No matter what size the choir - and in these last days of summer, it can be small - we are blessed with musical that offers up our prayer of worship preparation. Today was no different. As we learned in this morning's message, there are no small errands. There are no small anthems, either.
No jazz this morning, but that's okay. We were blessed with a contemporary arrangement of "I Exalt Thee".
The task of Ananias, though small at first glance, was another turning point in the birth of the church. Without that small response to Christ's call, Paul would never have gone out the window in a basket, setting him off on his missionary journey. It's a great story.
Another lovely anthem from our remarkable choir.
Dan Tryon, our Minister of Music, graces our offertory time each week with something special. Today's arrangement of "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" was extraordinary!
Our study in Acts of the Apostles brings us to one of the critical junctions of the early church - the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, our beloved Apostle Paul. You have to wonder what God was thinking when He chose the biggest, baddest Jew to bring the Good News to the world. Then again, God's ways are not our ways.
Dan's offertory, a lovely and unique arrangement of the traditional hymn, "Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It" put us in a prayerful and worship mood.
This morning's anthem, "For Where God Is, There is Love" reminds us that God's love is all around us. Enjoy!
Luke's story of Philip the Evangelist -- the story of Simon the Magician and the Ethiopian -- bring us face to face with the power of the Holy Spirit. Where Simon was concerned, the Holy Spirit didn't even come close. With the Ethiopian, the Holy Spirit was at work before he ever knew it. The Spirit blows where God wants!
Such a beautiful song for this beautiful morning. How fitting it is with our study in the Acts of the Apostles and God's message throughout the Scripture.
Deep Within
By David Haas
Based on Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 36:26, Joel 2:12
(Refrain)
Deep within, I will plant my law, not on stone, but in your heart.
Follow me; I will bring you back.
You will be my own, and I will be your God.
1. I will give you a new heart, a new spirit within you, for I will be your strength.
2. See my face, and see your God, for I will be your hope.
3. Return to me, with all your heart, and I will bring you back.
The stoning of Stephen is one of those Bible stories we sort of skip over. But there's a rich history and understanding within this story and one we really shouldn't miss.
