It's Wednesday and I am not traveling. That's actually fairly rare during the biggest part of the year. I frequently travel during the middle of the week. It varies, of course. There are times that I miss part of the weekend on the road, but, for the most part, my travel starts on Monday and ends on Friday.
It doesn't seem like a big deal that I am home on Wednesday, but, it is the day we have choir rehearsal for the church choir. I usually make it for Sunday service but, frequently miss rehearsals during the middle of the week. I am fortunate in that I make enough rehearsals that I've usually at least seen the piece(s) we are doing on Sunday but, sometimes that isn't the case. There have been a few times I am sight-reading on Sunday morning.
I enjoy choir. It is an escape. Having rehearsal in the middle of the week is great because it is an interruption in the ho-hum that allows me an hour and a half of enjoyment (when I can make it). You see, for those of you who don't sing, music is the language of the soul -- the heart. It is a way to touch something divine for just a short period.
When we listen to music we want it to be good. When we sing, it is often far less than perfect. But, in a choral setting that doesn't really matter as much as you might think. The combined voices often mask individual imperfections and the overall effect can be excellent even when the individuals involved are not.
It's too bad that choral music is rarely heard any more. Most churches have gone to praise bands. Don't get me wrong, I like praise and worship music, but, often as not, praise bands aren't all that good. They become exclusive because there are so few in the ensemble that only the "top" singers are selected to sing in them. That leaves many very good singers out. Choirs are not that way. It is only in the very largest of churches that there is a level of exclusivity because of numbers. In which case tryouts determine who joins and who does not.
Any way. Tonight is choir practice. I get to enjoy a tiny slice of the divine for awhile. Maybe I'll even know the music!
"Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing." Psalms 100:1-2
Chris
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Moralistic Therapeutic Deism
I am learning about something new -- yet, not so new. It is the name of something which I have observed among my peers first, and also among other generations -- both older and younger than me. It is called "moralistic therapeutic deism." I suspect it is a prime reason for the observed current decline in the Christian churches of both this country and Europe.
The article linked here is a good place to begin understanding. Then, it should be followed by reading this rather lengthy discussion.
If you regularly attend church, let me ask you the following question: Have you noticed a decline in attendance? If so, to what do you attribute that decline?
If you do not regularly attend a church, my question is this: Why?
Please feel free to answer the questions in the comments.
The article linked here is a good place to begin understanding. Then, it should be followed by reading this rather lengthy discussion.
If you regularly attend church, let me ask you the following question: Have you noticed a decline in attendance? If so, to what do you attribute that decline?
If you do not regularly attend a church, my question is this: Why?
Please feel free to answer the questions in the comments.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Refreshed But Not Rested
Sundays are often very busy days for us. Today was no exception. In fact, it was probably fairly representative. Here's how it went....
7:55 -- Stop at Ministry Center and turn on the coffeepot so it will be ready to make coffee later.
Early Service (Traditional): Sing in the choir. Be there at about 8:00.
Leave Early Service at halftime: Go over to Ministry Center and make coffee and get refreshments ready for Sunday School.
9:45 -- Sunday School starts. Some Sundays I do the music for "The Celebration" which is an alternative Sunday School/Church Service/Small Group function for those who prefer something other than the traditional services.
10:30 -- leave Sunday School because we have to warm up for our Adult Ensemble, B.A.S.I.C. (Brothers and Sisters in Christ), which is singing in the 11:00 service.
11:00 -- Contemporary service -- we usually attend this one.
12:30 -- Lunch
3:00 -- Personnel Committee Meeting -- seems like this happens all too frequently -- lasted 2 hours
5:00 -- B.A.S.I.C. rehearsal
6:00 -- Church
7:30 -- Dinner celebrating the completion of our Truth Project small group (see note below)
9:30 -- home
The Truth Project has been great. It is produced by Focus on the Family and is a DVD series that focuses on the question: "How do you know that what you know is really real?" It seeks to dive into the thinking behind many of the current popularly held beliefs that permeate our culture and how those beliefs compare to what the Bible says. I highly recommend it. Follow the link.
So, am I rested? I must admit that I missed my nap. My "day-of-rest" was full, but I do feel refreshed and ready for the week.
Life is good.
7:55 -- Stop at Ministry Center and turn on the coffeepot so it will be ready to make coffee later.
Early Service (Traditional): Sing in the choir. Be there at about 8:00.
Leave Early Service at halftime: Go over to Ministry Center and make coffee and get refreshments ready for Sunday School.
9:45 -- Sunday School starts. Some Sundays I do the music for "The Celebration" which is an alternative Sunday School/Church Service/Small Group function for those who prefer something other than the traditional services.
10:30 -- leave Sunday School because we have to warm up for our Adult Ensemble, B.A.S.I.C. (Brothers and Sisters in Christ), which is singing in the 11:00 service.
