Pharaoh, Pharaoh. Whoa! Let My People Go.

I had the wonderfully fun opportunity to play the role of Pharaoh at one of the Bible Bayou stations for Crocodile Dock – our Vacation Bible School (VBS) this year. The kids were learning about the first 9 plagues that befell Egypt in the Bible. They snuck into my “palace” and got to ask me to let them go. When I said “No!” – I always did – they got to act out inflicting the plagues on me, including placing “boils” (red stickers) all over me while I was sleeping. It was a blast!!!

I love doing drama and making Bible stories and biblical principles come to life. It’s even better when the audience – in this case the kids – are really getting into it. There were several times when I had kids (while acting like gnats, flies, or locusts) herding me backstage before I could get all my lines out. I had at least one kid who decided to grab onto my robes and not let go. And all of them caught on almost instantly that I was the “bad guy!” The cool thing is that these kids will have a lasting memory of what God did for the Israelites whenever they learn about Moses and the Exodus again.

The main thing I’m wondering now: Does the title “Pharaoh” put me on the same level as “Supreme Leader” in the grand scheme of things???

Prepare for Worship – Being There for a Friend – Comfort in Death, Part 2 (Jul. 18-19)

Just as hard – if we are not prepared – as learning of our own imminent death, is helping a friend deal with death…be it their own or someone close to them. I touched on this in my prep last week, but what do you say? What can you do for them, either to ease the pain or just bring them some peace in the turmoil?

Pastor’s message this week picks up where we left off in Part 1 as we look at how to be prepared for and deal with the subject of death. We know that we need Jesus, but how to we relate Him to this situation? How can we share the strength and peace of Christ with our friends in their time of grief? Come this weekend and find out!

Also, for those spending the week at Crocodile Dock, be on the lookout for some of your Dock Rocker favorites in the worship set!

The readings for this week:
Old Testament:  Psalm 18: 1-6
New Testament:  Hebrews 2: 14-18
Gospel:  John 14: 1-6

Sunday
Gathering:  “The Battle Belongs to the Lord”
Opening:    ”Everlasting God”
                    ”The Heart of Worship”
Communion: “You Are My King (Amazing Love)”
                    “Come To Me Today”
                    “Throne of Grace”
Offering:     ”You Are My Hiding Place”
Closing:      ”You’re Worthy of My Praise”
Sending:     ”Where Do I Go”

Saturday
Opening:   ”You’re Worthy of My Praise”
                   “The Heart of Worship”
Prayer:      ”You Are My King (Amazing Love)”
Closing:     ”Everlasting God”
Sending:   ”Where Do I Go”

Longevity!

This past weekend marked the celebration of my grandmother’s 90th birthday. So, what do you do when you are turning 90 – you have a party! OK, it was the family’s idea. But it was a great time as over 100 people enjoyed a nice lunch buffet and the company of friends and family that we haven’t seen in…well…forever in some cases! You know it’s been a while when they ask you “Now, who’s kid are you again?” We even managed to get family pictures, including my grandmother with all 6 (and 1/2 – one more is on the way!) of her great-grandkids!

One thing stuck with me as I told someone about the party. They commented that there is longevity in the family. I had never thought about that much, but I guess it’s true. And it doesn’t come through my mother (it’s her side of the family!) from just one source, either. My grandmother’s brother-in-law – who’s 93! – was at the party…and I’m told he still cuts the grass himself. If those genes carry through, then my boys are in even better shape because Darcy’s grandmother turned 98 this year.

Obviously, life is about far more than living longer. The Bible says that our days have been numbered and it’s far more productive to use the days we have wisely rather than trying to get more. But the thought of having a long time to do God’s work can seem appealing. If God were to leave you here on earth to see 90 – or maybe even 100 – what kind of expectations do you think he would have for your later years?

Worship Debrief – Being There for a Friend, Comfort in Death – Part 1 (Jul. 11-12)

Death. It’s a subject that no one wants to talk about, and yet death is something that we will all face sooner or later. Pastor told us this morning that he checked, and the mortality rate on the planet is still 100%. We all will die…sometime.

