It was another exciting day at Emmanuel and a day that the words "musical style whiplash" don't adequately cover. Too many churches and individuals focus on musical styles, rather than on Jesus! As we have tried to become all things to all men in the area of music and reach our very diverse traditional, southern community; we have implemented a broad variety into a blended style. Well... this Sunday may have topped them all.
We started the service with our Keen Choir (Sr. Citizens) and they knocked it out of the park! The congregation sang a newer song "Cover the Earth With Your Glory," an older song "Let There be Praise," and even "Because He Lives." Garrett Graham was home for the weekend and sang an accapella hymn and received a standing ovation. All of this backed with drums, electric guitar, bass, acoustic, and even auxiliary percussion. It was amazing!
If that weren't enough, our choir and drama team presented the musical, "East to West." The message and music were phenomenal! It's even more impressive when you realize that we don't even have a Worship Pastor currently on our staff! This was led by laypeople and couldn't have been better. The choir had fun, the congregation was blessed, and it had the tell-tale sign of a GREAT program --- people stayed around and talked for almost an hour after it was over!
I continued the sermon series on James and addressed a problem that had plagued the church since Paul addressed the church at Corinth. The problem is that many who call themselves believers don't behave as they claim to believe. The message focused on the aspects of receiving and applying God's truths.
God blessed us with a sweet spirit, many guests in our services, two children being dedicated, a family joined the church (2 members were baptized recently), and a couple more approaching our pastoral staff about being baptized in the weeks to come! Wow!
The icing on the cake (this whole cake seemed to be made of icing) was my observance in our Deacons meeting. Our men are praying and seeking the next Worship Pastor for Emmanuel. It spoke volumes to me as they prayed, requested more information, and made no decisions. This wasn't because they weren't capable, rather it was because they were spiritual. Too often we rush ahead of God and get ourselves into trouble. Thank you, Deacons, for waiting upon the Lord! With good lay-leadership like we have, we don't have to rush.
Lord, thanks for another great day in your house and for the privilege of leading people into your presence!
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