John 3:16

John 3:16
by unknown author.

In the city of Chicago, one cold, dark night, a blizzard was setting in. A little boy was selling newspapers on the corner, the people were in and out of the cold. The little boy was so cold that he wasn't trying to sell many papers.He walked up to a policeman and said, "Mister, you wouldn't happen to know where a poor boy could find a warm place to sleep tonight would you? You see, I sleep in a box up around the corner there and down the alley and it's awful cold in there for tonight. Sure would be nice to have a warm place to stay." The policeman looked down at the little boy and said, "You go down the street to that big white house and you knock on the door. When they come out the door you just say John 3:16, and they will let you in." So he did. He walked up the steps and knocked on the door, and a lady answered.He looked up and said, "John 3:16." The lady said, "Come on in, Son." She took him in and she sat him down in a split bottom rocker in front of a great big old fireplace, and she went off. The boy sat there for a while and thought to himself: John 3:16....I don't understand it, but it sure makes a cold boy warm.Later she came back and asked him "Are you hungry?" He said, "Well, just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of days, and I guess I could stand a little bit of food." The lady took him in the kitchen and sat him down to a table full of wonderful food. He ate and ate until he couldn't eat any more. Then he thought to himself: John 3:16... Boy, I sure don't understand it but it sure makes a hungry boy full.She took him upstairs to a bathroom to a huge bathtub filled with warm water, and he sat there and soaked for a while. As he soaked, he thought to himself: John 3:16... I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a dirty boy clean. You know, I've not had a bath, a real bath, in my whole life. The only bath I ever had was when I stood in front of that big old fire hydrant as they flushed it out.The lady came in and got him. She took him to a room, tucked him into a big old feather bed, pulled the covers up around his neck, kissed him goodnight and turned out the lights. As he lay in the darkness and looked out the window at the snow coming down on that cold night, he thought to himself: John 3:16... I don't understand it but it sure makes a tired boy rested.The next morning the lady came back up and took him down again to that same big table full of food. After he ate, she took him back to that same big old split bottom rocker in front of the fireplace and picked up a big old Bible. She sat down in front of him and looked into his young face. "Do you understand John 3:16?" she asked gently. He replied, "No, Ma'am, I don't. The first time I ever heard it was last night when the policeman told me to use it." She opened the Bible to John 3:16 and began to explain to him about Jesus. He sat there and thought: John 3:16. .. ... I don't understand it, but it sure makes a lost boy feel safe. You know, I have to confess I don't understand it either, how God was willing to send His Son to die for me, and how Jesus would agree to do such a thing. I don't understand the agony of the Father and every angel in heaven as they watched Jesus suffer and die. I don't understand the intense love for ME that kept Jesus on the cross till the end. I don't understand it, but it sure does make life worth living.

Author Unknown

John 3:16:For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Throw Away the Bones...

Religious Wars are occurring in many churches today. When people disagree, not about doctrine, but over personal opinions and issues, sometimes individuals are attacked, scarred and ridiculed for life.

In the wonderful Blog World, currently, several faithful ministers and brotherhood churches are being attacked based on opinion, nothing about doctrinal beliefs.

A minister friend of mine sent me the following statement recently:

"Some of what we read, and see, and discuss is like eating fish. We need to eat the meat, and throw away the bones."

Maybe we should all be treating each other more that way. Let's eat the meat of brotherly love and kindness and throw out the bones of contention, hatred, and idleness that make useless hurtful discussions part of Christianity.

I am thankful of the peace, joy and love we share at Central. May we all be an encouragement in our daily walk.

Life Without Worship

Many times individuals visiting Central comment on the quality of the singing during worship. Many times we take worship for granted. But worship can change lives. Worship can bring individuals to the CROSS!

"Life without worship is terribly incomplete. It is of the fuller life that the congregation sings. It witnesses, perhaps without knowing it, to a higher reality, a mystery of salvation, a perspective beyond the limits of this life, a glory that is divine. Inside the walls of the church the singing may have been viewed as routine; outside those walls it can strike the depths of an unfulfilled searching soul. What we need as insiders is a vision of the staggering privilege, and the unlimited possibilities, of divine worship".
-John Vriend

A Plan for My Life

The Young Professional Class will begin a study this fall on “God’s Plan for My Life”. God does have a plan for all of us. He wants all of us to join Him in an eternal kingdom of peace and joy.

Peter Tanksley wrote:

If we could see God’s Grand Design
As it wisely unfolds,
Then we could face life day to day
And take the licks and blows.
If we could know God’s plan for us--
Christians always knew it--
Then we’d not flee our post of duty,
But gladly stick to it.
If we have known God’s love in Christ--
If we know his love never fails--
Then that is enough to make us sing,
“We don’t need small details.”
God, help us as we read Thy Word
To look beyond the strife,
To view the Grand Design of Love
Which you’ve planned for our life.

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).

A Special Moment

My heart was touched last night as 39 young people and sponsors worshipped with the residents at Hearthstone. The Tabitha Class started this monthly service about 5 years ago and it has grown larger each year. Last night was a very special time.

We received word that a special Central Sister was placed at Hearthstone on Saturday. She was having difficulty adjusting and felt lonely and depressed. You would have been so proud of our young people. At the end of the service they got in a circle, held hands and lifted her up to our Father in song by singing A Common Love. The tears rolled from my eyes as well as my heart. That is the community that Jim was speaking about on Sunday morning. A community of believers, that truly care about all members of the body. Thanks Gary for giving us the information so our young people could minister. Robert and Natasha thanks for your leadership of the Central youth group. God has blessed our young people by sending you here.

May God Richly Bless our efforts this week in ministry!

Order of Worship

Order of Worship
Sunday, August 21, 2005

Welcome

Scripture 1 Corinthians 3:10-11

452 Standing on the Promises (Verse 1 Only)

457 How Firm a Foundation

Jesus, You’re My Firm Foundation

Prayer

Scripture Psalm 117:1-2

18 Faithful Love

How Deep the Fathers Love

Communion
Contribution

Sing during contribution: 790 Lord, Take Control (twice)

2x2 dismissed

513 I Will Sing of My Redeemer (Verse 1 and 3)

Message-Jim DuBose

Invitation: On Bended Knee I Come

Announcements

609 I’m Not Ashamed to Own My Lord

Closing Prayer

Special Servant Recognition

MOPS Special Announcement

MOPS

The MOPS ministry that started at Central a couple of years ago will begin a new fall session this September.

MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. MOPS International exists to meet the needs of every mom - urban, suburban, and rural moms, stay-at-home and working moms, teen, single, and married moms who all share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be! MOPS recognizes that the years from infancy through kindergarten are foundational in a mother-child relationship and are filled with unique needs. MOPS helps moms through relationships established in the context of local groups that provide a caring atmosphere for today's mother of young children. MOPS also encourages and supports moms through resources such as books, the daily MOMSense Radio program, and the MOPS to Mom Connection.

This Sunday after our closing prayer MOPS will have a special announcement for moms interested in being part of this special ministry.

See Shannon Wright for more information.

A Great God

God is very much active in the lives of his people today. Yesterday we attended worship at Quail Springs in Oklahoma City and heard a modern day story of how God was working in a Christian community. When a family was at their lowest level God worked through a church to be a blessing at the right moment in time.

As I was listening to the story I was thinking about Central. How God has worked through the Central Church to bless the lives of so many over the years.

The Family of God at Central has been a great blessing and continues to help and minister within the Central Family as well as to the Topeka Community and around the world in mission efforts in India, France, South Africa and other places.

What can I do this week to minister and allow God to work in the lives of people? God’s love and grace can help so many difficult situations that we feel we can’t deal with and allow us to hand them over to the One that can. He can provide that calm and inner peace that we so desperately need.

“And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His Heavenly Kingdom” 2 Timothy 4:18

Worship Priorities

What is the most important aspect of worship? Is it singing? Is it giving, communion, scripture, or preaching of Gods Word?

Visiting with members at Central music and prayer usually head the list as elements that we enjoy in worship.

Bamma church research indicates that prayer was the number one most listed element of worship. Listed below are other items from that recent research study:

Necessary elements of worship according to Pastors and parishioners (2002)
*prayer: which nine out of ten pastors and parishioners said was very important to facilitate effective worship.
*communion: mentioned by two-thirds of each group.
*giving money: mentioned by slightly more than half of both groups.
*a "turn and greet" experience: mentioned by half of each group.
*having time for quiet reflection during the service was deemed very important by two-thirds of all adults compared to one-third of pastors who deemed it very important. (2002)
*More than four out of five pastors (84%) said music is very important to facilitate effective worship. However, barely half of the congregants (55%) agreed. (2002)

In assessing the ranking of the ten worship elements studied, pastors rated music second only to prayer, and tied with the sermon, in importance. Congregants, however, rated music in a tie for fifth place, following prayer, the sermon, communion, and a time for reflection. (2002)

All aspects of worship are important. The quality of our worship needs to be a focus in our assemblies. We are talking, praising and honoring the God of all creation! He deserves very best.

Ever Feel Far from God?

Ever feel far from God? The following article came from Campus Ministries on how we can form a better relationship and devotional life with our Heavenly Father. It was written for young people but can be used to even help us “old folks” along our Christian walk.

I Don't Feel Close to God

My devotion time used to be really intense, but now it has simmered down. At times, I feel like God isn't there. And even when I do have my time with God, there doesn't seem to be any passion in it. What should I do?