This morning was the first of a 2-part message on seeking comfort in death, and our focus was on being ready for death. When we are not prepared to die (whether it’s immanent or not), we react in 5 stages (in order):

1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

Pastor also told us how to get prepared for death, and that comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ. If you need the answer to that question, leave me a comment below, and I’ll walk you through it! On to the production notes!

Saturday, 7/11 – 7:00pm:

•          I was in PA this Saturday to celebrate my grandmother’s 90^th birthday. We had a great party – open house style with a buffet lunch – and there were probably over 100 people there. Lot’s of family…most I didn’t know!
•          Matt led with Elisa and Tom from the stage. Let me know how it worked out! I heard that “Forever” added some comic relief to the night.

Sunday, 7/12 – 11:15am:

•          Fun to watch the kids try to figure out how to get around the empty band platform for the children’s message. Sue did a great job as always.
•          I am a prayer partner for one of the youth going to workcamp this week and it was great to pray for him during the service.
•          We had a friend from college visiting with her family this morning. Great to see them and I’m really grateful for their patience as we ran around after the service getting ready for VBS!
•          Stage was set up for VBS this coming week. So, we decided to put the band on it for services. Partially it was just to have some fun, but sitting behind the main speakers amidst the fabric backdrop has some technical advantages from a sound standpoint. What did you think? How was the sound, the look, the feel… ?

Who Takes Center Stage?

(This is a longer post than usual…even for me!)

The world laid Michael Jackson to rest this week with a massive public memorial amidst weeks of media coverage following his life – the good and the bad – and the legal battles that are now brewing for custody of his children and assets. With Jackson, you seem to have it all: incredible talent (some are calling it “genius”), undeniable weirdness, controversy, mystery, and charity…all held out for the world to see. His death at his relatively young age is tragic – as would be anybody’s.

After last weekend’s message on modern idols, the pedestal Michael has been placed on is proof that our society is looking for something…or someone…to look up to. Even someone to worship. We need someone who is larger than we are to give us purpose, direction, and guidance. From the flood of eulogies and sympathies flooding the news and social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), many, many people found that person in Michael Jackson. However, even with the controversies that filled his later years, when all is said and done Jackson will be remembered fondly (in most cases) as an historical figure. Nothing more.

When we idolize (or worship?) persons or things in this world, we inevitably come to a crossroads. People die. Things wear out or are destroyed. And when that happens, we are left with only a memory to carry us. Memories are powerful reminders of the past – good and bad – and can provide motivation for the future. But they cannot lead. We cannot see where we are going when we are looking backwards.

Many people who end up labeled and “icon” – like Jackson – can be very controversial because their entire life is put out there for the world to see. It reminds me of another controversial figure in history who died young. While Jesus didn’t face the paparazzi or cable/satellite TV with 1000 channels blasting His image into our homes, He was not a stranger to most people. Throughout the Gospels we see that many people loved Him…and many thought he was very bad news. Still, they knew who He was.

But Jesus possessed something that no other human ever has – the very nature of an all-powerful, immortal, loving God. And while the human that was Jesus is dead, the person of Jesus lives on, and together with God the Father and the Holy Spirit can guide and direct us through this life like no other. He was involved in the creation of the world and knows perfectly its workings. He has experienced love, joy, pain, loss, and death. He created life. And He created each of us, planting in us desires, hopes, dreams, abilities, and our personality. There is no one who knows us better…and therefore no one who can guide us through life better.

It can be hard to follow someone that you cannot see – someone who’s not on the radio, iPod, or Access Hollywood. But if the past few weeks have awakened in you the realization that life is finite and you’re wondering what’s next, then drop me a line. There’s hope…and I’d love to offer it to you!

Prepare for Worship – Being There for a Friend: Comfort in Death, Part 1 (Jul. 11-12)

It’s an awkward moment. You finally got a chance to sit down with your friend who just lost a loved one. The ice has been broken and the chit-chat has died down. There’s a heaviness to the air that hangs just over your head. What do you say? How should you act? Can you even relate?

This week we get the first of a two-part message entitled “Being There for a Friend: Comfort in Death.” To us on earth, death can seem frighteningly final. But scripture tells us that death is not the end – and for the Christian, it is not even really to be feared. Our scriptures this week show us that we can lean on God in our sorrow, that He has power over life and death, and that He will not leave us stranded.

