Fellow worshipers:

I've been thinking and praying a lot lately about our worship, as have all of the elders, and I'd like to use this blog to share some thoughts and maybe spark some discussion among the faithful. (Disclaimer: "discussion" in this case is defined as some nice, reasonable, Spirit-led, respectful of all and accountable to God for what we say - discussion.) <grin>

I really enjoyed the worship led by Pastor Bill and the Youth Praise Band Sunday, and I hope you all did as well. The youth have apparently been singing the song "Wrap Me In Your Arms" for some time. Not coincidentally (it's a God thing) I discovered the song in my personal worship planning time on Saturday, the day before we all got to sing it in worship. It reminded me that there is still a place in worship for simple songs as well as those that express complex theological truths. How wonderful would it be if the world around us would accept the simple truth that "there is a God who loves me" and ask God to "wrap me in Your arms"?  

You know, even for worship leaders it's a breath of fresh air to be able to worship with the congregation - from the congregation - and to be led into worship by others. That's also why I feel especially honored to lead worship with a "worship team" and not just by myself. Each individual on the team each week brings something special and personal to the worship experience. I wish you could experience our practices too (you are welcome anytime, Thursdays at 7pm) because when it works it's a great collaborative creative experience and we don't just practice, we worship. We try to remember that we're there to bring our God-given talents, and offer them up for God to use for His glory in any way He chooses. 

If you love hymns (new and old) like I do, you might appreciate this little fact I came across this week regarding the hymn "O For A Thousand Tongues". Charles Wesley authored the hymn in 1739 on the anniversary of his conversion. What really surprised me was that the original work had 19 verses. 19! Check out all 19 verses here.

Here's the current worship plan for this Communion Sunday:

Blessed Be Your Name
The Joy Of The Lord
I Know Whom I Have Believed
You Are Holy
There Is A Fountain
Worthy Is The Lamb

I really enjoy the work of modern song and hymn writer Stuart Townend. He wrote such songs/hymns as How Deep the Father's love, In Christ Alone, Beautiful Savior and The Power of the Cross. I enjoyed his discussion about worship on his blog. Perhaps you will be blessed by it too? Check it out here.

Hope to see you in worship Sunday!