MZ Folks and Friends,
Pass the word – all former members and staff are invited to return to MZ for one Sunday – November 19th – to share with us in one of our worship services – as a way of celebrating MZ’s 188th birthday. We will recognize our joint ministries and our time shared. If you know of anyone who fits into former member or staff, please invite them to join us or if you have their e-mail, I will send a personal invitation to them.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Friday, October 06, 2006
More Comments on Community Worship
The comments keep pouring in. The mixture of styles and the Holy Spirit's presence has touched so many. Several people want to know how we can instill this excitement in our regular worship.
1. I wanted to pass on to you that I thought Sunday was awesome beyond words. The ability to watch the clouds go by, while singing, listening, weeping w/joy, is just too much to try to put into the right words. I was amazed 2-1/2 hours went by. I was sure it'd been 1-1/2. Would I, should we, do it again? YES.
2. How can we, dare I say, integrate our Sunday worship so that we can have the fullness that was Sunday's worship?
3. So much to take in, so little time. We could have worshipped for a couple of more hours. Seeing black and white together in worship has to please God! Do we think there will be segregation in heaven?
4. I like it, I would appreciate more of it!
1. I wanted to pass on to you that I thought Sunday was awesome beyond words. The ability to watch the clouds go by, while singing, listening, weeping w/joy, is just too much to try to put into the right words. I was amazed 2-1/2 hours went by. I was sure it'd been 1-1/2. Would I, should we, do it again? YES.
2. How can we, dare I say, integrate our Sunday worship so that we can have the fullness that was Sunday's worship?
3. So much to take in, so little time. We could have worshipped for a couple of more hours. Seeing black and white together in worship has to please God! Do we think there will be segregation in heaven?
4. I like it, I would appreciate more of it!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Our Worship - Ideas?
How can we enhance our worship services?
What ideas would you have to draw us into a deeper worship of God?
What have you seen or experienced at other churches that you would like to see at MZ?
Are you excited in worship? If so, why? If not, why not?
If you do not have a blog name, you can send your thoughts to mzblog@mzumc.com.
What ideas would you have to draw us into a deeper worship of God?
What have you seen or experienced at other churches that you would like to see at MZ?
Are you excited in worship? If so, why? If not, why not?
If you do not have a blog name, you can send your thoughts to mzblog@mzumc.com.
Expansion and Outreach
As we return to a dedicated education time and two worship services several ideas have surfaced on how we can expand. What are your thoughts about the follownig and what other ideas might you suggest? We want to go the way of the Lord, not the easiest or most convenient route. Help us discern.
1. Take the later service offsite to Southern Middle or Southern High.
-----a. When either service reaches 75% of capacity and we have a need to expand.
-----b. At a pre-determined date for outreach and expansion of our ministry.
2. Stay at MZ until our plans to build cause us to go offsite.
-----a. One suggestion from some of our oldest members is to remove the current Sanctuary and build a new worship center in its place.
-----b. Another option might be the Sanctinasium (expansion of the fellowship hall).
-----c. Another option is to buy more land and build on that.
3. Allow those who want to go offsite to start a new church and allow those that wish to stay remain at our present location.
Comments?
Other options?
1. Take the later service offsite to Southern Middle or Southern High.
-----a. When either service reaches 75% of capacity and we have a need to expand.
-----b. At a pre-determined date for outreach and expansion of our ministry.
2. Stay at MZ until our plans to build cause us to go offsite.
-----a. One suggestion from some of our oldest members is to remove the current Sanctuary and build a new worship center in its place.
-----b. Another option might be the Sanctinasium (expansion of the fellowship hall).
-----c. Another option is to buy more land and build on that.
3. Allow those who want to go offsite to start a new church and allow those that wish to stay remain at our present location.
Comments?
Other options?
Monday, October 02, 2006
Comments about Community Worship
We're starting to get some comments about the Community Service. Here are a few. Send yours in to be included...
1. Truly uplifting! Great job this morning!
2. I was expecting a more charismatic type of worship
3. Thank you for all the organization of today's program and worship. It was truly awesome! I too, thought this is like it will be in Heaven; all of God's children worshipping Him together, singing His praises forever.
4. When can we do it again? Not a whole year I hope.
5. Very moving service, several persons were able to let go and let God help them worship!
6. It was the closest I have ever felt to the Holy Spirit!
7. Can we do something this Christmas together?
8. The band and the choir were really powerful. Two different styles of music and leading worship mixed in the same service.