As a side note, look for two things to be different this weekend. 1) Matt will be leading again on Saturday night as I attend my Grandmother’s 90^th birthday celebration in PA, and 2) the stage will be up as we prepare for Crocodile Dock (VBS) next week!

The readings for this week:
Old Testament:  Psalm 55: 1-8
New Testament:  Romans 8: 31-39
Gospel:  John 5: 24-29

Sunday
Gathering:  “What We’ve Come Here For”
Opening:     ”Come, Now is the Time”
                     “Sanctuary”
Offering:     “Your Love, O Lord”
Closing:      “Forever”
Sending:    “Your Grace is Enough”

Saturday
Opening:  “Come, Now is the Time”
                  “Your Love, O Lord”
Prayer:    “Sanctuary”
Closing:   “Forever”
Sending:  “Your Grace is Enough”

Baku-gone?

I have one of those “You know your children were paying attention when…” stories. And, no…it’s not about Samuel!

Our older boys – Caleb, Samuel, and to a lesser extent, Isaac – are into Bakugan. I mean, really into Bakugan. It’s a game based on an Anime-style (Japanese) cartoon that crosses marbles with Pokemon and Transformers…more or less. You roll plastic balls onto special cards and they pop open into creatures that do “battle” using information on those cards. The boys – mainly Caleb – trade both the balls and cards and are constantly asking to go to the store when they have money. Caleb even got me to take he and Samuel to a “Bakugan Training Camp” (can you say, “Marketing Ploy”???) at Toys-R-Us here in Amherst. It can be a bit nuts.

So, as we are sitting in church Saturday night listening to the sermon on what makes an “idol” in today’s society, Darcy passes a note down the pew which simply reads, “Caleb – Bakugan: idol?” He simply smiled and tucked the note away somewhere, dropping the issue.

Almost.

On Sunday, Caleb was watching Samuel show off his sketch book to some family friends. When they came to a sketch of a Bakugan – there were many! – he would scream and run away. It was goofy, somewhat obnoxious, and a bit distracting. It didn’t take me long to figure out that he was “fleeing”, and so I did not dissuade him (although, I did ask him to “flee” more quietly) It was during our bedtime routing that I realized he had gone the whole day without playing, dwelling on, or even mentioning Bakugan. For a boy who is never far away from Bakugan – if you know my sons and Star Wars, you get the idea – this was a significant accomplishment.

Caleb took the lesson Pastor brought us and applied it to his life. While this only lasted one day, he saw that it is possible to get past those things we think are so important. And I believe he will be blessed by the experience. If only we could all be so bold and to take God at His word and begin applying it to our lives…

Worship Debrief – Modern Day Golden Calves (Jul. 4-5)

On the heels of my “Prepare for Worship” mis-post, we now get to debrief what I inadvertently neglected to tell you was coming. Nothing like being human, huh?

Our Independence Day Celebration included, for those of us in worship, a look at identifying some modern-day idols. Just as the Israelites drifted from God while waiting for Moses to come off the mountain (see Exodus 32), we too can drift from God when He seems to be distant. An idol today is likely to be something that:

1. Reflects the culture;
2. Has a repetitive nature to it;
3. Obscures or competes with God in our lives;
4. Is surrounded by rationalizations or excuses.

Pastor gave us some general examples – categories, really – of idols that we may worship here in the U.S. He called these the gods of:

• Materialism
• Winning/Success
• Self
• Relationships
• Religion

The message concluded with some action steps to helps us avoid the temptation that makes something an idol.

1. FLEE (look for a way out)
2. REPLACE the idol with God
3. ASK for forgiveness and receive His cleansing
4. PRAY

Saturday, 7/4 – 7:00pm:

•          We had Matt leading us again. Trying to make that a once a month thing. Darcy said he did good. Any other feedback?
•          With Matt on guitar, we kind of missed the drums. However, I thought we help the rhythm pretty well.
•          I like when Barb can lead out on songs. “Nothing But the Blood” was a nice change from Matt and I.
•          We came to the rail for communion, which is a bit different in this service. The reasoning was practical (Pastor was on his own), but it got us “out of the box.” I’m wondering if there are other ways we can go “out of the box” at this service.
•          Got to worship with the family tonight…including the 2-year old! It was draining, but it’s always great to have them with me.
•          Hit Anderson’s after the service then went back to Niagara Falls (Hyde Park) for fireworks. Things were a little crazy getting to the church, but after that I think we had a pretty good celebration.

