May I Help You Find Your Seat, Sir?

Have you ever been to a play or musical? What do you remember about it? You know, that certain something that just seemed to stick with you long after you'd left the theatre and headed home. A particular character? A moving scene? Maybe a song or an actor's singing ability? Maybe even a set or special effect? What about the usher? Yeah, that guy. Didn't you notice how he so gracefully held the programs? Weren't you astonished by the way he held his flashlight while checking the location of your seats? Weren't you stunned by his fashionable coat and tie? No? Why not? The answer is obvious. The program had nothing to do with the usher. It wasn't about him, by him, or for him. He was only there to help you find your seat. As worship leaders we are ushers. It's not about us, by us, or for us. It's about God. Let's continually seek to help others find their place around the throne of God.

Psalm 46

God Is Our Fortress

To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song.

 ¹God is our refuge and strength,
   a very present help in trouble.
²Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
   though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
³though its waters roar and foam,
   though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
                         Selah
 ⁴There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
   the holy habitation of the Most High.
⁵God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
   God will help her when morning dawns.
⁶The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
   he utters his voice, the earth melts.
⁷The LORD of hosts is with us;
   the God of Jacob is our fortress.
                         Selah
 ⁸Come, behold the works of the LORD,
   how he has brought desolations on the earth.
⁹He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
   he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
   he burns the chariots with fire.
¹⁰"Be still, and know that I am God.
   I will be exalted among the nations,
   I will be exalted in the earth!"
¹¹The LORD of hosts is with us;
   the God of Jacob is our fortress.
                         Selah

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God was written by Martin Luther (1483-1546). It is one of the best loved hymns of the Protestant church. It has been called the "Battle Hymn of the Reformation" for the effect it had in increasing the support for the Reformers' cause. The hymn was most likely written between 1527 and 1529. Originally written in German, it has been translated into English at least seventy times. The text is based on Psalm 46. The hymn was sung at the funeral service of Dwight D. Eisenhower. It was also used at the Prayer Service held at the National Cathedral following the attacks of September 11, 2001. 

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God with the signature of Martin Luther

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;

Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:

For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;

His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,

On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;

Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:

Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;

Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,

And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,

We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:

The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;

His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,

One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;

The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth:

Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;

The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,

His kingdom is forever.

Worship: Why We Do What We Do

It can be a tricky thing to plan for corporate times of worship. What songs should we sing? What musical styles should we use? What instrumentation should we employ? What other creative elements should be used? These are just a few of the questions that are frequently asked. The list goes on and on. Below is a clip I found to be very helpful regarding the use of creativity in worship.

About "And Can It Be?"

"And Can It Be" was written by Charles Wesley, and first published in 1738. Charles and his brother, John Wesley, played a significant role in the development of Christianity in both England and the American colonies, and the establishment of the Methodist movement. While John's influence was felt through his leadership and preaching, Charles influenced many more people through his songs. He wrote over 5500 hymns, which include Christ the Lord is Risen Today, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing, and many others that have served Christians for centuries.

This hymn describes the wonder that fills our hearts when we consider the mercy that caused God to take on flesh and die in our place. Verse one highlights our culpability, as we were the ones who actually pursued him to death. Verse two tells of Christ's incarnation and death. Verse three describes the creation of a Christian, as God brings him from death to life. Verse four boldly claims that we can approach God's throne because we have been united with Christ and are eternally clothed in His righteousness.

(Information taken from the Covenant Life Church website)

And Can It Be?

Written by Charles Wesley

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior's blood!
Died he for me, who caused his pain!
For me? who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
That thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
That thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

He left his Father's throne above
So free, so infinite his grace!
Emptied himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam's helpless race.
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
Amazing love! How can it be
That thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature's night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray;
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
Amazing love! How can it be
That thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
Alive in him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Amazing love! How can it be
That thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

TIME CHANGE: Choir Rehearsal

NEW REHEARSAL START TIME

6 : 0 0  P M

Begins Wednesday, October 13

AWANA & Student Workers will come to rehearsal after assignments have been completed