I want to encourage you to try something I call the 90-Day Experiment. Challenge yourself to spend five minutes a day with God for the next 90 days. When you complete the experiment, I can't promise you'll burn with passion for God every morning. But I do think such a disciplined approach will help you recover a devotion time you won't want to miss.

Exactly what you do during those five minutes is up to you, but here are some ideas to help get you started. A good youth-oriented devotional book may help you break out of some boring patterns. Ask your youth minister for one of the many excellent devotionals out there. Or maybe you are a person who does better if you journal and write out your prayers to God. That's fine. You might try singing praise songs as part of your daily routine. You could even read through the New Testament. Yeah, it might sound overwhelming, but it only takes two or three chapters a day to do it in 90 days.

What I'm saying is this: If what you're doing now isn't working, try something different. Mix things up. Be creative. Sure, it will still require incredible discipline to accomplish the 90-Day Experiment no matter what you do. But breaking out of your old devotional rut will give you the motivation you need to get going again. And I guarantee it will be worth it.

Nineteen years ago, I was feeling just like you, so I challenged myself to the 90-Day Experiment. I've never stopped, and I've never regretted it. Of course, I've missed some days along the way, but that time with God has made a huge difference in my relationship with him.

I've read it takes three weeks to form a habit, and three more weeks to solidify that habit as a lifelong practice. If you successfully complete the 90-Day Experiment, chances are you'll develop a routine with lasting significance. Go for it. Take the challenge. You'll be glad you did.

John's Tale of the Prince of Peace

While large crowds of parents and kids gathered last night (July 16) at bookstores across Wichita awaiting the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the largest crowd may have been at the Northside Church of Christ in north Wichita. The entire congregation turns out every year for a gala party themed around a book of the Bible. This year’s party was to celebrate the release of John’s Tale of the Prince of Peace. Every one attending dressed up as their favorite characters from previous book releases. The crowd joined in friendly competition with Bible Jeopardy and other games to find the most knowledgeable fans. The really hard-core fans participated in a “lightning round” quiz over general Bible knowledge. After all the festivities, parents and kids settled down in the auditorium for a reading of this year’s thriller—John's Tale of the Prince of Peace. It took a little over two hours for the reading, but everyone was on the edge of their seats. When asked how he liked staying up all night to hear about a book of the Bible, a ten-year–old boy said, “It’s really cool. Harry Potter is over 600 pages. The New Testament is only about 500, so my family reads through it once every year. This year’s book was extra neat, because it’s about Jesus. Plus, it’s full of all kinds of exciting miracles, and healings, and demons, and even kind of scary stuff.” As he locked the doors at the end of the party, Steve Tandy, Northside Minister told this reporter, “Sure we’ve got some members who get a kick out of secular books like Harry Potter, but, we realize what’s really important for our kids to read and study. We just love God’s Word around here!”

Associated Press Story
Wichita, Kansas
July 17, 2005

Isabella Grace Andrews

Prayers have been lifted up to our Heavenly Father the past few weeks for little Isabella Grace Andrews. Last night we received word she lost her battle and passed away. The Young Professional Group had just prayed for Isabella and the family as we met for our monthly devotional. We prayed for healing. We prayed for comfort and peace for the family. Instead God had another purpose. He wanted little Isabella now. Last night, her loving Heavenly Father was holding Isabella.

We long for that day to see our God. We long to be held by the one who can wipe all tears away and give us an eternal peace.

Isabella knows that peace and comfort.
May God bless and comfort the Andrews Family.

Saturday 4 the Savior

Remember the old tent meetings from the past? Great singing. Great fellowship. On Saturday, August 6, Central will host Saturday 4 the Savior at our new property on Burlingame Road. The theme will center around the Old Tent Meeting with emphasis on the old great songs that we grew up singing. Food and fellowship will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a cook-out and watermelon. Bring your lawn chairs as well as food to share. We will supply the hotdogs and the watermelon.

No Child Left Behind

Wednesday, August 3, 2005
Back to School Prayer Night Challenge

August is an exciting time for kids as well as for parents. School is about to begin. Parents are buying their kids school supplies, kids are trying on new shoes, they are excited and anticipating another school year. Teachers are excited as well as stressed. They are busy preparing their classrooms for the new students they will have in a couple of weeks.

In January of 2002, President Bush signed a new education law that has changed education more than ever in the past 25 years.

The law is called No Child Left Behind.

This law is for accountability in education.

In Kansas, educators are responsible for the children in each of our schools. The goal is that by the year 2014 each student is proficient in reading, math, science and social studies. If students do not become proficient schools and educators will be held accountable.

In Osage City we have made huge gains in reaching our at-risk students. We have spent several thousands of dollars on programs to help students reach their utmost potential academically.

As we start a new school year we will be pouring all of our efforts into reaching each one of our kids once again. It’s a constant struggle with some but one we are determined to win.

We as educators and parents have certain responsibilities for our kids. But kids you have responsibilities this coming school year also:

1. Work hard (If you want to be successful this school year, work hard)
2. Do your very best (Turn your work in/Study/Be prepared)
3. Be Responsible (When given a task complete it)
4. Respect Others (Treat others kindly-Luke 6:31)

Ever thought about No Child Left Behind as a Christian.

I have the past few weeks.

We have spent billions on education trying to help each student become the very best academically but what are we doing to help No Child be Left Behind spiritually?

Adults these are our responsibilities this school year for our kids here at Central:

1. Pray for our kids (Daily-Our kids face many temptations each day)
2. Watch out for our kids (Danger-help them)
3. Be examples for our kids (Show our kids how to live a Christian life)
4. Encourage our kids (Letters/calls/cards)

The key is accountability. Loving our kids so much that we will help them in their relationship with Jesus Christ. We want each one to be a faithful follower of Christ.

Kids here are your responsibilities:

1. Keep God first this school year (Busy with school, activities)
2. Share your faith (Friends)
3. Attend worship, bible class and youth activities (Stay faithful)
4. Pray Daily (Relationship/Talk to your Father)

My prayer for you students as well as teachers and staff is to have the very best school year. Always giving your best in the classroom but most importantly to God.

Graduation is one of the most special events of the year. Watching students pick up their diplomas after 12 years of hard work. Many times I think about the situations they have been gone through and how they managed to overcome, to achieve this special recognition, being a high school graduate.

My degrees are important to me.

But more than diplomas, more than college degrees, being a faithful follower of God is the greatest thing you could ever do in your life.

I challenge our kids to have a great school year. Use the talents God has blessed you with at school as well as here at Central.

Remember we love you, we are here as a family to help you as you begin this new year.

Just One Voice

Just One Voice
by Jim Schinnerer

It was an ordinary Wednesday night. I dropped the kids off at their classes while my wife made her way to the ladies' class. I walked into the auditorium class, not really because I wanted to, but because it was the only place for me to go until we were ready to leave. I wasn't expecting to get much out of the class, but God had other plans.I don't remember what we were studying, only that we looked at the text of Matthew 27 where Jesus is before Pilate.

I started daydreaming a little, and eventually found that God had placed me in a kind of third-party observer role to the events 2000 years ago. I was watching the Jews wanting to kill Jesus and thinking, "Don't you realize who he is? Can't you see?". I thought that surely they would have chosen Jesus over Barabbas to be released. Certainly, I would have chosen Jesus.I was shocked when the crowd shouted to Pilate to crucify Jesus. Wasn't this the same crowd, with the exception of the leaders, that had welcomed him a week earlier with palm branches, shouting "Hosanna", not "Crucify him"? How could they change their minds so quickly? I would have told Pilate that the flogging was sufficient. I could feel my anger starting to rise.When Pilate asked what crime he'd committed, I thought the people would realize that he was innocent and want him released. Instead, as they shouted "crucify him" even louder, my blood started to boil. How could they want to kill God's own son, the Messiah they'd been praying and waiting for so many years, the Lamb of God that we all need?Finally, all I could think was, "Stop! Be quiet!". The crowd kept shouting. "Shut up... Shut up... Shut up!!!", I wanted to scream. Slowly, one by one, the voices stopped as though they could hear my thoughts, until I could only hear one voice shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!".

I couldn't see the man's face, but as I listened closely, I shrank back in horror and in tears when I recognized that the single voice that continued to shout was my own.

Back to School Prayer Night

I am thankful that Central decided a few years ago to have an annual Back to School Prayer Night. What better time to pray for our students, teachers and staff as we begin the new
2005-06 school year. It gives me peace, comfort and encouragement that so many prayers are going up to our Heavenly Father on the behalf of our kids, teachers, staff and schools.

Our kids today endure much more peer pressure than we ever did. With so many societal issues and problems are kids are being bombarded at every level. Keep the Central kids in your daily prayers!

I encourage you to participate in the Central Church of Christ Back to School Prayer Night on Wednesday, August 3 at 6:00 p.m. We will meet at the Gage Park Shelter House for a potluck dinner, fellowship and prayer. The theme for the evening will be No Child Left Behind!

Monday Morning Misc

Guess what time it is? Three weeks away. School. I can’t believe how time flies. After a busy summer waiting for the Legislature to finally funds schools for the 2005-06 school year and a short vacation last week with the family we are busy preparing our new budget, working on negotiations and preparing buildings for the kids and staff.