9. It was too long.
10. I needed a place to kneel and pray and they seemed to be missing.
11. I couldn't believe when you said it was 2 and a half hours long. The Spirit was so present I didn't notice the time.
12. Can we do that every week?
13. I think a regional church would be great - lots of flavor and spice.
14. I WANTED TO FIRST THANK THE LORD FOR A BEAUTIFUL DAY AND THEN THANK YOU FOR YOUR VISION TO SEE IT THROUGH.
15. I thought it was wonderful. I agree that the Lord must have been pleased. The 2 1/2 hours went quickly! The Spirit was definitely in the house! PTL
1. Truly uplifting! Great job this morning!
2. I was expecting a more charismatic type of worship
3. Thank you for all the organization of today's program and worship. It was truly awesome! I too, thought this is like it will be in Heaven; all of God's children worshipping Him together, singing His praises forever.
4. When can we do it again? Not a whole year I hope.
5. Very moving service, several persons were able to let go and let God help them worship!
6. It was the closest I have ever felt to the Holy Spirit!
7. Can we do something this Christmas together?
8. The band and the choir were really powerful. Two different styles of music and leading worship mixed in the same service.
9. It was too long.
10. I needed a place to kneel and pray and they seemed to be missing.
11. I couldn't believe when you said it was 2 and a half hours long. The Spirit was so present I didn't notice the time.
12. Can we do that every week?
13. I think a regional church would be great - lots of flavor and spice.
14. I WANTED TO FIRST THANK THE LORD FOR A BEAUTIFUL DAY AND THEN THANK YOU FOR YOUR VISION TO SEE IT THROUGH.
15. I thought it was wonderful. I agree that the Lord must have been pleased. The 2 1/2 hours went quickly! The Spirit was definitely in the house! PTL
Saturday, August 12, 2006
A Bible's Diary
Someone sent this to me - not sure the origin.
Diary of a Bible
January - A busy time for me. Most of the family decided to read me through this year. They kept me busy for the first two weeks, but they have forgotten me now.
February - Clean-up time. I was dusted yesterday and put in my place. My owner did use me for a few minutes last week. He had been in an argument and was looking up some references to prove he was right.
March - I had a busy day the first of the month. My owner was elected president of the P.T.A. and used me to prepare a speech.
April - Grandpa visited us this month. He kept me on his lap for an hour reading First Corinthians 13. He seems to think more of me than do some other people in my own household.
May - I have a few green stains on my pages. Some spring flowers were pressed in my pages.
June - I look like a scrapbook. They have stuffed me full of newspaper clippings - one of the girls was married.
July - They put me in a suitcase today. I guess we are off on vacation. I wish I could stay home; I know I'll be closed up in this thing for at least two weeks.
August - Still in the suitcase.
September - Back home at last and in my old familiar place. I have a lot of company. Two women's magazines and four comic books are stacked on top of me. I wish I could be read as much as they.
October - They read me a little bit today. One of them is very sick. Right now I am sitting in the center of the coffee table. I think the pastor is coming for a visit.
November - Back in my old place. Somebody asked today if I were a scrapbook.
December - The family is busy getting ready for the holidays. I guess I'll be covered up under wrapping paper and packages again - just as I am every Christmas.
Diary of a Bible
January - A busy time for me. Most of the family decided to read me through this year. They kept me busy for the first two weeks, but they have forgotten me now.
February - Clean-up time. I was dusted yesterday and put in my place. My owner did use me for a few minutes last week. He had been in an argument and was looking up some references to prove he was right.
March - I had a busy day the first of the month. My owner was elected president of the P.T.A. and used me to prepare a speech.
April - Grandpa visited us this month. He kept me on his lap for an hour reading First Corinthians 13. He seems to think more of me than do some other people in my own household.
May - I have a few green stains on my pages. Some spring flowers were pressed in my pages.
June - I look like a scrapbook. They have stuffed me full of newspaper clippings - one of the girls was married.
July - They put me in a suitcase today. I guess we are off on vacation. I wish I could stay home; I know I'll be closed up in this thing for at least two weeks.
August - Still in the suitcase.
September - Back home at last and in my old familiar place. I have a lot of company. Two women's magazines and four comic books are stacked on top of me. I wish I could be read as much as they.
October - They read me a little bit today. One of them is very sick. Right now I am sitting in the center of the coffee table. I think the pastor is coming for a visit.
November - Back in my old place. Somebody asked today if I were a scrapbook.
December - The family is busy getting ready for the holidays. I guess I'll be covered up under wrapping paper and packages again - just as I am every Christmas.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Jesus Is Calling You Into His Service
Jesus is calling you into His service. Too many people think that you have to be a pastor to be in the service of God or to be called. As a member of the District and Conference Boards on Ordained Ministry too often see well intended lay people wanting to serve God and thinking they have a call into ordained ministry.
