, the invitation to Christ’s birth was hand delivered to these down and outers by an angel.

The truth is that most of us are down and outers.  We may cover it up well, but in our heart of hearts, in the depths of our souls, we feel as if we are not worthy of the love of God. The message to the shepherds is a message that touches us deeply- God is at work and He is inviting us to join Him.

I have appreciated the special music the last couple of weeks.  Erin sang “Breath of Heaven” and Cindy sang “Mary, Did You Know?”  Both songs are dynamite and Erin and Cindy performed them wonderfully.

The choir number yesterday was so cool.  I loved the bells.  Mike thought about changing plans because the wether resulted in some choir folks missing, but the remaining choir members talked him into doing it and it sounded great.  Did I get that story right, Mike?

The advent puppet moments with MagnifiCat have been fun.  The youth do a exceptional job with the puppets and Mike has written some delightful scripts.

I love this season and I love the special stuff that goes on, but I am missing the Praise Team.  I look forward to their return to worship leadership after Advent. 

A special word of thanks needs to go out to Becky and all the folks who helped decorate the sanctuary and church for the season.  It looks great.

Don’t forget the Harp concert Wednesday with Julia.  It will be marvelous.  I will be honest here- before I heard Julia play, I could not have imagined a concert of harp music but now I can’t wait for it.  We do lunch at 11:30 and 12:30 with the concert at 12 noon.

Also, don’t forget the Christmas Eve service on Monday, December 24.  A bell concert will begin a 6:30 and the Christmas Eve Service will commence at 7:00.  We are planning a inspiring service that will be a highlight of the Christmas celebration.  Bring a bell (if you don’t have one, we have plenty of extras) and plan to celebrate! 

One more thing, check out the vision blog and send send your comments along,  I look forward to hearing from you.