I love August. It reminds me of new beginnings, and kids smiling faces, when they come to school wearing their new shoes and seeing friends that they haven’t seen all summer.

For me it is also an emotional roller coaster. I want everything to be perfect for teachers, staff, students and parents. That’s why several of us work around the clock making sure everything is taken care of so we will be ready for that first day of school.

My Monday prayer for myself and for you is that we prepare our lives spiritually more than we do for the physical aspects of this world. The Treasure Principal has been a great study and one that helps us examine our priorities.

What a great 5th Sunday singing last night! I believe that was the best singing I have heard at Central in years. Thanks Carl for organizing the evening. I appreciate so many, leading worship and using their talents God has blessed them with.

Yesterday morning we had 309 in worship. Lets continue to encourage each other and welcome all those visiting with us at Central. Many are looking for a place to call home!

May God richly bless you this week!

Camp A Success

Last night ended another session of camp for our young people at Central. It was an exciting closing ceremony with a baptism and plenty of great singing. As one of the “old guys” in the audience, I really believe the church of tomorrow is in great hands. Our young people today really want to share the Good News about Jesus Christ. Thanks to so many that had a part in making camp a success. Keep camp in your prayers. The announcement last night about the new Tallgrass Christian Camp is very exciting. Pray for Bill Carriger and the camp board and the others that will be working to bring the camp to a reality hopefully for the summer of 2006.

My Favorite Summer

Favorite Summer Things

1. Golf Trips with My Best Friend-Debbie
2. Family Vacations
3. Ending a Fiscal Year
4. Beautiful Sunrises
5. Gardens (Fresh Vegetables)
6. Cook Outs

Favorite Summer Things Growing Up

1. Church Camp (Palomar Mountain in California)
2. Church Canoe Trips on the Illinois River in Oklahoma
3. Youth Devotionals on the Beach in San Diego
4. Mission Trips to Apple Valley, Minnesota
5. Family Vacations
6. Visiting Grandma and Grandpa

Camp

This week our young people from Central are enjoying themselves at camp. We have about 100 kids and sponsors at two sites. Some of my greatest memories as a young person center on camp when I was in junior high and high school. Friendships and my relationship with God being developed were the special times I remember about camp.

Please keep our kids and sponsors in your prayers this week as they enjoy the nice break in the summer weather.

Anniversary #24

Debbie and I celebrate 24 years of marriage today. It has gone so fast. We have enjoyed each moment together. The great times as well as those difficult situations, it has been such a fulfilling life spending it with someone who loves God more than anything else. I have learned so much from this Oklahoma girl. She will never know how blessed I am to be able to spend my life with such a beautiful and caring person.

My prayer for the Central Church today is a marriage blessing. May God give to you what he has blessed me with the past 24 years. A loving wife, who is the apple of my eye and the most beautiful woman on earth. Thank you God for giving me Debbie!

We hope to celebrate by playing golf together at our favorite course in Kansas City today. Sidenote: It sure is great to have a wife that loves golf more than I do!!

Order of Worship-Sunday, July 24

Order of Worship
Sunday, July 24, 2005


Welcome

4 To God Be the Glory (Verse 1 Only)

718 We Shall Assemble (twice)

435 Come Into His Presence

Prayer

68 Give Thanks

781 Thank You

Communion
Contribution

635 Freely, Freely

Message

Invitation: 429 Oh, to Be Like Thee

Announcements

524 I Know Who I Have Believed (Verse 1 and 4)

Closing Prayer

Thankful

Give me a church that believes the Bible is actually God speaking His mind to me, where this book is preached as the infallible Word, where worship is conducted in a dignified way, where people sing songs that actually teach and admonish (Colossians 3:16) and appeal to the heart. I am so thankful for the Central Church. May God richly bless us as we practice our ABC’s Today!

The Central ABC's Daily

I do several things daily. I get up at 5:00 a.m. and run my three miles. Then I shave, shower, eat breakfast, kiss Debbie goodbye and out the door by 6:30 to start a new day at work. Then it's work related items, a lunch at my desk, a quick dinner at home with the family then back to work, meetings or school activities until late in the evening. Bed time at 10:00 p.m.

We do so many things daily. But do we practice our ABC's daily? Do we dig into God's Word and study and reflect on what He wants us to accomplish with our lives? Do we talk to Him in prayer and communicate our struggles and our words of thanks? Do we practice being a servant? Do we practice daily worship to our Heavenly Father?

Daily is difficult but it makes us better. It makes us better followers and better children of His.

May God bless you in your daily pursuits of Him!

A Man After God's Own Heart?

The Young Professional Class has been examining the Life of David the past couple of months. WhenI dig deeper and deeper into God's Word to look at this Godly Man I sometimes think how he is so much like us today. At times life is great and at other moments David messes up big time! The following article was sent to me last week about this Hero of Faith:

There are a few things that I think make David a man after God's own heart. He was far from perfect, and one of the things I love about the Bible is that the writers refuse to gloss over his character flaws. He was deeply troubled and dysfunctional. He had eight wives, 11 concubines, rebellious children, adulterated relationships all over the place.But he only had one God.Unlike most of the other kings in Israel's history, David never bent his knee to a false god. He never went over to Baal or Asherah or Dagon. When he failed (which he did often) he took his regret and his brokenness to one source: YHWH. When he was confused or afraid, he did not seek refuge in the gods of the Philistines or Moabites. He went to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. At the end of his most famous poem David wrote, "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalm 23:6b). Usually, we think of this line as if it refers to heaven and eternity. I'm not sure that's what David had in mind. Maybe David was an old man when he said those words, with a long, gray beard and a wrinkled face. Maybe he remembered when he was young and handsome, and that weird old man, Samuel, poured oil over him and said the mysterious words that started it all. Maybe he remembered how on that day, so many years ago, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him. Maybe he remembered how he decided when he was a young man -- the way young men do -- that when he was king things would be different. He'd get things right. Sometimes he did, and sometimes he didn't. But he stayed in the house of the Lord. He did not write, "I hope I will stay there" or "Maybe I'll stay there." He said, "I'm staying in the house. I'll make a mess sometimes. I'll spill stuff on the carpet and knock over lamps and break expensive things. It will be a pain having me in the house, but you're going to have to drag me out of here kicking and screaming. I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."That may be why one reason why David is known as a man after God's own heart.

My Youth Minister Judge

There have been several individuals that have made an impact on my spiritual life during my Christian Journey.

One that I want to lift up to God in prayer today is a man named Judge Morris. Judge was my Youth Minister when I moved to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma in 1977. Judge was hired the same month that my family moved to BA from San Diego. I became close friends with Judge as he mentored and developed my leadership skills in the youth group. He encouraged me to lead singing, give talks, lead devotionals and participate in mission trips. He encouraged me to think about a full time position in ministry when I went to college. He encouraged me as a student and as a basketball player and always attended my games in high school. Judge was my mentor. He was the one that we all looked up too because he cared and loved us so very much.

Judge left Broken Arrow after several successful years and then became a pulpit minister in the Tulsa area before he found out he had cancer. Judge and his family returned to Broken Arrow several years ago where he worked in a variety of occupations. Judge has battled his cancer for so long. He has undergone some terrible times and had many ups and downs but whenever we went home to Broken Arrow, Judge was always there hugging on us, encouraging us and so proud of our accomplishments not only professionally but most of all spiritually. Judge has returned just recently to full time ministry as the pulpit minister at the Carbondale Church in Tulsa.

Judge will never know how much I appreciated having him as my youth minister. He helped me through the good times but also the difficult times growing up. Thank you Judge for being my Apostle Paul, for being my older brother who showed me the way to Jesus and to the heart of God. May God bless you in your continued health difficulties. Please keep Judge and his family in your prayers. May God richly bless this special servant!

Canada

Our young people head off today for their much anticipated Canada Mission Trip. They will be conducting a Vacation Bible School at Weyburn, Saskatchewan. Please keep our kids and sponsors in your prayers for safety as they travel and for a successful VBS. They will return on July 18.

Something To Look Forward To

I need a vacation! It has been a long year dealing with school finance issues, politicians, No Child Left Behind, state assessment scores, personnel issues, hiring new staff and budgets. In a couple of weeks the family is off on a much needed vacation. The boys have been working long hours, Debbie has projects going on around the house, we need time to revitalize ourselves so we can begin another school year in August. We are looking forward to some quality family time.

As Christians we have something to look forward to that is the ultimate dream vacation! An eternity with God. Heaven will be the ultimate 24-7 worship experience. I look forward to a time that I can praise our Heavenly Father and not get tired. I won't be hungry. I won't have any place to get to. No phone calls. No schedules or deadlines to meet. No need for a watch. No meetings! I look forward to the day when God's people can praise Him for an eternity.

The Central ABC's #3 Committed to Serving

A good friend of mine said something the other day that has stuck with me as I have reflected on the words. He said, "I don't like everyone I come in contact with but I do love God and will serve the people I really don't care much for because of the love I have for God".

Hard to admit but sometimes Headhunters are not the only ones that get fed up with people! Sometimes it is hard to serve others when we are busy with family obligations or work demands. Sometimes its difficult to serve when we just don't care for somebody that much.

But what would Jesus do? He washed feet. The King of Kings humbled himself and washed the disciples feet because he wanted to teach them the heart of serving others.

Jesus then paid the greatest price in giving His life for us. That is a toal commitment of serving others for an eternity.

