What are they thinking?

Does anybody besides me have a hard time understanding what's been going on in several Muslim countries over the last few weeks? I mean, I understand that the publication of the cartoons about Mohammed goes against their faith. I've seen some things published in our media that offend my faith, too. But rioting, destruction, killing? The level of anger seems, to me, to far exceed the scale of the offense. It certainly does nothing to convince me of the merit of their cause. If anything, were I a prospective convert (which I certainly am not), I would be less inclined toward their beliefs.

As I pondered some of this, my first thought was, "I'm so glad my faith doesn't show itself in that same angry, hateful way we're seeing there." But...then it dawned on me that some people don't see Christians as much different than that. Granted, we are consistently misrepresented in the media, in particular, and our society, in general. Too often, though, those mischaracterizations are based on at least an element of fact. Bombings and angry demonstrations are wrong and ineffective whether in the cause of Mohammed or Christianity (think abortion clinics before you say that bombs have never been employed in the name of Christ).

May we all use these recent events as an opportunity to reflect on the image of Christ we show to the world. While I've never gone so far as some, I must plead "Guilty" to the charge of misrepresenting my Savior by the way I sometimes treat others. Maybe my actions would suggest I understand what's been going on a little better than I'd like to admit--or even realize. Fortunately, I serve a God who forgives, rather than demands, actions such as these we've seen recently. May my actions lead people to Him rather than point them away.

Sunday, Feb. 12 Weather Update

It was a difficult decision, but we have cancelled all services and activities for Sunday, February 12. Last night we went into "snow mode" and cancelled the 8:30 and 9:45 services as well as small groups. But given the additional snow overnight, as well as the continued snowfall and gusty winds this morning, we made the decision to cancel the 11:00 service as well.

Stay warm!

Bill

Do I have to change, too?

--copied from another church's website

"There is no one biblical form for worship. In the Bible, worship included the very formal expressions of worship in the tabernacle and temple as well as very celebratory and spontaneous worship of the people in various situations. The annual feasts and celebrations serve as a good example. While there were strong traditions concerning what was done and how it was done, there was great diversity from one feast to the other. There was no form that dominated every worship experience. The New Testament Church clearly demonstrated a process of growth and diversity in corporate worship from the Synagogue to house churches to the worship in churches of several thousand, such as the church in Jerusalem. Over and over again God states that He doesn't want form; He wants our hearts. To obey is better than sacrifice. The various forms have more to do with church traditions and culture than biblical mandates.

The elements of worship (Praise, Prayer, Examination, Confession, Giving, Scripture Reading, Preaching, Witness/Testimony and Affirmation of Truth) have strong biblical support. The way those elements are included in a worship service (in other words, the form) can be very diverse. Our task...is to determine a form that is most meaningful to our congregation. Because people and culture are constantly changing, the form will also be constantly changing. There is clear evidence in both the Old and New Testament that forms changed as people and culture changed. "
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What are your thoughts?

Looking Forward to Sunday!

I don't know about you, but I'm really looking forward to this Sunday! I can't wait to get our choir back up there leading worship. Our song for this week, From a Sincere Heart, sounded good Wednesday night, and I know it'll sound even better Sunday! Thanks to Mike Tyer for the solo and to Donna Clark and Dawn Dixon for the praise team parts.

In case you missed it, I shared some more of Rick Muchow's (Worship Pastor at Rick Warren's church, Saddleback Community Church, in CA) comments. They included...

Beautiful music is great, but if you're worried about it then it can be a distraction. The most important thing is to prepare your heart...Prepare...spiritually...then after that work on the notes.

Let me encourage you to come Sunday with your heart prepared for worship. Continue to prepare your heart for worship and your voice for praise--reread Colossians 3:12-17 and listen to your CD. God will use all of it to glorify Himself as we gather for worship this Sunday.

See you there!