11:00 -- Contemporary service -- we usually attend this one.
12:30 -- Lunch
3:00 -- Personnel Committee Meeting -- seems like this happens all too frequently -- lasted 2 hours
5:00 -- B.A.S.I.C. rehearsal
6:00 -- Church
7:30 -- Dinner celebrating the completion of our Truth Project small group (see note below)
9:30 -- home
The Truth Project has been great. It is produced by Focus on the Family and is a DVD series that focuses on the question: "How do you know that what you know is really real?" It seeks to dive into the thinking behind many of the current popularly held beliefs that permeate our culture and how those beliefs compare to what the Bible says. I highly recommend it. Follow the link.
So, am I rested? I must admit that I missed my nap. My "day-of-rest" was full, but I do feel refreshed and ready for the week.
Life is good.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Energy and Music
Music is important to me. I would not consider it a driving passion as it is with many, however, I enjoy both listening and performing music.
I like many kinds of music. It often depends upon my mood.
I also enjoy silence, or the "music" of nature. Yesterday, I ate lunch at the park. The birds sang continuously.
I'm not one that must listen to music constantly. I don't go around with an iPod and headphones. Nor do I constantly play CD's or the radio as I drive -- and I drive a lot.
I am very particular about music. I like for it to be well executed. However, in a live performance, I do not expect perfection -- which brings me to the reason that I am creating this post.
Music in church.
There are two basic styles of worship music. There is Choral and there is Praise and Worship. I enjoy both when executed well. Therein is the issue.
What does it mean for music to be well-executed in a live performance? To me it is a combination of factors but the underlying strength of the performance resides in "heart." If the performer doesn't put their heart into the music it will lack energy -- even if executed flawlessly.
Our church choir generally puts a lot of heart into its performance -- especially the choir special or a special performance. There is a wide variety of levels of talent within the choir -- from exceptionally gifted to "nothing but heart." The thing that sets the choir apart however, is heart. Each of the individuals come together in a common concert of worship as they pour their hearts into the music -- not the performance. With rare exception, the performances generate energy. It is the result of each one pouring his heart into the musical offering. It is the product of the emotion.
Our Praise Team on the other hand is blessed with very gifted musicians. Each one does an exceptional job of executing the music. Therein lies a problem. When each of these gifted musicians performs on the "team" they are performing individually and concurrently. A couple of them put a measure of "heart" into their performance but they often are each "performing" individually and not pouring their heart into a worship experience. The result is often one in which it feels as though energy is being "sucked" out of the congregation. It becomes a draining experience rather than one in which we are energized.
Now I must clarify somewhat. The musicians playing instruments come together as a Team. The problem lies in the vocals. They each perform wonderfully -- but NOT as a Team. They are performing as individuals.
If any of those individuals should read this, I pray that it will be accepted not as a criticism of their skills, talents or performance. It is an offering from my heart of a desire for them to experience the power of worship as a team -- the power of worship as the body of Christ. When that happens in corporate worship the result is an amazing, energizing experience.
I like many kinds of music. It often depends upon my mood.
I also enjoy silence, or the "music" of nature. Yesterday, I ate lunch at the park. The birds sang continuously.
I'm not one that must listen to music constantly. I don't go around with an iPod and headphones. Nor do I constantly play CD's or the radio as I drive -- and I drive a lot.
I am very particular about music. I like for it to be well executed. However, in a live performance, I do not expect perfection -- which brings me to the reason that I am creating this post.
Music in church.
There are two basic styles of worship music. There is Choral and there is Praise and Worship. I enjoy both when executed well. Therein is the issue.
What does it mean for music to be well-executed in a live performance? To me it is a combination of factors but the underlying strength of the performance resides in "heart." If the performer doesn't put their heart into the music it will lack energy -- even if executed flawlessly.
Our church choir generally puts a lot of heart into its performance -- especially the choir special or a special performance. There is a wide variety of levels of talent within the choir -- from exceptionally gifted to "nothing but heart." The thing that sets the choir apart however, is heart. Each of the individuals come together in a common concert of worship as they pour their hearts into the music -- not the performance. With rare exception, the performances generate energy. It is the result of each one pouring his heart into the musical offering. It is the product of the emotion.
Our Praise Team on the other hand is blessed with very gifted musicians. Each one does an exceptional job of executing the music. Therein lies a problem. When each of these gifted musicians performs on the "team" they are performing individually and concurrently. A couple of them put a measure of "heart" into their performance but they often are each "performing" individually and not pouring their heart into a worship experience. The result is often one in which it feels as though energy is being "sucked" out of the congregation. It becomes a draining experience rather than one in which we are energized.
Now I must clarify somewhat. The musicians playing instruments come together as a Team. The problem lies in the vocals. They each perform wonderfully -- but NOT as a Team. They are performing as individuals.