So next time, when you are asked to help with a specific project or when someone needs assistance, will you give your time and effort to serve? What would Jesus do?

4th of July Blessings

The 4th of July has become a special family gathering for the Carriger Clan. We have enjoyed being the host for our get together the past several years. We enjoy golf, food, fireworks, worship and laughing at stories of the past as we reminisce about some great family experiences. My family refers to me as the Clark Griswold of the family (Christmas Vacation). I don’t know why, but I love for everything to be perfect for the special weekend we all enjoy.

Sometimes I am reminded of the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10. How Martha was so busy in preparation that she forgot the most important thing enjoying the company of her special guest, Jesus.

This 4th of July enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, but don’t forget wherever you travel, spend some quality time with your Heavenly Father, thanking him for the freedom that we have and the special blessings he gives us each day in this great land called America!

Order of Worship-Sunday

Order of Worship
Sunday, July 3, 2005

Welcome

8 Let Every Heart Rejoice and Sing

238 You Are the Words and the Music (Sing Twice)

Prayer

273 More Precious Than Silver (Sing Twice)

Wonderful, Merciful Savior

Communion
Contribution

Sing these songs during Contribution:

790 Lord Take Control
694 Servant Song
693 Heart of A Servant
694 Servant Song

2 By 2 Class Dismissal

666 I Am Thine O Lord (Verses 1 and 4 Only)

Message

Invitation 768 Jesus, Let Us Come to Know You

Announcements

705 A Common Love (Sing Twice)

Closing Prayer

The Central ABC's #2 Building Relationships

They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love
written by Peter Scholtes additional words and music by Carolyn Arends
© 1966 by F.E.L. Publications, Ltd./ASCAP (1925 Pontius Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025)

This song is over 30 years old, but it could have been written this morning. I love what it says: we'll be recognized as Christians -- true disciples of Jesus -- not by our rhetoric or our politics or even the soundness of our doctrine, but by our love. This was a favorite of our Broken Arrow youth group in the 70's.

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each one's pride
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love They will know we are Christians by our love.

Love is patient, love is kind. Never boasts, not full of pride. Always hopes, always trusts. The evidence of Christ in us.
This is my commandment that you love one another that your joy may be full.

The Central ABC's #1 Accepting Christ

I appreciate Jim's lesson on Sunday about Accepting Christ. The first ABC in our new Central Mission Statement. Accepting Christ is the most important thing we can ever do in our lives. I became a Christian in 1974 when my uncle baptized me and my brother Steve on a hot Sunday afternoon in front of about 70 family members at the Augusta Church of Christ in Augusta, Kansas. What a feeling I had on that day. But with that decision brought responsibility. I have not always lived up to that commitment, but thanks be to God for the grace he gives me through Jesus, I try my best to live the way He wants me to live, trying to be a light to a dark world.

Accepting Christ means giving of one self. I appreciate the hearts of the Central Family as you give each day to help serve one another as you glorify our Heavenly Father! I encourage you to be that light, be thankful for the gift you received on that special day when you accepted Christ.

A Busy Family!

This weekend was a busy time for the Central Family. From
weddings; a member moving across town; to a time of prayer and reflection.
It was a great weekend. A weekend of worship and a time to practice our ABC's (Accepting Christ, Building Relationships, Committed to Serving). It was a weekend where many former members were back to visit. From Cherryvale, Kansas to New York City. It was a weekend to welcome back our South African Mission team from a successful campaign. It was a weekend where several braved the heat to work on Tallgrass Christian Camp. It was a weekend that saw the first baptism out at Tallgrass. The weekend also saw our teens return from Camp Zenith and our kids leave for Camp Impact. A busy family! A busy summer! Can’t wait to do it all again next weekend!

Heart of Worship-Generation X

The following article was written by Dr. Randy Gill a former Professor of Music at Pepperdine University. He is now a Worship Minister in Nashville.

Heart of Worship-Generation X
by Randy Gill

“They don’t think like we do.”

After what had felt like an endless semester, the syllabus I had prepared for Music Appreciation still looked good to me. It was the first time I had taught this particular course in twenty years and things had not gone well. I had approached the material much like I had when the class had been a campus favorite two decades before. But something had changed. I could feel it. For some reason the course just wasn’t connecting with students like it once had. I wasn’t inspiring them. I was putting them to sleep.

The organization of the material seemed fine. Things flowed logically from the fundamentals through the periods. Melody led to form. Renaissance moved easily into Baroque. It was linear and well put together. It made sense. At the end of the semester we even spent a few weeks on the music the students loved most – rock, jazz, the blues. It seemed perfect. Why wasn’t it working?

“They don’t think like we do.”

Like most teachers I had heard the experts say, “students today aren’t like they were twenty years ago.” In seminars and workshops I’d heard about the post-modern preference for “nonlinear” thinking. “Gen Xers aren’t interested in neat rows,” the journals said. “They don’t necessarily move from point A to point B. They’re interested in a holistic experience not a progression of carefully structured facts. I had listened politely. I’d even thought about making a few changes. In the end, though, it just wasn’t worth the trouble. The syllabus had worked fine before. Why wouldn’t it work again? Yet here I was, at the end of a long and frustrating semester, haunted by a familiar phrase.

“They don’t think like we do.”

Perhaps the experts were right. As much as I loved the logic and symmetry of my class, maybe it was time for a second look. So the next semester I threw the old syllabus away and started over. I tried to picture loosely connected blocks instead of a straight line. On Tuesday we’d talk about Beethoven. Thursday we’d listen to Elvis. Chronologically they had nothing in common but both were musical and social rebels.

I have to admit, at first, it felt like a stretch. We were covering the same material but it looked so disorganized. I worried about what other teachers might think hearing Bach coming through the walls one day and Jimi Hendrix the next. But eventually an amazing thing happened. The students, who had seemed so dead the semester before, came to life. They began speaking out in class. They seemed interested and glad to be there. Their test scores went up. And after a while I found that my own enthusiasm for the class was growing. Changing my paradigm had forced me to look at the subject and at music in a new way. I saw connections and relationships I’d never noticed before. I spent less time talking about the symphonies of Mozart and more time listening to them. I discovered that if my students began to love a piece of music, they were more interested in who had written it and how it was put together. It wasn’t like the Music Appreciation course I’d taken in college. It didn’t resemble the course I’d taught twenty years before. But it worked.

Think for a minute about the worship times at your church. How much do they resemble my original syllabus – linear, structured, carefully organized? Are they packed with information? Is there room for spontaneity, for mystery, for surprise? Do people leave having experienced the power and majesty of a mighty God or are the preacher’s three points the most memorable part of the service? Have we thought at all about the growing number of post-moderns sitting in our assemblies?

I grew up with the words “decently and in order.” In 1st Corinthians 14, Paul uses that expression while scolding a church whose assemblies had gotten out of hand. I was taught that Paul’s words ought to guide our worship today and I still believe that. In our efforts to be orderly, though, it is easy to create a kind of rigid, unofficial liturgy. Our “order of worship,” from opening song to closing prayer, is often so predictable that any variation is likely to upset people. What do we do, then, about this generation that doesn’t relate to the formulas and outlines of the past? Generation X has come of age. But will they come to our churches? Will our own children stay? Are we inspiring them or are we putting them to sleep? They’re looking for God. Will they find Him in our comfortable routine? It’s time those of us who are older realized.

“They don’t think like we do.”

Struggling with God in Prayer

Did you know it is okay to struggle with our Heavenly Father in prayer? Paul said of Epaphras that he “labored fervently” for them in prayer (Col. 4:12). The two words are translated from one Greek word—agonizomai—and I think you can see our word “agonize” in it. It is defined as meaning to struggle.

It may well mean that as far as we are able to see God not acting as we hoped he would. It is especially relevant when we, or our loved ones are very sick, and perhaps told that the illness is terminal.
It also is relevant when our concern is for a great cause. We have many great causes before us at Central. Are we laboring fervently, struggling, agonizing, in prayer to see them come to pass? Should we even begin prayer groups and assign them to agonize, struggle in prayer over given efforts and ministries to spread God’s Word in Topeka?

A Special Day of Recommitment

On behalf of the Central Elders I would like to thank so many for the encouraging words after our worship on Sunday morning. Many talked about recommitting and trying to be a better servant, a better husband or wife, a better father or mother a better person. It’s our prayer that we all become more committed to each other and to the Central Family. Be praying today for our congregation as we practice our ABC’s Daily!

At Central We Practice Our ABC’s Daily:
Accepting Christ
Building Relationships
Committed to Serving

Godly Men

One of my favorite songs that I learned several years ago at a Promise Keepers Rally was the song Godly Men.

This is my prayer for dads on this Father’s Day:

Godly Men
Lord as we enter in, we pledge to live, as godly men.
Lord help us turn from sin and begin again, as godly men.
Though we know we sometimes stumble, may the promise we strive to keep,
Be to honor you with all our hearts and to worship at your feet.
Lord as we enter in, we pledge to live, as godly men.
Lord help us turn from sin and begin again, as godly men.
As we enter in this covenant, we will seek your holy face,
To become men of integrity, protected by your grace.
Lord as we enter in, we pledge to live, as godly men.
Lord help us turn from sin and begin again, as godly men...Amen!

Happy Fathers Day

My Dad has taught me so much throughout my life. I appreciate his love and encouragement that he has given me. His work ethic has challenged me to be the very best at what I have chosen to do. Thanks dad, for never doubting that I could make it. Thanks for being there "cheering me on" each step of the way.

