God has drawn a number of new people to Mt. Oak over the last few months. Many have attended other churches before Mt. Oak.
How about sharing some of the features of worship in your former church you thought were powerful and moving for you? We won't promise to try them all but this is a good place to share some ideas and see where God might lead our pastors, worship director and worship teams.
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When Quoting Scripture Inflicts Harm
6 years ago
3 comments:
Worship is our opportunity to give the Lord His due--to praise Him, to thank Him. In so doing, we become vulnerable and open to Him.
In this context, I find myself become introspective, and this self-examination is necessary. However, all of the singing distracts me from this important task. At least once or twice, it would be greatly appreciated if we could pause, listen to one singer or "special music" (e.g. a choral number or an instrumental performed by someone not in the band--flute solo, percussion solo, piano solo, violin solo, a duo of some kind), and reflect on the words/music, ruminate, and apply them. (A good song for this is "How can I keep from singing?") Perhaps later on, we could then sing the same song corporately. (What was public becomes private becomes public again.) Perhaps a "moment of silence" would be welcomed--not to DO anything, but simply to be still and know that Jesus is Lord (and pray, if necessary--probably a little of both). If I can't rest in the company of my brethren, where should I go?
At one Meeting House I visited, I learned that the Quakers have the practice of being silent. As the Spirit leads, individuals will share Scripture, a word, whatever, and then resume silence. Our society fears silence. In this context, the silence was quickening, not boring (horror of horrors!). "Be still and know that I am God."
Tom,
You missed this past Sunday or you would have experienced much of what you write about. 10:30 worship had some of the elements you mention this past week.
Not so new, but some ideas from Texas. One was bringing gifts for Jesus at Christmas services(diapers, formula,onzies,etc) that were sent to Crisis Pregnancy Center in town. Others-singing "Go Light your Candle"or "They Can Tell we are Christians" with candles in circle in sanctuary. Prayer walk.
Sharon R.
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