Message
Week for of the Ruth series called "Choices" brought us the topic of "Choosing to Risk". This was a touchy topic that is really a challenge to us followers of Christ who tend to interpret our personal decisions as God's voice or direction. Many times I've personally made silly choices in life misleading myself into believing "God told me to do this" or it's "God's will for me" to do that ultimately finding myself in a bind or situation that clearly God wasn't a part of. If you feel like you've never been there...either you've not been a follower of Christ long enough....or you're in denial. It happens to us all.
What I love about how our Senior Pastor approaches topics like these. He doesn't just get in our grill, he seeks to provide practical ways and instruction on how to avoid situations like these and how to pursue and truly/Biblically approach a risk. Grace is extremely blessed to have such a gifted teacher in Tim Howey. Listen to the message here.
Music
This week we had some of our missionaries that we have supported over the years join us onstage. After our second song, Steve Baker who's been in the UK since 1997ish, took some time to share with the church what God's doing in their lives. It was great hearing how God is moving them from London to an uncertain field. Choosing to follow God and take a risk on what his calling is for the Bakers. Steve and Allie haven't been to Grace since around the year 2000. Much has changed since then. It was great having them here.
With the Bakers and some baptisms during the music portion of the worship service, we decided to bump a song to our new "pre-service" slot which begins 5 minutes before worship start. Still trying to figure out this new "call to worship" attempt. We put up a countdown clock stating "Service begins in..." but I'm not sure if that is just confusing to folks as we're singing a tune or not. We'll keep trying it. Any input some of you worshipy folks may have on this would be much appreciated.
Our audio lead, Scott Stanley, was competing at the famous American Royal BBQ in downtown Kansas City this weekend. In his place was Brad "Soakie" Burrow who did a bang up job mixing the music. He has quite a bit of knowledge in making a "Thumpin'" experience. The only trouble with exploring the space or tweaking at all brings out the dissatisfied. Audio and mixing is an extremely sensitive thing and can be controversial in many churches. I'm very grateful for our team and for the desire they have in making the music have more than just sound...but feeling. They work hard each week dealing with opposing preferences.
Here's our worship setlist. Be sure to check out other worship recaps on Fred McKinnon's site here.
- Let it Rise (F#) as recorded by Big Daddy Weave
- Sing, Sing, Sing (E) by Chris Tomlin
- Hosanna (C#m) by Hillsong United
- Everything Glorious (C) by David Crowder Band
- Healer (B) by Hillsong