"What Makes A Dad"

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad

~Author Unknown~

A Question for Today-Recommitment

Can you identify a point in time when honest reflection caused you to really question whether you were truly committed to Christ? If you said yes, please think about who or what helped you through this transitional stage of your faith in Jesus Christ.

In a survey Christian college students were asked to tell how and why they recommitted themselves to Christ, and to describe the times they struggled with serious doubts about their faith. Below are some of the results from the survey:

*As I went forth as a new Christian I found that old friends alienated me because I wasn't interested in the same things anymore. Through my youth group, though, I found new friends to hold me accountable and remind me that God wouldn't let me fall away.
*Before I was baptized I doubted my salvation because I was doing things that weren't Christian. I prayed to God and relied on him to help me through this time.
*Being surrounded by committed Christians in my youth group made me question if I was living out a true Christian walk. After recommitting my life to Christ on a youth retreat I began to grow in Christ.
*During my parents' divorce I was unsure why I was going through all these troubles. I felt that God had abandoned me. Through talking it out with my youth minister he helped me to focus my trust on the Lord.
*For a year after becoming a Christian, there was no evidence of spiritual fruit. After a second summer at camp listening again to the sermons and the gospel, I was both comforted and recommitted by and to my faith. The next year I began to grow in Christ.
*I am still struggling with my walk with Christ.
*I asked God to become real to me. I fasted and prayed until he did.
*I had made a commitment to live for Christ the previous year in my life. Over the next year I destroyed my promise to God. Luckily God worked in my life to reconcile our relationship, and he drew me into his arms once again.
*I have doubted before, but it was because of Satan putting thoughts in my head like "A Christian could never have thought or done that." I didn't understand that I am still a sinner, even though I'm saved.
*I was at a secular college and I really was struggling and a person was brought into my life who I believe was sent by God to help me figure it all out.
*No–however I constantly question my beliefs and those of others to figure out what is really true to me. I think it is healthy to dig into your beliefs because there are a lot of people that don't know why they believe certain things.
*When I began my freshman year at college I felt that I had back-slid a lot. My life was out of control and that is when I had to ask myself if I truly believed in him. At that point everything began to change because I truly did believe in him.

Do you remember a moment in time–perhaps almost as personally significant to you as your conversion–where you would say that your commitment to Christ was especially launched or solidified? During the next few days think about your initial commitment that you made to Christ. Are you still as committed?

God Ever Talk to You?

God has been talking to me quite a bit lately. Everywhere I go He is there with the same message. When I get up at 5:00 in the morning and head out for my daily three-mile run of beautiful rural Osage City He is speaking to me. When I head to the office He is speaking to me. As I work at my desk and interact with people during the day He is there speaking the same words. You want to know what He is saying to me?

He is telling me I need to recommit. David, you need to prioritize and change some things in your life. You need to be a servant, you need to slow down and appreciate what I have given you. Do you even know what that is?

For the past several weeks, us elders have prayed and prayed about recommitting to God and to the flock at Central. We feel now its time to take the next bold step.

Please be praying for us as we communicate to you the Central Family what God has been touching our hearts with for the past several weeks. Be praying for Sunday, June 19. We are excited as the day approaches but also a little apprehensive to stand before God’s people with a new challenge and vision.

VBS Week at Central

Central looked like a Construction Zone last night as Vacation Bible School began. The theme this year is "Construction Zone-Building Character like Jesus". What better theme than to highlight how Jesus lived.

The kids were excited last night and look forward to a great week.

All of us are a work in progress as a Christian. Each day we can decide to improve or live a selfish lifestyle. It takes real commitment on our part to live like Jesus. I am so thankful we have a God that loves us and is patient as we grow into the likeness of his Son.

I appreciate the teachers, staff and others involved in VBS. The efforts that you make for our kids are ones that will last an eternity.

The Trouble with Traditions #4

Closing Prayer

There is very little in the Bible about how the assemblies are to be structured or conducted. We do have one Scripture where we are told that after Jesus and the disciples had taken the Lords Supper they sang a hymn and went out (Mark 26:30).

The Church of Christ has traditionally ended its service with a closing prayer. I feel that’s a great tradition. What better way than to send God’s people out asking for His protection and safety. But would it be wrong to end with a song or a word of encouragement?

Many times after singing “Lord Be With You Till We Meet Again” or “God Will Take Care of You” that would be a great way to end the service. Or, maybe a word of encouragement, from God’s Word, as we are challenged to be God’s Messengers during the coming week.

Rain, Rain Go Away

I truly believe I might know how Noah felt when he saw the rain falling down in Genesis Chapter 7. We have been drenched the past four weeks here in Osage County with over 15 inches of rain. Last night was the first time I can ever remember having a board meeting and having to leave our weather radio on the entire time. The alarm went off every three to four minutes. It was difficult getting home with several roads closed.

After several inches of rain it is still hard to imagine a rain that was so severe that it could destroy everything on the face of the earth. God was so displeased and disappointed with the people He created that it was the only way to get their attention.

What has God done to get your attention lately? I appreciate a brother in Christ that I look up to and always encourage me every time we get together. He reminds me that God is always performing and working in events and in lives to remind us that He is ever present and concerned about us spiritually.

So today, when the rain begins to fall and you are up to your knees in water, look around for God. He probably has a message for you!

That's Why We Praise Him

New music sometimes touches the heartstrings of people. Sometimes we sing an older song so much the meaning of the words disappear. Below is a new song that we introduced to the Central Church about a year ago at a Saturday for the Savior. My prayer is to allow these words to be our song of praise as we live for Him today!

That’s Why We Praise Him

He came to live, live a perfect life
He came to be the living Word of light
He came to die, so we'd be reconciled
He came to rise to show His power and might

And that's why we praise Him, that's why we sing
That's why we offer Him our everything
That's why we bow down and worship this King
'Cause He gave His everything
'Cause He gave His everything

He came to live, live again in us
He came to be our conquering King and Friend
He came to heal and show the lost ones His love
He came to go prepare a place for us.

That's why we praise Him, that's why we sing
That's why we offer Him our everything
That's why we bow down and worship this King
'Cause He gave His everything
'Cause He gave His everything.

Tears

I would like to share with you a blog from Neil Whitlow, (http://emergerestore.blogspot.com/2005/05/tears.html) Minister, from the Emporia Church of Christ. This is his latest blog:

Tears

Since I'm still relatively new to the area, and very new to the pulpit, I've only recently joined my community's ministerial alliance, where many of the ministers from all over the area come together to study the Bible, fellowship, and plan spiritual events for the entire community. Yesterday was only my second time participating in this group made up of 40 ministers from nearly 20 different fellowships, and both times I was met with a fair amount of incredulity both because of my age and because of the tradition from whence I come. Some of the comments include: "You're not allowed to be here, are you?" "I didn't expect to see you here." "Aren't you ashamed to be associating with us unbelievers?" (Ok, ok...lots of them asked, "How old ARE you?")This group, the LCMA (Lyon County Ministerial Alliance) , always begins by discussing the week's lectionary passage (don't know what a lectionary is? Look it up...and think about getting out of your denominational house once in a while), which this week happened to be from John 17. Jesus' prayer that "they may all be one." Each of us got to share a few thoughts about this passage. When it was my turn...I repented. I apologized on behalf of all the members of the Churches of Christ who had been hateful and divisive and exclusive and mean. I upheld these ministers' identity as believers and Christians and expressed a desire to be unified with them, lest the world not recognize that Jesus was sent from God. And guess what...I got a standing ovation...in fact the only ovation of any kind, along with many handshakes and hugs.Then an older Baptist minister was asked to close us in prayer. He prayed for our group, our churches...and for the "dear brother who has joined us today to take a stand for unity," and continued to pray for me and the Churches of Christ and since I thought I heard his voice break, I glanced up at him to see tears rolling down his cheeks. He finished and came and embraced me and told me stories of how many times he'd been told that he wasn't a Christian, how often he'd been excluded and shunned by my brethren. And as a final tear fell from his chin, he thanked me for my simple act of participation.And so I learned that we have done wrong, that we've damaged our own reputation, that we've failed to earn respect. This is important...we can't afford to be arrogant...we just need to be Christians only...not the only Christians.

Sunday Order of Worship

Welcome

2 Samuel 22:47-50

60 He Is Exalted
63 I Will Call Upon the Lord

Prayer

186 Christ, We Do All Adore Thee

Hebrews 10:19-23

18 Faithful Love

Communion
Contribution

Psalm 119:129-135

449 Thy Word
Ancient Words

Message

Invitation 924 Just As I Am

Announcements

683 I Am Mine No More

Closing Prayer

Beautiful Kids

On Sunday mornings, Debbie and I have the opportunity and the privilege of sitting by two of the most special, cutest and adorable little girls in the entire world, the Wright twins. Debbie started holding one of the girls a few months ago to help Shannon during worship. Now both sit by Deb and I as we sing and pray and commune with them each Lord’s Day. It’s a very special time of worship when the girls are sitting by us.

I often look at them and think what great Christian young ladies they will become in the near future. Mom and Dad, I know, will raise them to love God and to love others.

When I look at all our Central kids I often think about their future. What will they become? What gifts will they be able to share as Christians?

We, as adults, need to be mentors. We need to lead by example. We need to show our young kids that God is the most important part of our lives.

