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!

Improving Worship

How often do we say to ourselves and those we minister to how can we improve our worship in the corporate setting. Each Sunday, when we come together, should be a time of celebration and reflection. It should be the highlight of the week.

Here are some considerations on how we can improve our worship:

1. Always pray before coming to worship. This puts one in the right frame of mind. I appreciate a team of men and women at Central that pray each Sunday for those of us that lead worship. This ministry is a very valuable part of our church. Each of us should reflect before we participate in our weekly worship.

2. Come expecting to be uplifted spiritually as a result of your service to God.

3. Come to worship God. Remember worship is not about ME it's to honor our God.

4. Enter enthusiastically into every part of our worship. Sing from the heart, pray, study, listen, give. Be a worshipper not a spectator.

5. When worshipping forget the faults of others there and think on your own imperfections. Confess your sins and seek forgiveness from God.

6. Listen to the lesson. Don't let your mind think about other items outside of what is being discussed by the minister.

7. Sit close to the front. Less distractions. Easier to participate.

8. Be positive, warm and friendly to all that are in attendance.

9. Seek out those who need a helping hand.

I am so blessed to worship with a church that truly loves to worship. If you are looking at ways to enhance your worship as a congregation, look at improving your personal focus on worship first!

Easter Sunday

What a great day of worship! Easter service was very encouraging as we added a new brother in Christ as he was baptized by one of our elders this morning and a woman coming that needed encouraged. Hearts were changed with the theme "Jesus is my Lamb". The video of "Watch the Lamb" highlighted the message Jim gave. Thanks to Carl for another spectacular technology worship presentation. We love you bother! You have a heart for worship and for encouraging our younger worship leaders. You are a continual blessing to me as well as the Central Family. Steve and Ed did a great job also on the music and video. Evan thanks for running the controls today.

This evening capped off a great day with our young men who participated at LTC leading our services. My son Craig, led singing. It brought tears to my eyes as he led, "In the Cross" and had my feet a stomping as he led "Nobody Feels My Heart Like Jesus". I watched his eyes as he led. His love of music and for God was evident. Kyle thank you for reading scripture tonight. It touched our hearts. The church is in good hands! Our future leaders are better prepared and trained than we ever have been. They have a heart for worship and for God!

May we all tell the EASTER story each day!

KC

We have arrived in Kansas City for the 2005 LTC Conference. The kids should be here anytime.

As I sit in the lobby of the Crown Hyatt Hotel I enjoy watching the people. So many stories, so many thoughts, so many hurting folks. I hope LTC can encourage many from small congregations this weekend.

Be praying for the Central Church, we are in the process of selecting a new youth minister. We believe God has provided the right young man and woman to minister here at Central. We are in constant prayer seeking God's direction and guidance.

LTC Bound

Easter weekend. Its LTC time again. Leadership Training for Christ is a weekend that our young people look forward to for many months. It's great to see our kids participate in bible bowl, song leading, Christian drama, puppets, bible reading, Christian art and a number of other activities.

Central will be bringing about 50 to Kansas City for the two day event.

I'm thinking about the future men and women that will be preachers, worship leaders, elders, deacons, bible teachers that will have their beginnings in KC this weekend. May God be glorified by the 1000 young people this weekend! And may God give us adults PATIENCE as we sponsor these great kids!

Easter-Order of Worship

Many times I hear worship leaders asking for special orders of worship. In the blog today, is the Easter service for Sunday at the Central Church of Christ in Topeka. We hope the service glorifies our Father as well as encourages the church.

Easter Sunday
March 27, 2005
Order of Worship

Theme: "Jesus Is My Lamb"

Worship Leader: David Carriger
Speaker: Jim DuBose

Welcome (Jerry Myers)
Reading: Psalms 24:7-10

100 Holy Ground
101 Holy Ground

Prayer

Reading: Matthew 27:45-54

361 Nailed to the Cross (Verse 1 Only)

"THE WORTHY LAMB" (Jim DuBose)

176 Lamb of God

218 Blessed Jesus

"THE SACRIFICIAL LAMB" (Jim DuBose)

Communion
Contribution

195 Behold the Lamb

"WATCH THE LAMB" (Jim DuBose)

Video "Watch the Lamb"
Invitation

904 Have You Been to Jesus?

Announcements

344 Low In the Grave He Lay (Verses then Chorus)

Closing Prayer

A Typical Sunday Morning

What do people really think about during a Sunday morning worship........