If any of those individuals should read this, I pray that it will be accepted not as a criticism of their skills, talents or performance. It is an offering from my heart of a desire for them to experience the power of worship as a team -- the power of worship as the body of Christ. When that happens in corporate worship the result is an amazing, energizing experience.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
First Fantasy Baptist Church
Welcome to the First Fantasy Baptist Church
Read the sign over the door --
At least that's what I was looking for.
Instead I found that once inside
The fantasy I was seeking had died
And in its place were real people.
I expect to be entertained!
Crank up the music;
Put on a show.
But in its place was much too loud
And slightly off key in a place or two
And a prayer that lasted way too long.
Oh, but surely the preacher
Will move me in my pew
And make me see the Pearly Gates.
But about 12:10 as he was finally winding down
The realization set in that
All I got was the same old sermon on gettin' saved.
What's wrong with churches nowadays?
Don't they know that they've got to keep our attention
Or we'll go on down the road?
They expect us to put something in the plate
And be greeters or maybe teachers
Or help out in the nursery.
I even saw a Deacon at the liquor store the other day
And he was leaving with a brown paper bag
Yet they expect me to go visit people?
They're just a bunch of hypocrites in there
That cheat on their taxes
And make too big a profit down at the store.
I think I'll just drop out.
I don't need a church like that.
I can get better on T.V.
Those people outta start livin' like it says in The Good Book.
You know, love your neighbor
And give to the poor.
Why would they expect me to go there
If they can't live
The way The Good Book says?
Besides, they act better'n me.
They all wear fancy clothes
And drive big cars.
Why don't they share some of that wealth?
I could sure do something with it!
I'd give half of it away!
I'll just sit here and listen to the T.V. preacher.
He's better anyway.
They won't even come and visit me.
They're just a bunch of hypocrite holy rollers.
I won't waste my time on them.
Besides, the football game starts at 11:30.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not die but have everlasting life." __ John 3:16
Read the sign over the door --
At least that's what I was looking for.
Instead I found that once inside
The fantasy I was seeking had died
And in its place were real people.
I expect to be entertained!
Crank up the music;
Put on a show.
But in its place was much too loud
And slightly off key in a place or two
And a prayer that lasted way too long.
Oh, but surely the preacher
Will move me in my pew
And make me see the Pearly Gates.
But about 12:10 as he was finally winding down
The realization set in that
All I got was the same old sermon on gettin' saved.
What's wrong with churches nowadays?
Don't they know that they've got to keep our attention
Or we'll go on down the road?
They expect us to put something in the plate
And be greeters or maybe teachers
Or help out in the nursery.
I even saw a Deacon at the liquor store the other day
And he was leaving with a brown paper bag
Yet they expect me to go visit people?
They're just a bunch of hypocrites in there
That cheat on their taxes
And make too big a profit down at the store.
I think I'll just drop out.
I don't need a church like that.
I can get better on T.V.
Those people outta start livin' like it says in The Good Book.
You know, love your neighbor
And give to the poor.
Why would they expect me to go there
If they can't live
The way The Good Book says?
Besides, they act better'n me.
They all wear fancy clothes
And drive big cars.
Why don't they share some of that wealth?
I could sure do something with it!
I'd give half of it away!
I'll just sit here and listen to the T.V. preacher.
He's better anyway.
They won't even come and visit me.
They're just a bunch of hypocrite holy rollers.
I won't waste my time on them.
Besides, the football game starts at 11:30.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not die but have everlasting life." __ John 3:16
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Mentoring
The church sermon this morning was on mentoring. Using Paul and Timothy as a pattern, our associate pastor talked about how important mentoring is to both new Christians and to folks going through different life stages -- such as marriage, children, divorce, losing a spouse or parent, and on and on. It caused me to think about some of the mentors in my life.
Some of the early mentors in my life include my father and grandfather, J Cowart, Uil Gunter, Travis Hart, and a couple of uncles. On my writing there is Cotton Lewis. In business there has been Walt Gould, Tom Sehl, Jim Robison, Jim Schwertner, and numerous others. There continue to be spiritual mentors like Bob Civil, David Lowrie, Gayle Bowen, and others in our church.
Most of you who might read this don't know theses people. It doesn't matter. Their influence has a ripple effect -- like dropping a rock into still waters. Their effect on me continues through my impact on others. It is like that for all of us. The lives we touch, and how we affect those around us has a ripple effect throughout the world. Is the effect for good or for bad?
Tonight our church service was held jointly with the Palo Duro Cowboy Church. The PDCC was a ministry outreach of our church to those who are not comfortable in the typical church setting but could be reached through the cowboy culture. The pastor of that church, Shannon Moreland, is a cowboy through and through. He grew up on a ranch and has spent most of his life working on ranches throughout Texas. God has used him in a mighty way to reach into the lives of many young cowboys and their families in this area. It is great to see what is happening with them.
