July 28, 2023
Happy Friday, everyone. It’s so good to be back! What a great rehearsal Wednesday, seeing everyone again and welcoming seventeen brand new guests. Here’s what you need to know going into this weekend:
Reminder, choir and orchestra are back in action on the platform on Sunday!
Coming Up
This Sunday
Scripture text: Ephesians 5:15-16
Love Lifted Me
God the Uncreated One (King Forevermore)
My Soul Will Wait (Psalm 62)
Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me
Upcoming Songs:
August 6 - I Will Sing
August 13 - On That Day (new congregational song)
August 20 - Awesome
August 27 - The Gospel Song
Notes
Just a reminder that we are back to our normal rehearsal and service schedule for full worship ministry. Sundays at 8:00 (praise, band/orchestra) and 8:30 (choir), and Wednesdays at 6:00. As always, the number one thing that you can do to contribute your best to our worship ministry is simply to be present. Consistent attendance from as many people as possible is key to growing as a ministry and pursuing our goals.
If you haven’t already, please be sure to respond to your Planning Center request sent to your email. This helps us keep our email lists clean and accurate (and it’s the way veteran choir members “earn” their choir folder!). If you have problems getting that request from Planning Center, please let me or April know.
Some of you have been in choir for years now, but may be interested in seeing the information that we give new worship ministry members, including our worship ministry handbook. You’ll find (hopefully) helpful information about what we do, and be reminded of our mutual commitment to one another serving in the worship ministry. You can see that document here.
Connect groups will resume in a few weeks after we set our Fall roster.
Worship Ministry Spotlight
Stephanie Hardcastle
Choir member - soprano
Hometown: Tullahoma, TN
Kids: Three kids: Will, Lizzy Kate, and Seth
How long have you been at Stevens Street?
Almost 15 years
Highschool activity:
I was a part of our school's auditioned show choir called the Aristocats! I also served in our school's Key Club. I was Key Club president my Junior and Senior year.
Favorite free time activity:
Crafting or baking
Dream vacation spot:
A cruise in Europe
If you could play any instrument, what would it be?
If I could play any instrument (well), it would be the piano because I love to play and sing.
Favorite breakfast cereal:
Strawberry Mini Wheats
Favorite thing about worship ministry:
It's hard to pick just one! I think one of my favorite parts about serving in worship ministry is the family it has given me. We carry one another's burdens, pray for one another, laugh with one another. These relationships are irreplaceable.
Prayer Requests
Reagan Bagci and family (Ali, Michelle). Reagan is in week 16 of a 32 week treatment. His recent labs look great, an answered prayer.
Vic Speck (Betty Speck’s husband) in rehab.
The families of Billy Bilyeu and Bonnie Tinch, faithful church members who both passed away this week.
Jamie, the daughter of Shauna Buckner’s friend, who lost an unborn baby after having cancer surgery. She is back in the hospital with post op complications.
Looking to pray something specific for our church? Pray Ephesians 3:16-19.
An Extra
If you study hymnody and the history of congregational song in the church, you’ll find that throughout history, Christians have loved to sing about heaven. However, in the latter half of the 20th century, it seems there weren’t many new songs being written about our eternal reward in Christ.
Some people argue that we shouldn't be so focused on heaven that we forget that we live right now in a world that needs our help. “Don’t be so heavenly minded that you’re no earthly good!”
I’d say, however, that the only reason we can be any “earthly good” is that we are also “heavenly-minded.” God means to encourage our faith by holding out the promise of heaven in His presence, and a biblical vision of heaven is meant to encourage faith-filled living right now. This includes loving and warning our neighbors about future judgment apart from Jesus. It’s no surprise that the founders of Christian organizations, hospitals, missionary boards, rescue missions, and philanthropic societies were the most “obsessed” with heaven!
In just a couple weeks, we’ll be introducing to our church the new congregational song that we looked on Wednesday, called On That Day. This song (a special request from Pastor Scott!) is from our friends at CityAlight, and is a great example of a hymn that encourages our people to consider the promise of heaven. Check it out!
Questions?
Respond to the worship ministry text on your phone, or use the form below.
Email Andy: ahammond@stevensstreet.org
Email April: alangford@stevensstreet.org