When you have the opportunity to hold a child, pray for them and ask God to bless them as they journey down the road of life. There will be many obstacles and tough times where they will need mom and dad and members of the Central Family to help navigate them through some difficult situations.

I look forward to the day that I can tell Ashleigh and Alyson, “I remember when I held you on my lap in worship and I prayed that God would bless you and that you would be a great Christian young lady serving the Church and serving others like your mom and dad do.”

“Father, be with our young kids this day. Watch over them and bless them. Help each of us to touch their lives in a positive way as your Word becomes part of their life. Our prayer is that each one names you their Lord and Savior, and is baptized for the forgiveness of sins. May that be our plea and hope as a family of believers”.

In Jesus Name,
AMEN.

The Trouble with Traditions #3

One-Hour Service

This has almost become a sacred cow. I read in the Bible that Paul preached past midnight. I don’t think they met at 11:00 p.m. We honor this tradition for the most part, but we need to realize it’s not a matter of scripture.

We do this more as a convenience. Many times we could use more preaching and teaching time as a body. Do we give our visitors a true sense of what the church is all about during a sixty-minute service? Do our young people know the Word as much as the past generations?

One of my favorite hobbies is riding roller coasters. My boys and I enjoy some of the wildest, tallest, upside-down, inside out rides ever built. We have gone to all the great parks across the United States. Roller coasters can turn you completely inside out. They usually make me laugh and get an instant adrenaline rush. Usually when I get off the coaster the first thing I want to do is get back on again. When the ride is over I rush back and get in line again (My record is 12 times in a row on a coaster at Knotts Berry Farm in Buena Park, California).

Many times I have that same feeling or emotion when I have encountered God in worship. There are some days after an uplifting service of praise and worship I just want to start all over again. I want to continue singing and lifting up our Heavenly Father and thanking Him for giving His only Son because He loved me more than anything else in this world.

How about you? Ever feel like wanting to participate in a “marathon worship service?" Never wanting it to end? Ever feel one-hour just isn’t enough time to praise God?

The early church should be our example of a people that truly felt a need for worship:
Acts 2:46-47 “Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved."

Christians who worship in this manner think of worship as being a celebration of God's glorious works.

As I was examining this subject I read a blog by Travis Stanley from Abilene Christian University that stated the following:
“Whether we realize it or not, congregations are formed by their worship. If the purpose of our worship is simply to fulfill a requirement, then such worship will form Christians into legalists. If the purpose of our worship is to evoke some individual emotional response, then such worship will form Christians into selfish individualists. The very fact that we fight in our churches over worship styles signifies that we have missed the point of worship. Worship is not about elevating one style of music over another, it is about emptying ourselves of our own personal agendas, seeking to imitate the selfless Christ we worship."

I encourage all of us to leave our watches, organizers, palm pilots and even our own agendas at home next Sunday and really concentrate on heartfelt worship.

Run the Race

This is a busy weekend for school administrators in Kansas. It’s high school state track, softball, baseball weekend. Every Memorial Day weekend (past 13 years) I have taken the two hour turnpike trip to Wichita and watch our kids compete at the state track and field meet. My high school principal will watch our girls in Manhattan at state softball for the third consecutive year.

My favorite event at the state track meet is the 3200 meter run (2 mile) on Saturday morning. It takes about three hours to run all 6 classes of boys and girls but I have seen some great runners the past few years. These young people display great determination and endurance in sometimes very difficult weather conditions.

Every Sunday, I also see a great group of runners. Those that meet at the corner of Huntoon and College in Topeka, at the Central Church of Christ. We all have our obstacles and tough times but we keep our eyes on the prize and run toward that great reward.

1 Corinthians 9:25-27
"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others; I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

Go Into All the World

My prayer today is for Kristin, Russell, Brian, Julie and the rest of the mission’s team as they prepare to head to South Africa for a June trip next week.

The elders would like each member at Central to remember these individuals in your daily prayers. What a great love and heart each one of them has for the lost of the world.

No Child Left Behind

The kids are celebrating. Teachers are turning cartwheels. Moms are depressed. The home food budget is about to increase. Summer vacation is about to begin at 3:20 today here in Osage City. It has been a great school year. Assessment scores have improved over last year, many students have accomplished a great deal in the classroom and in their extracurricular areas. Teachers have touched lives in a positive way.

No Child Left Behind has forced us to make changes and improvements in the overall education program for our students. It has made us become more accountable to each and every student and parent. It places a lot of additional pressure and stress on us as educators to adequately find the resources to help each student succeed in school.

What about Bible teaching for our kids?

It is up to the parents to teach their children, and when they fail to do so it is up to the church to make teaching the children their first priority. One of the Rochester, Michigan's Church's five commitments is that they will not leave any child behind. The Rochester Church believes, "that each child should be taught lovingly and thoroughly, given ample opportunity to fellowship, study, pray, and grow together with the rest of the congregation".

It has to be the highest priority that each young person is taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The churches mission is to seek and save the lost! We must as followers and as concerned Christians strive to reach each young person at Central.

Look around and see who are 4 and 5 year olds are at Central. Will each of them be a Christian some day? Will each be attending when they are 16 years old? I’m praying they are. And I hope you are praying for our kids as well. Be that light, be that positive individual that can make a significant influence in a child’s life for eternity. Be a teacher of God’s Word, and share the message that can change lives and give hope in a sometimes hard and cruel world. No child should be left behind!

The Trouble With Traditions #2

Sunday Night Services

I love Sunday night worship. But what is their history? Two explanations: One they originated in England when London put up the first street lights, which made it possible for people to get out and around at night. The great theologian Charles Spurgeon found many people going to their local pubs that were now staying open at night. He started Sunday night services to keep his people out of the bars. I hope that’s not the reason we have Sunday evening services.

Second, was in the United States the first buildings to have lights were church buildings. People flocked to evening services to see this new invention.

Sunday night services were first evangelistic. Many brought their friends who didn’t have a church background. Today there are a variety of Sunday night formats churches have explored and gone too to fit the needs of their own congregation.

Sunday night services, a great tradition. One that is not a scriptural matter but one that I hope we keep forever.

Welcome Robert and Natasha

On behalf of the Central Family we want to welcome Robert and Natasha Klutts to Topeka. Robert will be serving the Central Church, as it’s new Youth Minister. Natasha will be our summer intern working with our young girls. Were excited to have Robert and Natasha with us. We pray that our ministry together will touch the hearts of many young people. Keep Robert and Natasha in your prayers as they begin this great work.

The Trouble With Traditions #1

Songbooks

A couple of years ago the Central Church purchased the necessary components to project our songs for worship on to a large screen in front of the auditorium. As a worship leader it’s nice to see smiling faces looking up instead of faces buried in books as we sing praises to God and edify each other in song. We still have issues of lighting and glare but for the most part the change has been widely accepted and has improved the overall worship. It also allows us the ability to use songs not included in the book that we currently have, new music, and scripture that can be shared during our periods of worship.

Have you ever heard anyone complain because their congregation did not have songbooks or because songs were sung from memory or from a projection system?

According to research, the first songbooks were published in the 1500’s. Gutenberg’s Bible was the first book printed on August 15, 1456. The World Book Encyclopedia said that in the next fifty years the Catholic Church printed the Psalter (the first songbook). Records indicate that the Church of Christ started using songbooks in the late 1500’s.

The early Church sang most of their first songs from memory. They used scripture and the Psalms as their first hymnbooks.

I would imagine that most of us today would of felt a little uncomfortable meeting with the early New Testament Church. They didn’t have the modern conveniences that we have today and the traditional items that we use in our periods of worship.

Maybe we can learn from the early church. More heartfelt worship and less concern over buildings, pews, songbooks and stuff.

I am thankful for the traditions that have been carried down through the generations but always wish to be Biblically sound in our worship practices. As we try to reach out to a lost generation today we have to meet many individuals where they are in a modern ever-changing society. Video and projection systems are just one way to reach this new technological, fast-paced, visual, virtual generation and allow them the opportunity to see the true Family of God worship in Spirit and in Truth.

Traditional or Contemporary?

Am I traditional or contemporary? Strange question? Common question today. Someone asked me that question the other day. I said, yes. I’m both. Many people, I believe really don’t understand the meaning of the words. Traditional means: “the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction. An inherited pattern of thought or action as a religious practice or a social custom.” Contemporary means: “happening, existing, living, or coming into being during the same period of time. Marked by characteristics of the present period, modern.”

As a Christian I hope I’m both. Jesus was. He appreciated and respected the traditions of his forefathers (at times) but lived and ministered to a people of his time. He used real life situations to teach people that true happiness and peace come from a life found only in Godly living.

The words traditional and contemporary have been “twisted” and used incorrectly for many years. Today in the church you can cause a great controversy by bringing up those two words. The majority of religious people like what they are use to. What they grew up with and what they were taught and instructed to do. It makes them feel comfortable.

Dick Marcear, a retired minister, wrote an article a few years ago entitled the Trouble with Traditions. Jesus ran into some serious problems with the Jews over traditions that had become so much a part of their lives that they had put them on a par with, or even above, the scriptures.

In Mark 7:1-8 for an example. The question arose over the washing of hands. Mark explained that the washing of hands was a matter of tradition, not hygiene. Jesus received their wrath because he did not keep their traditions.