Tonight as part of that service we heard a testimony from the first young man that was baptized in their church. He grew up with alcohol and drugs and as a result spent a little time in jail. The men in the PDCC continued to reach out to him and help him with employment and counseling. He reached bottom about a year ago and realized how badly he needed something different in his life. He realized that only Jesus could save him from himself. His testimony is an amazing example of the power to change lives that comes only from Christ.
The PDCC is an example of mentoring in several ways. 1) Our church is mentoring them and helping them to become established. 2) The mature Christians in that church are mentoring the young men and women who are looking to improve their lives. 3) They are mentoring young men and women like the example above to escape the traps of drugs, alcohol, abuse and crime. They are following the example that Jesus himself set of mentoring the apostles who then spread the gospel. The ripple effect continues today.
Some of the early mentors in my life include my father and grandfather, J Cowart, Uil Gunter, Travis Hart, and a couple of uncles. On my writing there is Cotton Lewis. In business there has been Walt Gould, Tom Sehl, Jim Robison, Jim Schwertner, and numerous others. There continue to be spiritual mentors like Bob Civil, David Lowrie, Gayle Bowen, and others in our church.
Most of you who might read this don't know theses people. It doesn't matter. Their influence has a ripple effect -- like dropping a rock into still waters. Their effect on me continues through my impact on others. It is like that for all of us. The lives we touch, and how we affect those around us has a ripple effect throughout the world. Is the effect for good or for bad?
Tonight our church service was held jointly with the Palo Duro Cowboy Church. The PDCC was a ministry outreach of our church to those who are not comfortable in the typical church setting but could be reached through the cowboy culture. The pastor of that church, Shannon Moreland, is a cowboy through and through. He grew up on a ranch and has spent most of his life working on ranches throughout Texas. God has used him in a mighty way to reach into the lives of many young cowboys and their families in this area. It is great to see what is happening with them.
Tonight as part of that service we heard a testimony from the first young man that was baptized in their church. He grew up with alcohol and drugs and as a result spent a little time in jail. The men in the PDCC continued to reach out to him and help him with employment and counseling. He reached bottom about a year ago and realized how badly he needed something different in his life. He realized that only Jesus could save him from himself. His testimony is an amazing example of the power to change lives that comes only from Christ.
The PDCC is an example of mentoring in several ways. 1) Our church is mentoring them and helping them to become established. 2) The mature Christians in that church are mentoring the young men and women who are looking to improve their lives. 3) They are mentoring young men and women like the example above to escape the traps of drugs, alcohol, abuse and crime. They are following the example that Jesus himself set of mentoring the apostles who then spread the gospel. The ripple effect continues today.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
A Movie and a Sermon
We watched a movie this evening called Flyboys. It was about American volunteers who flew in the French Escadrille in World War I prior to the American entry into the war. It was an excellent movie. I would highly recommend it.
Sundays around our house are usually a day of rest. The mornings are filled with church activities, but the afternoons are usually for naps. I had a good, long one today. Tonight, at church, we had a fill-in speaker since our pastor was out of town. I really enjoyed listening to him. He pastored a number of churches after a lengthy military career before retiring here. He has some very interesting stories to tell both from his service in the military and from the various small churches that he pastored. Tonight he talked about experiencing God's abundance fully. Too often, we settle for a life of "near joy". We need to look for God working around us and seek to experience His working in our lives. When we do, we will dine on steaks, not hotdogs. (That was the very condensed version.)
I think he's right. Sometimes, it is in the worst of times that we experience God's abundance the most. Too often, when things are going well, we forget about Him and think about how well we are doing. It's Him all along. It's just that when we aren't fully dependent on Him, we don't experience Him. I don't know if that makes sense, but I know that it's true from experience. God is in control. I personally prefer the steak to hotdogs.
Sundays around our house are usually a day of rest. The mornings are filled with church activities, but the afternoons are usually for naps. I had a good, long one today. Tonight, at church, we had a fill-in speaker since our pastor was out of town. I really enjoyed listening to him. He pastored a number of churches after a lengthy military career before retiring here. He has some very interesting stories to tell both from his service in the military and from the various small churches that he pastored. Tonight he talked about experiencing God's abundance fully. Too often, we settle for a life of "near joy". We need to look for God working around us and seek to experience His working in our lives. When we do, we will dine on steaks, not hotdogs. (That was the very condensed version.)
I think he's right. Sometimes, it is in the worst of times that we experience God's abundance the most. Too often, when things are going well, we forget about Him and think about how well we are doing. It's Him all along. It's just that when we aren't fully dependent on Him, we don't experience Him. I don't know if that makes sense, but I know that it's true from experience. God is in control. I personally prefer the steak to hotdogs.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)