God calls all of us into His ministry. 1 Peter 2:9 – But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. This passage is in the midst of God calling his people to holiness and service. We are all called.
In the recent debate over how we will be in ministry together as a church we have discussed our vision – to make disciples of Jesus Christ and how best to do that. We have discussed three goals we would like to accomplish; 1) a dedicated education time on Sunday mornings, 2) unified worship and 3) an outreach into the community.
This discussion has prompted us to consider moving some of our worship services offsite until such time as we build a larger worship center here or elsewhere. We have talked about our Sunday morning schedule. We have considered a number of changes and we have heard support and some concerns.
We probably haven’t unearthed all the options available to us as we strive to reach our three goals. I pray God will help us discern what is best for His church at MZ.
Along with this discussion a number of other things have surfaced. One of them is a need to examine our hearts and reasons for coming to church in the first place. How many of us “simply” come to worship and that ends our efforts for the Lord? How many of us offer to help around the church? Most of us could help to keep a flower bed clean of weeds and in some inexpensive color. Many of us could serve as ushers, greeters, on a committee, in other support ministries. Some of us, if not most of us, could be used in the children’s and youth ministry. Where are you helping make your church a better place? If you’re waiting for a sense of connection at MZ, there is no better way than to offer to serve in some ministry. You will be working with others who have a similar heart and interest and will get to know them by rolling up your sleeves so to speak and getting at it for the Lord.
Once you find a place to plug in I want to remind you that you should take your task very seriously. Volunteers are just unpaid workers in the harvest field of the Lord. Your part is very important, at times, allowing the paid staff to do things they might only be able to do. But, without your support and work, they might not get to those other tasks because they are filling the gap we all should be filling.
When you work with children, with the yard, with the worship service or any other place, do it to your best ability. Don’t show up for a class to teach without taking time to prepare. Don’t wait till Saturday night late when you know weeks ahead of time to call or try to find someone to fill in for you. Take your task seriously! Here what God’s Word says.
Colossians 3:17 – And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:23 – Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
1 Corinthians 15:58 – Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
You are called and you are needed. And when, not if, you get plugged into the work of the Lord, do it to your best ability! God notices, even if no one else does, and your efforts will make MZ a better church.
Shock them! Grab Pastor’s Wade and Tony in the halls and ask them where they need you to work in the discipleship ministries of the church. Ask Wade & Rachel what SonBurst needs. Seek out John Hines, Sr. and ask him what needs repaired or maintained around the church. Send me a note and tell me where you would like to work in the coming year. Talk to Norma and Vicki and tell them of your interest in the music ministry of the church. Call the office and tell Christi you would like to volunteer some time (30 minutes a week would do amazing things) to help in the office. You can do it, I know you can, because – we can do everything through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13.
God calls all of us into His ministry. 1 Peter 2:9 – But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. This passage is in the midst of God calling his people to holiness and service. We are all called.
In the recent debate over how we will be in ministry together as a church we have discussed our vision – to make disciples of Jesus Christ and how best to do that. We have discussed three goals we would like to accomplish; 1) a dedicated education time on Sunday mornings, 2) unified worship and 3) an outreach into the community.
This discussion has prompted us to consider moving some of our worship services offsite until such time as we build a larger worship center here or elsewhere. We have talked about our Sunday morning schedule. We have considered a number of changes and we have heard support and some concerns.
We probably haven’t unearthed all the options available to us as we strive to reach our three goals. I pray God will help us discern what is best for His church at MZ.
Along with this discussion a number of other things have surfaced. One of them is a need to examine our hearts and reasons for coming to church in the first place. How many of us “simply” come to worship and that ends our efforts for the Lord? How many of us offer to help around the church? Most of us could help to keep a flower bed clean of weeds and in some inexpensive color. Many of us could serve as ushers, greeters, on a committee, in other support ministries. Some of us, if not most of us, could be used in the children’s and youth ministry. Where are you helping make your church a better place? If you’re waiting for a sense of connection at MZ, there is no better way than to offer to serve in some ministry. You will be working with others who have a similar heart and interest and will get to know them by rolling up your sleeves so to speak and getting at it for the Lord.
Once you find a place to plug in I want to remind you that you should take your task very seriously. Volunteers are just unpaid workers in the harvest field of the Lord. Your part is very important, at times, allowing the paid staff to do things they might only be able to do. But, without your support and work, they might not get to those other tasks because they are filling the gap we all should be filling.
When you work with children, with the yard, with the worship service or any other place, do it to your best ability. Don’t show up for a class to teach without taking time to prepare. Don’t wait till Saturday night late when you know weeks ahead of time to call or try to find someone to fill in for you. Take your task seriously! Here what God’s Word says.
