Issue 5
"But
the time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship
the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone
who will worship him that way."
John 4:23-24
The annual meeting of the ABC-Wisconsin
is a wonderful time to network, fellowship, learn, relax and experience
worship. This past month, attendees were able to participate in two
different worship services led by two different groups of people.
What a wonderful way to experience the variety of ways to praise God.
With all this variety, how can we know how we are to worship God?
I think we can go to scripture for guidance and find that we are to
worship God:
In spirit and in truth - John 4: 23-24
With psalms, hymns and spiritual songs - Col. 3:16
In the beauty of holiness - 1 Chr. 16:28-29
In holy fear and awe - Heb. 12:28
As we pray, plead and give thanks - 1 Tim. 2:1
I'm sure this is only the tip of
the iceberg when it comes to worship instructions in scripture. These
scriptures (and many others) point out that God wants us to worship
using all the gifts and skills He has given us. Along with these instructions
and gifts come the responsibility to faithfully pursue worship with
all of our hearts as well. That is exactly what we experienced at
the annual meeting and discussed in the workshop on music.
I know that some of you were unable
to attend the annual meeting and so I am providing two documents from
that workshop to help musicians and worship leaders use the many gifts
with which we have been blessed to worship God. One of the lists contains
Websites that I have found very
helpful in finding and using new music in our worship services. The
second list provides publications
I have found beneficial. Let us worship the Father in spirit and in
truth with the wonderful gifts we have been given.
This book discusses the way ministry
must change in order for churches to be missional. (A perfect fit
for our ABC focus.) Gibbs discusses various church models and proposes
nine areas in which the church will need to undergo transformation
in order to be true to the message of the Gospel. Gibbs discusses
how we can move from "dead orthodoxy to living faith" and
"from living in the past to engaging in the present". This
would be a wonderful book for a group of leaders in the church to
read together.
Music alert - One of the songs available
from the website lnwhymns.com
is called "The Promise". It uses the familiar tune
"Holly and the Ivy" and comes with a wonderful reading that
would be appropriate for anytime during advent. This would make a
wonderful prelude and because the tune is familiar. The composer gives
permission to copy so it could be included in your worship bulletin
so the congregation could participate. What a great way to start your
Christmas Eve/Day service with everyone singing and focusing on the
birth of Christ.
Added thought: As we approach one
of the busiest music times, let us remember that we need to set time
aside for personal prayer. By steeping ourselves in scripture and
prayer, we will have the necessary strength to get through these busy
times.
Any comments, questions or suggestions
email me at fbwamusic@aol.com
Mary