We often have the same problems today. We have accepted some things in the church as “biblical” concepts which in reality are just traditions. In the coming blogs I hope to explore some of those issues to see if they are matters of tradition or Scripture.

O to Be Like Thee

One of my favorite hymns “O to be like Thee” was written in 1897 by
Thom­as O. Chis­holm. This is my prayer for today:

O to be like Thee! Blessèd Redeemer,This is my constant longing and prayer; Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures, Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.

Refrain
O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee, Blessèd Redeemer, pure as Thou art; Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness; Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

O to be like Thee! Full of compassion, Loving, forgiving, tender and kind, Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting, Seeking the wandering sinner to find.

O to be like Thee! Lowly in spirit, Holy and harmless, patient and brave; Meekly enduring cruel reproaches, Willing to suffer others to save.

O to be like Thee! Lord, I am coming, Now to receive anointing divine; All that I am and have I am bringing, Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine.

O to be like Thee! While I am pleading, Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love; Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling, Fit me for life and Heaven above.

Graduation

How many I have sat through? How many kids have I seen walk across the stage? My favorite event of the school year is graduation. I enjoy watching each high school graduate walk across the stage with new dreams and aspirations that they have set, as they are about to become young adults. I reflect on what they were like as elementary students, the most important rules that were taught; while in the lunch room learn how to properly “wolf down’ your food in 15 minutes and then go run around on the playground for 15 minutes before coming back into your classroom to do math. Or in the halls always walking on the right side next to the wall so others can pass by also. Never run with a pencil in your hand. It takes two hands to properly open a milk carton (I’m still learning that one). Even with all the basics that were taught they had support along the way from caring adults who guided, encouraged and corrected them along the way.

Today I would like to challenge the high school graduates from Central. Stay close to God and build a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ. Always go to church. Support each other. Encourage each other. Be involved in the work of leading others to the cross. When you have difficulties seek the right answers, it’s found in God’s Word. Pray always, in the good times and in the rough days ahead. Never stop loving.

I commend you for your academic dedication and preparation. My prayer for you is to take what God has given you and be the very best servant possible in the next phase of your life.

Remember the Central Family will always be here to support you and love you as you walk with Jesus each day.

May God richly bless you!

Sunday Order of Worship

Order of Worship
Sunday, May 15, 2005

Welcome

1 Chronicles 16:29-36

15 Step by Step
3 Hallelujah Praise Jehovah (Verse 1 Only)
That’s Why we Praise Him

Prayer

Luke 18:31-33

315 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Verse 1 and 3 Only)
337 Hallelujah What A Savior!

Communion
Contribution

702 Fellowship Medley

Message

538 Invitation- My Hope is Built on Nothing Less

Announcements

Light the Fire

Closing Prayer

Thanksgiving

Today, I am thankful for six men that I serve with as Shepherds at the Central Church. I love and appreciate these guys a great deal. We are different in many ways but have a common bond in Jesus Christ. May God bless Mark, Rex, Bill, Jerry, Roger and Gary this beautiful spring day! Please keep us in your prayers as we minister the Central flock!

Thank You for Mothers

I have received several requests for the lyrics to the song we used on Sunday for Mother’s Day at Central. The song that was played during the video in honor of our mothers. The song is Thank You for Mothers written by Ken Young in 1993. The song is from the Hallal CD Worship Faithful. You can go to hallalmusic.com for more information. Thanks to Steve, Carl and Ed for their great video and editing ability on Sunday.

Thank You for Mothers

Lord, in your wisdom You gave us someone,
Someone to hold us through the long, lonely nights.
Someone to laugh at the silliest things,
Someone to lovingly call out our names.

But, most of all Father, we thank you for mothers
Who pray for their children every day.

Lord, through Your mercy You gave us someone,
Someone to notice every tear that was cried.
Someone to magically make things all right,
Someone to read us sweet stories at night.

But, most of all Father, we thank you for mothers
Who pray for their children every day.

But, most of all Father, we thank you for mothers,Who pray for their children every day.

Finding the Heart to Go On

Yesterday in our Young Professionals/College Class we started a new series on the Life of David. The theme is Finding the Heart to Go On. This morning I found a quote that best describes the life of David and the life of many of God’s servants:

"Rebellion does not nullify God's promises to us nor disqualify us from inheriting them. God's grace guarantees that they are always available to us when we sincerely turn our hearts back to Him."

David had a heart like God’s. Even when David stumbled he always came running back to his first love. He knew what worship and praise was all about it. It wasn’t an hour on Sunday and he was done with his commitment. It was a life of prayer, praise and meditation to the One he loved. His Heavenly Father.

Spend some time today asking God to give you that type of heart. A heart of worship. A heart that wants an eternal relationship with the one who gave us the greatest gift, Jesus Christ.

Mothers Day

“Thank you for Mothers who pray for their children every day”
These are the words to a song by Ken Young from Hallal who wrote these words for Mothers Day several years ago. Moms are special. They take care of us in so many ways. They never think about themselves. They love their children and always place them above their own needs.

My mom is special. She has given me such love and encouragement growing up and today I look back and appreciate everything she has done for me. Especially telling me the story of Jesus! Thanks mom. I Love You!

Sunday will be a special time at Central as we celebrate Mothers Day! Jim has a special message ready for the morning. Our kids will also have some special words of love for their moms. Be in prayer for our moms, they need our love and support as they have an awesome daily responsibility.

An Encounter with God

In the March/April issue of Worship Leader Magazine, Robert Webber discusses the findings of a survey he did among worshippers:
88% said their deepest desire is to have a genuine encounter with God.
88% believed that such an encounter should take place in the worship assembly. But what is surprising it doesn’t seem to be happening. In a Barna survey they asked how often services brought them into the presence of God:
27% said always;
12% usually;
27% sometimes or rarely;
34% said never.
What people want most of all is an encounter with God. So how do we come into His presence in a worship assembly?

This begins with preparation. As an early morning runner, I didn’t start out by running three miles on the first day. I had to work my way up and get my body is some type of physical condition. Each morning I still have to prepare to run by stretching and getting my body ready for the physical exercise. An encounter with God doesn’t just happen either. We must prepare to meet the King of Kings on the throne before we come to the corporate assembly. Prayer and study will properly prepare your mind and body to encounter the Creator of the Universe as you seek His presence on Sunday morning. If you want that personal relationship with God it begins with individual worship time between you and God.

John 4:23 “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.”

Teacher Appreciation Day

Today across the nation we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day. As a school superintendent I love this week. It gives recognition to a great group of educators that give of themselves each day to the students of my district. I am blessed to have a great group of educators that believe every student is valuable and deserving of the very best education possible.

During this week I write articles for our local paper and try to communicate to my community the importance of good educators. I encourage everyone to reflect on a teacher in the past that made an impact on him or her in some positive way.

I have several that influenced me along my way: Mary Landreth in Wichita; Dale Neal in Henderson, Tennessee; Rick Wunderli in San Diego; Ray Bowen and Virginia Johnson in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Each encouraged me on my path as I dreamed and focused on my future and the possibilities that I could have.

Even though these individuals touched me greatly, the influence of my Bible Teachers that I had growing up was even more special. Elizabeth Ryan in Augusta, Kansas; Judge Morris and Kent Hall in Broken Arrow; Mabrey Miller at York College and so many at the L Street Church in San Diego. But most of all the two greatest teachers that I had were my mother and grandmother. Great examples of how we should live and treat others. Both taught Bible Classes for over 30 years. Those two are the treasures in my life.

John Wooden once said, “You ask me why I teach, where could I find such splendid company”. Being a teacher is great. Being a Bible teacher is the most rewarding; as you watch children learn about the love of Jesus Christ!

It Only Takes A Spark...

With one slip of the tongue, our lives can be changed forever. It happened in Norman, Oklahoma over the weekend when Baseball Coach Larry Cochell said a racial slur to an ESPN Sportscaster.
The following is a press release from the University:
NORMAN, Oklahoma. -- Oklahoma head baseball coach Larry Cochell resigned his position Sunday night. OU President David L. Boren made the following statement ...
“I have tonight accepted the resignation of Coach Larry Cochell as head baseball coach at the university. No one takes any pleasure in what has happened. A good and caring man has made a terrible mistake for which he must assume responsibility. "Athletics Director Joe Castiglione has designated Sunny Golloway as the interim head baseball coach for the rest of the season.”

So with one slip of the tongue a man who won over 1,000 games, an NCAA National Title for the University of Oklahoma and was an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes is done with his career in baseball.

What we say can hurt deeply. As a body of believers Paul spoke about the unity of the spirit we must have in Ephesians 4. As a body that comes to worship, we must be of one heart and one mind. A body that loves and appreciates each other. A body that looks beyond each other’s faults and sees a beautiful individual that is sanctified by Jesus Christ. Can we put away our differences and really be the church that Jesus wants us to be? I’m thankful for the Central family this morning. Be that light to a dark world this week!

A Highlight of My Week

One of the highlights that I get to experience each week is the privilege of spending about three hours after Bible class on Wednesday evenings with a great group of brothers. Our weekly elders meeting begins around 8:00 and sometimes last until 11:00 p.m. It is a time of laughter and a time for tears as we discuss the most important thing in our lives the Central Church.