Colossians 3:17 – And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:23 – Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
1 Corinthians 15:58 – Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
You are called and you are needed. And when, not if, you get plugged into the work of the Lord, do it to your best ability! God notices, even if no one else does, and your efforts will make MZ a better church.
Shock them! Grab Pastor’s Wade and Tony in the halls and ask them where they need you to work in the discipleship ministries of the church. Ask Wade & Rachel what SonBurst needs. Seek out John Hines, Sr. and ask him what needs repaired or maintained around the church. Send me a note and tell me where you would like to work in the coming year. Talk to Norma and Vicki and tell them of your interest in the music ministry of the church. Call the office and tell Christi you would like to volunteer some time (30 minutes a week would do amazing things) to help in the office. You can do it, I know you can, because – we can do everything through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13.
Where Are You With Jesus?
Recently as I visited my father who is ailing I asked him that very question. It reminded me of Billy Moreland reporting that he had asked his dad that very question. I have asked many in the past just such a question when they were facing surgery, major illness or other serious times in their life. Dad and I discussed it.
I don’t want to wait until I ask you that question in serious need. I want to ask it today. Where are you with Jesus? Do you love God? Is He your Lord and Savior?
Before you answer that last question realize that in order for Him to be your Savior He has to be your Lord as well. We’re called in the Bible to love God more than anything. Mark 12:30 - Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' Matthew 10:37-39 – 37 "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
These are not just random Scriptures but the truth that Scriptures reveals over and over. God has to be first in your life.
How much time do you spend searching the Word of God? Do you treasure growing in the knowledge of God? This fall Pastor Tony will offer spiritually challenging classes on Sunday mornings. There are other classes as well on Sunday mornings. Pastor Tony and I and others will also offer weekday and weeknight groups/classes. Will you find one to attend? If not, why not? Do you not have time to grow in your knowledge of Christ?
Let me ask you a question this week. Do you understand the following? Do you know what sins lead to death or about the foundations of salvation? Do you understand what is meant by laying on of hands and do you practice this? Do you know how many baptisms there are, what they are and have you availed yourself of them? Do you understand so that you could explain to someone who asked you about the resurrection of the dead and about eternal judgment?
Next question, how long have you been a Christian? Have you known Jesus for a year, five years, twenty year, even fifty years or more?
Did you know that the questions I asked previously are called the elementary truths of the faith (and there are more). In the early church, probably within 10-20 years of Christ’s resurrection, the author of Hebrews was chewing out the church because they were not growing in their knowledge and understanding. Read the Scripture below.
Hebrews 5:11-6:3 – 11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.
Having been saved, have you remained a powerless, infant Christian? Philippians 2:12-13 – Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 – 14 continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
I wasn’t here when this happened but recently Bryan Butland preached and asked how many knew the story of Abraham and Isaac and I’m told very few raised their hands. These basic stories should be taught to us in Sunday School. If we did not attend Sunday School (some of our members didn’t grow up in the church) or were not taught these simply Bible stories growing up we should be learning them now.
Several of our Bible Studies and Sunday classes are very basic studies going through the elementary truths of the Bible. We need to avail ourselves of these opportunities to begin to learn God’s Word. But don’t stop, saying you learned these stories and others in Sunday School or in a Bible Study. Keep learning and growing in your knowledge of the Word of God.
The Bible tells us to shine more and more, to let our light shine so that others may see Jesus (Matthew 5:16). We are also reminded that gold is of more value when refined by the fire. When the impurities are removed the gold becomes more valuable. We too become more valuable in God’s service when we become more and more like Jesus, developing our character to match His (Philippians 2:5).
Don’t be satisfied! Demand more of yourself in worship (get out of your comfort zone), spend time in prayer before worship, release your inhibitions, worship before the Lord in the Spirit. Join a class to learn more, if asked, help teach or lead others (we learn more sometimes when we study to lead others).
Revelation 3:15-18 – 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire,
I don’t want to wait until I ask you that question in serious need. I want to ask it today. Where are you with Jesus? Do you love God? Is He your Lord and Savior?
Before you answer that last question realize that in order for Him to be your Savior He has to be your Lord as well. We’re called in the Bible to love God more than anything. Mark 12:30 - Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' Matthew 10:37-39 – 37 "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
These are not just random Scriptures but the truth that Scriptures reveals over and over. God has to be first in your life.