*A business woman, thinking of the house she hoped to sell that afternoon.
*A teenager thinking about the touchdown he scored on Friday night.
*Several adults have already started to think about the NFL football game that will be on this afternoon.
*A married couple sits in the pew upset with each other, contemplating divorce.
*A young teenage girl upset that she had sex with her boyfriend last night.
*A woman's mind returns to the kitchen, and the roast she placed in the oven.
*Many people thinking, will we get out early so we can beat the crowd to the restaurant?

A typical Sunday morning. Worship requires discipline. Make sure your worship is a response to God, to what God has done, and to what God is doing.

"Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name: bring an offering, and come before Him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness" (1 Chronicles 6:29).

Sleeping in Church

A Sunday school teacher asked the children just before she dismissed them to go to church, "and why is it necessary to be quiet in church?" Annie replied, because people are sleeping."

A Prayer

Today, I share with you part of St. Patrick's "Breastplate Prayer":

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Church Growth?

Some rather absurd things have been done in churches to promote church growth:

“An article in The Wall Street Journal described one well-known church’s bid ‘to perk up attendance at Sunday evening services.’ The church ‘staged a wrestling match, featuring church employees. To train for the event, 10 game employees got lessons from Tugboat Taylor, a former professional wrestler, in pulling hair, kicking shins and tossing bodies around without doing real harm”.

“Just how far will the church go in competing with Hollywood? A large church in the southwestern United States has installed a half-million-dollar special-effects system that can produce smoke, fire, sparks, and laser lights in the auditorium. The church sent staff members to study live special effects at Bally’s Casino in Las Vegas. The pastor ended one service by ascending to ‘heaven’ via invisible wires that drew him up out of sight while the choir and orchestra added a musical accompaniment to the smoke, fire, and light show”.

Where are we headed next?

Easter

We have started our preparation for our Easter service on Sunday, March 27 at Central. Easter has always been very meaningful for me. As a kid mom filled our Easter baskets with candy and I was allowed to eat chocolate before church and after church. We all dressed usually in new clothes and went to church and saw people visiting that we hadn't seen in many months.

That's where it becomes a special day. We have many visitors on that Sunday. For that one moment we have the opportunity to tell the story of Jesus. If we are successful we might be able to invite them back for another service or even better an opportunity to attend one of our bible classes.

That's why worship preparation is so important. Not just that we want to Praise our Heavenly Father but we want to stir the hearts of those in worship.

I am excited for Easter. Our message and service will center around the theme, "Jesus Is My Lamb". We hope to show the video, "Watch the Lamb" by Ray Boltz. We will use the Hallal sound track. The video and song are very moving.

I encourage you to look forward to Easter. For a Christian, Easter is each first day of the week. A time to reflect on a Savior that lived, died and arose!

The Word Became Flesh

A friend of mine who is a worship leader sent the following to me:

"Incarnation. The WORD made flesh. He didn't do this just for us. He did it to show us what incarnation looks like. We are his hands and feet. It's not a Sunday morning service, it's a way of life (or should be). I desperately want to know how to make that more true for me. I long to be his hands and feet more than I am now--and I long to CARE about that more than I do".

What have you done today to show Jesus to someone else. Slow down and take the time! Take the time to be the light to a dark world. I need to practice this so much in my life.

Prayer

I always enjoy visiting churches on Sundays throughout the United States. I enjoy the different types of worship services offered and always bring back fresh new ideas on how to enhance our worship.

This past week, I had the opportunity to worship with a church in Oklahoma City. I enjoyed the more “contemporary music” that was offered, but the item that has stuck with me all week is the concern they had for people. Prayer was a very important part of their worship and family time. Hurting people and individuals celebrating good things that God has given them highlighted the end of the service.

We sometimes leave out prayer, and rush to the singing or the preaching. Prayer is vital in our worship time. Not just in the corporate worship but our personal time as we prepare for worship each Sunday.

You Are the Words and the Music

Music has always been a comfort and joy for me as long as I can remember. During the tough times as well as those times of praise the lyrics to songs have encouraged me to overcome, gain strength and praise the Creator of the Universe. They remind me that the Spirit of God works through songs in ways we NEVER could. Sometimes music can be the hands and arms of Jesus holding us. Sometimes it's His face we see. Sometimes it takes us to a quiet garden where we can be ministered to in ways that are immeasurable.

Thank you, Lord, for music. Thank you for putting it in our souls and communicating your love to us through song. May we hear your voice singing over us today! Zephaniah 3:17