It is really “mind-boggling” sometimes as you look in the New Testament at God’s plan for the church. How God established shepherds to watch over the spiritual life of the flock and deacons to take care of the daily needs of the church. At times I know each of us feel inadequacies and doubt. How do we lead a church with so many varied backgrounds and needs? How do we encourage each member to know that if you place your entire trust and faith in God he will bless you beyond all comprehension?

Each Wednesday night I get my cup filled. Each brother is such an encouragement. We depend and rely on each other and our Heavenly Father to get from one major concern to another. Each person has special needs and each individual needs to know that God cares for them greatly.

Please keep the Central Elders in your daily prayers. Our main goal is to glorify our Heavenly Father in everything that we do. We want each individual to believe with all their heart that Jesus loves them and He is the only way to have a life of fulfillment and peace.

The BEMA

Thank you Ruthann for giving me something very special to watch last night. What a blessing. I watched a video called The Bema. The Bema is a story based on a book by Tim Stevenson. Imagine what it will be like to see your life from Jesus’ point of view. The Bema invites you to accompany businessman Daniel Mattewson as he gains eternity’s perspective on the decisions that have defined his life. It will make you laugh and it will bring tears to your eyes as you feel the guilt in your own life from the times you had the opportunity to be the “Light” to someone and you chose not to. The Bema was performed and recorded at the Richland Hills Church of Christ in Richland Hills, Texas. I encourage you to purchase the video for your church or small group.

A Call to Worship

This morning as I face a difficult day of some work related decisions, I thought about the following verses. In the entire "big picture of life", what is really important? God. He deserves our constant praise and adoration. He can give us the feeling of peace and comfort even in those difficult times. May you truly come into His presence and bow before our Maker today!

Psalm 95:1-7

"O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD,
Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving,
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God
And a great King above all gods,
In whose hands are the depths of the earth,
The peaks of the mountains are His also.
The sea is His, for it was He who made it,
And His hands formed the dry land.
Come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand."

Prayer Answered

Prayers were answered this past weekend as Owen Burdan arrived into the world on Saturday. Mom is doing well and little Owen is still on oxygen but is healthy and alert. Congratulations to Evan, Tanya and the family!

What a great family at Central! Any need that “pops up” people are always willing to help and serve. We have several families and individuals that are hurting and need assistance; members go out of their way to help. You are a special people at the corner of Huntoon and College.

The Worship Committee met yesterday afternoon to discuss our next Saturday 4 the Savior. It was decided to have it on June 25 out at the new Burlingame Road property. We plan on having a large tent, a cookout and a time of worship outside in God’s beautiful creation! The theme will be “The Old Tent Revival”. We hope to center our thoughts and praises on the God who has blessed our past and will take care of the future. Jim will be speaking and our small chorus hopes to perform. Much time will be spent in prayer asking God to bless this new land for his future kingdom in Topeka. Please mark your calendars to attend.

Prayer Request

Please be in prayer today for Evan and Tanya Burdan. Evan is our Youth Minister at the Central Church of Christ. Tanya is 8 months pregnant and will be induced this morning. Please lift up this young couple in your prayers.

A Child's Heart for Worship!

I had the opportunity to help with the 3 and 4 year old class at church last night. What a great blessing! These little kids are great. Talk about two teachers (Debbie and Mike) who love children and wish to share with them the message of Jesus. They love to sing and they love to hear Debbie and Mike talk to them, about the love God has for each of them.

When I was sitting there next to the little ones the excitement they had in their worship was so encouraging to me. They wanted to sing. They wanted to pray. They look forward to each chance they have to be in bible class.

How about us? Do we long for worship? Do we really possess that “childlike” spirit that Jesus spoke about in Matthew 19?

What will our attitude (as adults) be like this Sunday as we have the opportunity to worship our Heavenly Father?

Encouragement

If you have not had the opportunity to look at Carl Wheeler’s new blog site, I encourage you to make this a regular site to view. Carl has encouraged me so much as a brother in Christ! He has a love for worship, which always encourages and excites me to think of the possibilities that are endless in enhancing our corporate and personal worship experience.

My mother has been a wonderful Christian example. She has taught children’s bible class for over 35 years and still speaks at ladies bible classes from time to time. Last week she gave a talk on Changes in the Church. My mom and I have discussed and disagreed from time to time about the good and the bad that change has brought. I have appreciated her biblical stand for truth but also her flexibility in her thinking from time to time on a variety of subjects. I hope to post her talk on my site in the coming days.

Debbie and I have been blessed the past three months in being invited to teach the Young Professional Class at Central. What a powerful group these individuals are. They have a true love for God and a true love for each other. Two weeks ago we had small group worship and fellowship at Central South (our house) and Brian Bells message and Josh Yoho leading us in worship encouraged me. This group of young adults has taught Debbie and me a great deal about relationships and being a servant. Next week we will begin a series on Creating the Heart of A Servant. A study of David’s life, from being a sheepherder to a powerful King. How he had a heart like God in his victories, failures and disappointments. I am looking forward to the study.

May God Richly Bless You in your moments of Worship today!

Worship Made Flesh

A favorite worship leader of mine wrote this article a couple of years ago.

Worship Made Flesh

By: Murray Sanderson
Date: October 18, 2002

We've been blessed by a wonderful era of worship renewal! God is doing great things in our corporate worship. The song service is the most obvious recipient of this Holy Spirit renaissance, but the Spirit is also moving to renew our focus on scripture reading, Lord's Supper observance, and proclamation of Christ as well. I thank God for what He has done and is still doing to help us stay fresh as we take delight in Him corporately.

God is restoring to us the joy of our salvation, not solely for refreshment and inspiration, although He certainly has brought those two in abundance. By example, Jesus showed us how necessary it would be for us to withdraw from the world to a lonely place (which we do individually and corporately) to reset our compasses. As He did with Christ, so now He does with us, the body of Christ: He is restoring our souls inside the church walls so that we may more mightily and courageously worship outside the church walls!

If you thought adding a worship team was a big deal, brace yourself for the next exciting phase of worship renewal. The title of this chapter of worship reformation could be, "The Worship Made Flesh," meaning that we are ready now to be incarnated? Christ in us, the hope of glory for the world. Jesus was the Word made flesh, and now we are Jesus made flesh. He calls us to focus on others around us, to dive into the deep and sometimes murky waters of social justice, to humble ourselves by lifting up the poor, to spend time encouraging the brokenhearted.
It's this Isaiah 58/Romans 12 worship renewal that can be a real challenge. The first era of worship renewal was a big step, but God has even greater challenges in store.

When God set His heart on reaching humankind, He sent judges, priests, kings, and prophets but then determined it was best for Him to come in human form. His message of love, peace, and hope to a dying world was best and most fully expressed in Christ.

In the last ten to fifteen years, we've set our hearts on reaching God through worship renewal. We've incorporated worship teams, congregational readings, vocal solos, fancy projectors and yes, the big kahuna, the use of the dramatic arts. But now He sends us out like He sent His Son, to leave the delights and pleasantries of the auditorium and go outside into the streets. Without allowing our worship services to suffer in any way, we now turn our focus outwardly, allowing God to reach the world with our beautiful voices and outstretched hands. To be sure, we are following in the steps of Christ (God's Word made flesh), the quintessential worship reformer.

Sunday Worship

The Central Church in Topeka is having a series of lessons by our minister Jim DuBose (baseball theme) this month on the family-"Making Your Home A Field of Dreams"-This week: Every Team Needs A Coach. The order of worship for Sunday is listed below:

Sunday, April 17, 2005
Order of Worship

Welcome

I Stand in Awe
As the Deer

Prayer

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-7

Thank You, Lord (Sing Chorus Twice)
Wonderful Merciful Savior

Communion
Contribution

God Give Us Christian Homes

Message

Invitation: God Will Make a Way (Sing Twice)

Announcements

Light the Fire

Closing Prayer

A Look Back

I often think back to my early years and the influence that song leaders (today...worship leaders) had on my philosophy of worship and music in the church. I had some great Christian examples growing up that made a huge impact on me and mentored me as a worship leader.

I remember, Emerson Stewart in Augusta, Hal Stowe in Chula Vista, Curtis Manor in Oxnard, Clark Rausch and Harvey Rhodes at York College. And how could I ever forget two recent men that have been my friends and mentors Carl Wheeler and Dennis Hogue. I will never have their level of music expertise or their extreme passion that shows on their face each Sunday when they lead worship.

The church today is going through a dramatic change. Worship teams and the aspect of using women in worship has been a major battle in the church. I often think back when times were simple. Getting out of the rack our song book and singing the good old songs. As much as I love that period in my life, I believe worship has improved. We spend considerable more time planning worship. Songs are selected to center around a theme or topic for that assembly. The minister usually plans with the worship leader as well as with the individual speaking at the Lord's Table. But have we really improved the heart of worship?

Only you can be the judge of that. Worship doesn't just take place on Sunday. It's a 24-7 lifestyle. We need to remember that our entire life should be a worship to God.

So on Sunday, if you have a praise team or you have old Brother Johnny picking out songs five minutes before worship, remember that we are praising the God of the Universe. He deserves our very best!

Reflection

"Be still and know that I am God
Be still and know that I am God
Be still and know that I am God"

Simple words to a song I learned as I was growing up. But the words never really meant much until the last few years.

In our worship, we need to some times just stop and be silent in our times of reflection and praise to God. We need to contemplate the extreme sacrifice that was given for us. We need to reflect on who this God is that we are worshipping. He is the Creator and the sustainer of life!