How much time do you spend searching the Word of God? Do you treasure growing in the knowledge of God? This fall Pastor Tony will offer spiritually challenging classes on Sunday mornings. There are other classes as well on Sunday mornings. Pastor Tony and I and others will also offer weekday and weeknight groups/classes. Will you find one to attend? If not, why not? Do you not have time to grow in your knowledge of Christ?
Let me ask you a question this week. Do you understand the following? Do you know what sins lead to death or about the foundations of salvation? Do you understand what is meant by laying on of hands and do you practice this? Do you know how many baptisms there are, what they are and have you availed yourself of them? Do you understand so that you could explain to someone who asked you about the resurrection of the dead and about eternal judgment?
Next question, how long have you been a Christian? Have you known Jesus for a year, five years, twenty year, even fifty years or more?
Did you know that the questions I asked previously are called the elementary truths of the faith (and there are more). In the early church, probably within 10-20 years of Christ’s resurrection, the author of Hebrews was chewing out the church because they were not growing in their knowledge and understanding. Read the Scripture below.
Hebrews 5:11-6:3 – 11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.
Having been saved, have you remained a powerless, infant Christian? Philippians 2:12-13 – Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 – 14 continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
I wasn’t here when this happened but recently Bryan Butland preached and asked how many knew the story of Abraham and Isaac and I’m told very few raised their hands. These basic stories should be taught to us in Sunday School. If we did not attend Sunday School (some of our members didn’t grow up in the church) or were not taught these simply Bible stories growing up we should be learning them now.
Several of our Bible Studies and Sunday classes are very basic studies going through the elementary truths of the Bible. We need to avail ourselves of these opportunities to begin to learn God’s Word. But don’t stop, saying you learned these stories and others in Sunday School or in a Bible Study. Keep learning and growing in your knowledge of the Word of God.
The Bible tells us to shine more and more, to let our light shine so that others may see Jesus (Matthew 5:16). We are also reminded that gold is of more value when refined by the fire. When the impurities are removed the gold becomes more valuable. We too become more valuable in God’s service when we become more and more like Jesus, developing our character to match His (Philippians 2:5).
Don’t be satisfied! Demand more of yourself in worship (get out of your comfort zone), spend time in prayer before worship, release your inhibitions, worship before the Lord in the Spirit. Join a class to learn more, if asked, help teach or lead others (we learn more sometimes when we study to lead others).
Revelation 3:15-18 – 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire,
Our Worship Services
I think we might need to stop using descriptive terms for our worship services. I think these terms are becoming divisive and disruptive. All worship; no mater what instruments or music is used, no mater how long or short or informal or formal is to be to God’s glory. It is all reverent and pleasing to God.
It will be my task and effort to make every opportunity we worship a time to approach God’s throne. I will try to develop and lead inspiring worship at all of our services. I encourage others who help lead worship to do the same. I pray that we come to give Him praise and worship and honor. Psalm 95:6-7 – 6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Psalm 100:1-5 – 1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. John 4:24 – God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.
Currently we have three worship services that meet at 8, 9:30 and 11 am on Sunday mornings. Each of them is Spirit led and each of them should impact our walk for the week as we refuel with fellowship, prayer, praise, singing, the reading of and sharing of God’s Word in a relevant manner.
I hope to see you Sunday as we worship God together.
It will be my task and effort to make every opportunity we worship a time to approach God’s throne. I will try to develop and lead inspiring worship at all of our services. I encourage others who help lead worship to do the same. I pray that we come to give Him praise and worship and honor. Psalm 95:6-7 – 6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Psalm 100:1-5 – 1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. John 4:24 – God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.
Currently we have three worship services that meet at 8, 9:30 and 11 am on Sunday mornings. Each of them is Spirit led and each of them should impact our walk for the week as we refuel with fellowship, prayer, praise, singing, the reading of and sharing of God’s Word in a relevant manner.
I hope to see you Sunday as we worship God together.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Awesome Worship August 6, 2006
We had awesome worship this morning. It was great to be back at MZ for sure. The sermon series began today - The Character of a Godly Person and continues next week. You can hear today's sermon at Character or by going to the web page. You can listen to a portion of our 9:30 worship this morning at 9:30 Contemporary Worship Clip. This clip can also be found through a link on the web page www.mzumc.com.
Revival is next week, Sunday through Wednesday and I hope you find the time to attend and visit if you are not from MZ. Bill Itzel, a local Christian artist will bring special music Monday through Wednesday. Make plans now to attend each evening at 7 pm.
Blessings to you all!
Revival is next week, Sunday through Wednesday and I hope you find the time to attend and visit if you are not from MZ. Bill Itzel, a local Christian artist will bring special music Monday through Wednesday. Make plans now to attend each evening at 7 pm.
Blessings to you all!
