Souljourn

Currently listening to...

I love this new worship CD from Bethel Church.  We are already singing two of the songs in church (Deep Cries Out and I Exalt Thee) and I would expect a few more will be added to the mix.

 

 

Favourite hymn?

During our Thanksgiving services we sang the hymn, All Creatures of our God and King.  It is a great hymn that speaks of creation joining together in a chorus of praise to our glorious God.  Later that week at our staff meeting we were reviewing the services and I was amused to hear that some of our younger staff thought it was a song written by David Crowder (he did record this song in 2003 but it was written long before that by Francis of Assissi in 1225).

When I hear (or hum/sing) certain hymns that are like majestic anthems to God I can't help but being stirred (this happens to a lesser degree when I remember the scene from The Hunt for Red October with Sean Connery leading Russian submariners in the Russian National Anthem).  Hymns carry with them not only an emotional stirring, but a depth of theology as they speak to the character of God and His great plan of redemption.

We are going to be incorporating some hymns, and the stories behind them, in our Advent series this Christmas (starting Nov 27/28) and I would love to get your input.  What are some of your favourite hymns?

Oh, and just in case you were wondering, we will NOT be incorporating I'll Fly Away into our Advent series.

 

Sunday's coming!

I should be finishing off my sermon right now but I just had to stop for a couple minutes and tell you how excited (and expectant) I am about this coming Sunday.  All 3 of our campuses have been experiencing some amazing times of celebration and breakthrough these last few weeks and I'm fully expecting (and praying) for it to continue (please join me in this!!!)  As our family comes together in 3 separate locations ready to worship together and celebrate what God has done, is doing, and what we by faith know He will do, it is amazing.  In the atmosphere of 'preparedness & expectancy' God is able to move powerfully and freely accomplishing His purposes in our lives (as opposed to Mark 6:5).

Another reason I am so excited is because we are continuing to talk about LEGACY - what we are investing in today that will be left behind when we are gone.  My preparation for this has given me the chance to reflect back on my own heritage and upbringing and once again I am overwhelmed by God's amazing grace in my life.  I could have been born at any time, in any place and, into any family, but God saw fit to place me where I am and I am so thankful.

One last reason for my excitement (before I go back to my sermon) is that I know there are people that will gather on Sunday and respond to the leading of Holy Spirit and it will result in them beginning to establish a godly legacy.  Wherever people may come from and, whatever their background may be, God wants to, and is able to, set people free from the pain and bondage of the past and establish them on a solid foundation.  I know that as people respond to the message and the leading of Holy Spirit, that future generations will have the same opportunity as I am having to look back on their heritage and thank God!

With God's power no one has to look backward and say 'I can't', but we are able to look forward and say 'I can!'.  We are establishing, and extending, godly legacies that are going to impact the world for Christ's glory.

So now you know why I'm so excited and had to stop and share it.  I pray that those who read this will not only be excited, but will be expectant, and allow God to establish HIS LEGACY through their lives.

Boy Scouts Motto - "Be Prepared"

Thank you Corey!  I laughed as hard for this video as I do watching episodes of the Office.  I'm a firm believer in coming to church prepared to worship, and not having to 'warm up' once we're there, but this guy may be missing the mark.  Enjoy!!

ps.  I'm going to have a prize for anyone who comes to the Comox Valley campus in a headband tomorrow morning!!

Back to basics

In all of our campuses this weekend, we are starting this New Year with a communion service and re-focusing ourselves on the Cross of Jesus.  Before we move any farther into the unknown of 2008 we want to adopt a posture & perspective that is solely shaped by the work of Jesus on the Cross.  Then, as we move through this coming year, regardless of what our circumstances may be, we will be able to respond appropriately through the amazing grace that Jesus supplies to us.  Through the Cross of Jesus we can respond to the situations of our lives, and the needs of this world, with grace, peace, hope & love. 

I came across this video about worship really strikes a chord (no pun intended!) and sets up our look at the cross beautifully.  This video makes some insightful comments on some people's approach to worship and then delivers an answer to how we should come to worship. 

I am really looking forward to this weekend!

thanks for using your gifts!

I listened in on a bit of our worship-arts department practice tonight and I really liked what I heard.  Besides the obvious sounds of vocal & musical talent I heard the sounds of;  laughter, camaraderie and passion.    It was easy to tell that this is a group of people that definitely have the right attitude towards service - they GET to serve, not HAVE to serve (this is the attitude that we want to see formed in everyone of our family).  Our church family is so incredibly blessed by the dedication of these men and women that each week lead us in our corporate celebration of God's greatness.

A few years ago we recognized the incredible culture-shaping power of music and now each week, in all 3 campuses, with great intention we sing songs, & participate in a worship experience, that will foster an atmosphere of faith, joy, hope & reverence.  When I think of the worship life and expression of our church family I can't help but think about the add slogan from an old Virginia Slims add - 'You've come a long way baby!'  (my apologies for those I just lost with this analogy).  Through the dedication, faithfulness and anointing of our family members we have been led into a progressively deeper & fuller worship experience that is still moving forward.

One last thing before I wrap this post up....the new song that they were working on tonight is AWESOME and I can't wait to sing it.  I think we'll get our chance in a couple weeks so make sure you're in church on time and ready to go because you don't want to miss this.