|
Good Day everyone!
Transported by music. Ever happen to you. Do you remember the music that played when you were in high school? Do you ever hear a specific piece of music and just think of a special person or time in your life?
Lionel Richie "All night Long" always reminds me of high school graduation, as it was the song playing as we all were bussed into Grand Valley State University field house for our all night party.
College and high school fight songs spark powerful memories and loyalty as does "taps" at a funeral, or the national anthem or God Bless America.
The other day I was you tubing dance music to let my oldest daughters hear what I was dancing to in my day, as they were trying to tell me about doing "The Dougie", a dance move popular now. They listened to my choices and were not impressed.
Can anyone argue the power of music to elicit memories, bring a range of emotions and affect our lives? What song makes you think of High School, your first dance, your parents, grade school or any other past or present moment in life????
Music has an equally powerful impact upon faith! Music has been a part of the church for 2000 plus years. Christian music spans every style of music that exists.
Is music a part of your daily life of faith? Is there special music that touches your soul deeply? Amazing grace, Silent Night, The Old Rugged Cross, I was there to hear your borning cry, All touch me and others in a powerful way.
Sunday at worship, I was especially touched by music. The special prelude music by Jenny and Sharron started it, and the choirs rendition of "Do No Nobis" reached my soul in a deep spiritual way. This past Sunday is one of my favorite all time Christmas memories being touched so deeply by the music.
Month after month our Gospel Group touches people with their music, as does our choir, bells and special music. I can not believe more people do not step forward to assist, and become part of these groups.
I ask you to connect your life and your faith today by celebrating music in all forms. Thank God for the gift of music. Enjoy the memories because of music. Pray for strength if music brings you sorrow. Pray in gratitude if it brings you joy. Celebrate it as a gift God has given many to please and entertain many. God speaks in music, so link music and God! what a simple way to connect life and faith.
I especially challenge you to examine the importance of church music, and christian music. We continually call for people to share their music with the church, and so few people act upon this.
We are in need of choir members, people that play instruments for special music, or people wanting to join our gospel group. There are many musical options. Our future growth is linked to our musical growth. We need to develop a praise band and worship team.
Music is one of the ways God speaks. Are you making a commitment to share your musical gifts? If you are interested with answering that call, contact Jenny Harding our musical director at blueblue@charter.net or call her at 737-4620.
Prayer: Dear God thank you for touching our hearts so deeply with music. Bless our worship leaders with the ability to select and share the right music for our worship services. thank you for the countless hours of effort and energy all our musicians share as a gift. Stir the hearts of all who have musical gifts that they may use those gifts to your glory. Amen.
Thank you to all that share music with our church.
Have a great week,
Pr Rob
******************************Announcements******************************
1. This Wednesday Dec. 14th at 11:00 am and 7:00 PM is our holiday blues service. Please make an effort to come and bring anyone that is struggling with any aspect of grief, loss, depression, loneliness or any other type of holiday blues. This service is to address just that issue!
2. Sunday Dec. 18th at 10:30 is the Sunday School Play which will lead our worship service. Please plan for a big crowd and plan your schedule accordingly.
|