Sunday, 1/11 – 11:15am:

•          Took the day off to relax at home as a family. It was much needed, especially with late nights for the boys Friday and Saturday. Thanks for allowing me to do so!
•          Had a light band this week…kept shrinking as the week went on last week. They sounded good at practice. How were they in service?
•          Any fun stories from worship? Since I wasn’t there, I’d love to hear the feedback! How did the Camp Pioneer staff do?

Look for another post tomorrow that shows some application from the sermon this week. Then think and tell me how you go about pulling down the idols that have crept up in your life.

Prepare for Worship – Modern Day Golden Calves (Jul. 4-5)

[EDITORIAL NOTE: This post was supposed to be published late last week. I thought I had, but apparently I was a little too sleepy when I tried to put this one out there. So, for those who were looking for this before the weekend...I'm sorry!]

This is the weekend that we celebrate the birth of this great country in which we live. It’s also a great weekend to remember those who have served and continue to serve to protect those freedoms we enjoy!

In worship this weekend, Pastor is going to be looking at Modern Day Golden Calves. We’ll be looking at the building of an idol in the Israelite camp while Moses was on the mountain meeting with God. While no one is taking gold and making a calf out of it (at least not for worship purposes), there are many things today that we put in place of God in our lives. Give it some thought as you read the scriptures for this week and prepare to hear from God’s word. What in your life has taken over the role of “God”?

Just a note on Saturday night: We are again bringing Matt out from behind the drums and he will be leading worship this week!

The readings for this week:
Old Testament:  Exodus 32: 1-8
New Testament:  2 Timothy 4: 1-5
Gospel:  Matthew 11: 20-24

Sunday
Gathering:  “Seek First”
Opening:     “Because We Believe”
                     “How Great is Our God”
Communion: “Change My Heart, O God”
                           “Nothing But the Blood”
                          “Come and Taste”
Offering:     “Glorify Thy Name”
Closing:     “Thanks Be to God”
Sending:    “My Savior Lives”

Saturday
Opening:   “Marvelous Light”
                   “God You Reign”
Prayer:     “How Great is Our God”
Communion:  “Nothing But the Blood”
Closing:    “My Savior Lives”
Sending:   “Love is Here”

Worship Debrief – Being There for a Friend-Depression (Jun. 27-28)

Do you know someone who’s consumed by activity (fatigued), consumed by worry (fear), and/or consumed by unmet expectations (frustration)? Maybe it’s you. Maybe it’s a friend or family member. Either way, we found out this weekend that these are warning signs for what Pastor called Relational Depression.

Pastor’s message, while not meant to be medical or psychological advice, looked at ways we can help those we know through a season of depression. Some of the greatest figures in the Bible – such as Moses and David – seemed to suffer from the near-despair that we can all face under unbearable burdens. However, there is hope…and it’s the hope that comes from Jesus. Here’s how it breaks down:

1. Jesus offers us power that we don’t have on our own.
2. Jesus offers us promises that we can depend on.
3. Jesus offers us perspective on His purpose.

Jesus’ power, promises, and perspective can be the light that brings us through the darkness of depression.

Saturday, 6/27 – 7:00pm:

•       We had a crowd of “regulars” tonight. It’s fun to worship with the family.
•       We missed Matt on drums. You never know how much you depend on that rhythm until it’s not there!
•       A new experience for me: our sound guy fell asleep!!! And then, the others in the Media Booth didn’t wake him up! When we got up for the last song, nothing was on. Thanks to Anna for heading upstairs to take charge of the situation.

Sunday, 6/28 – 11:15am:

•       A big “Thank You!” to David Cascio and Laura Ciminelli for filling in this weekend. Couldn’t have done it without you!
•       We had the youth from Messiah Lutheran Church in Joliet, IL with us in worship. They were on their way to Work Camp in Niagara Falls and we got to hold our sending cloth ceremony for them. It was a great illustration that we are all one body serving Christ!
•       I got some more feedback on the “When am I supposed to sing?” question I asked several weeks ago. Maybe you heard some confusion during the service? Let me know what you observed and if you have thoughts about how to tackle this.