Church Blog

Song I Can’t Stop Singing

October 30 2008 at 10:47 am 2 Comments

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A few weeks ago during worship our choir sang the song “Glorious and Mighty.” I haven’t been able to stop singing it since then. Yesterday I was blasting it in my car as I drove to and from work. It was a much needed break from all the latest presidential election coverage. The words of the third verse did my soul much more good than the news:

Majesty, You fashioned the heavens
Your decrees can never be changed
Over all the plans of the nations
Your judgments reign

Amen! God’s decrees and purposes can never be changed. What an awesome, glorious and almighty God we worship. I hope you’re singing and praising him with joy today.

If you don’t have the song, it’s from the Psalms album. You can get it on iTunes or listen to it or buy it from Sovereign Grace Music. And for all you musical types, Bob Kauflin lists the choral arrangements on his site.

Listen to or purchase song (at sovereigngracestore.com)

Bob’s choral arrangement (at worshipmatters.com)

 

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Ordination Sunday

October 28 2008 at 8:31 pm 2 Comments

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On Sunday we ordained Greg S., Mark Mitchell, Brian Chesemore, Isaac Hydoski and Joe Lee. The slideshow above provides an opportunity to reflect on the day and God’s goodness to us as a church.

This week’s Sunday audio is different than usual. It includes the following components:

• A brief message by Kenneth Maresco who shared the meaning of ordination and charged the five men in the role to which they have been called

• Comments from each of the men

• Video clips (of course you’ll only hear the audio) of church members honoring each man for the way they have faithfully pastored

• Ordination vows that the men took at the conclusion of the service

—The song used in the slideshow is “Receive the Glory” from Worship God Live.

 

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Sunday Preview: Ordination Sunday

October 24 2008 at 1:05 pm 0 Comments

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Sunday we will take a break from our series in Ephesians to celebrate God’s grace in the lives and callings of five pastors. Greg S., Mark Mitchell, Brian Chesemore, Isaac Hydoski and Joe Lee will be ordained. Their ordination is a process modeled on the New Testament pattern of church leadership in which men are called to the ministry by God, and affirmed in that call by existing leaders.

Kenneth Maresco will also share a brief message.

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Margaret Hamilton

October 23 2008 at 2:20 pm 0 Comments

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On Monday, Margaret Hamilton, Covenant Life member (and mother of Cindy Ryan), went to be with the Lord. She was beloved mother and grandmother in the Ryan household and a faithful participant the Senior Saints Ministry. As pastors, we are so grateful for the time the Lord allowed us to have her here, and for her inspiring example of “running the race” to honor and enjoy the Lord to the end of her life. Though we grieve, we also rejoice that she is now exulting in the presence of her King.

This summer, the “Seasoned Saints Newsletter” featured Margaret as “The Saint of the Month.” It included a brief story of her life, which I’d encourage you to read here (PDF, 2.1 mb).

Viewings will be held today (Thursday) from 2 to 4 p.m., and from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Edwards Room.  A memorial service will take place in the Auditorium on Friday morning at 10 a.m.

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Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs

October 22 2008 at 9:57 am 2 Comments

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A member wrote me the following note about our plan to memorize 10 hymns together as a church. I love the way he’s seeking to apply Scripture:

I am writing to say that I am very excited about the new emphasis on learning great hymns, not because I love hymns, but because I love to see us obey God’s word with faith and excitement, because that is the way that I want to live and to be led. My perspective on the importance of knowing hymns went up another level recently when I read and started to meditate on and memorize Ephesians 5:15-21.  The fresh revelation that I got was that God wants us to actually take these words literally and live by them—what a concept.  So I was thrilled to hear you announce a few days later that the whole congregation is going to be encouraged to learn hymns.  I trust that when we are taught from Ephesians 5, we will also be encouraged to speak to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.  I have already begun to incorporate that practice into my life and relationships with others recently.  I started by leading my family in memorizing Ps. 100 and practicing saying it to each other with one person starting with the first sentence and then each person taking turns reciting following sentences until we are through.  I also want to consciously practice speaking words from psalms and hymns and spiritual songs in casual conversation, such as saying “this is the day the Lord has made” and “the Lord is good, his steadfast love endures forever and his faithfulness to all generations.”
—Steve

I hope you can join us this Friday night at a “Hymn Sing” where Bob Kauflin will lead us through the hymns we’ll be memorizing over the next 10 months. Next month we’ll give out a CD with all 10 hymns to help you and your family memorize.

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Ephesians, Part 7: Application

October 19 2008 at 4:00 pm 0 Comments

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On Sunday Don DeVries taught from Ephesians 2:19-22, preaching that “Christ’s reconciling work has given us a privileged status and a glorious future.”

You can listen online or download the message here.

Also, pastor Brian Chesemore has prepared these application questions for us to consider both individually in our times with the Lord, or with our family, friends or Care Group:

1.  What are the three metaphors that Paul uses in Ephesians 2:19-22 to describe the Church?

2.  Consider each of these metaphors.  How should they shape the way you view and participate in the local church?

3.  Did this message serve to make you aware of any brother or sister whom you have distanced yourself from because of bitterness or lack of love in your heart?  If so, what does it look like for you to obey God’s Word and take specific steps to pursue unity and love?

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