This Sunday Velocity Church will move our worship to a local park, Taylor Farm Park on Pine Valley. It is only about 1 mile from the school we rent each week. This move will help us reach out and interact with our community. We are giving up air conditioning, quality sound and video production, microphones, folding chairs, curtains and everything which we have equated with a worship service. I am excited to be shedding some trappings which have for many years now, dominated how we view worship. Sometimes these “aids” to worship can hinder or block our worship. Who has experienced frustration making sure the video countdown is rolling and are all mikes sound checked and the light program–is it working today? For the worshipper, who is not “running” the production, we seem to leave the impression that the “show” is spot check on and that equates a good worship service for the week. Have we strayed away from the heart of worship.
I believe there are four essential elements which make up any corporate worship gathering, outside of the condition that two or three have gathered and God is present. In Acts 2:42 we see a model for our worship to include teaching or preaching, serving of the Lord’s Supper, prayer, and fellowship. Now, singing, which is thought to be the apex of worship, is not on the list. Singing can comprise all four elements. Singing is our expression of worship in doctrine, communion, prayer and fellowship. Singing doew not stand alone, but rather can embrace all of worship. But when singing, like preaching becomes entertainment for others to watch and even enjoy, we have drifted away from worship of God and begun to worship a performance. Now, before you cast any hate my way, let me say, I do appreciate quality and excellence in worship. Half prepared, non rehearsed worship by any team or leader only makes a mockery for those whom you are trying to lead in worship. But guard carefully the fine line between leading and being the show.
We are headed to the park and we are stripping away everything for our worship this week. No electricity–no amplification (the homes close to the park might appreciate this for at least this week–more later on when we turn up the volume) or screen with words. No lighting controls, unless God decides on a cloud cover that morning. We rather will be emphasizing the four key elements of worship. We will hear the word speak; we will listen and speak with God in prayer; we will commune with Him and His death on the cross for us; and we will fellowship with one another and with those who might be drawn to join us in the park.
Our theme for the month is “Jesus by the Lake” as we examine those moments when Jesus taught us while on or near the Sea of Galilee. Our lake is really a pond and it will provide the backdrop for our return to the heart of worship. Invite a friend or neighbor to come join us. Bring a lawn chair or share a picnic bench under the shelter as we meet with Jesus at the Lake.
I have used the opportunity of my recent week spent on a bike ride to again renew my commitment to spend the first few moments of each day, on my back deck, praying, reading and listening. As typical, I begin by praying, soon find myself reading, both the Word and also other books. (Kindle on the iPhone is great!) But I also have taken time to listen. I don’t hear audible voices, but rather contemplate my day, week or even months ahead. I try to visualize how God wants my life to go, who to see or contact and what I should be doing. Even though it’s my quiet time, I often jot down some “to do” items to accomplish over the next few days or months.
Our schedules are often so busy and noisy, thoughts or inspirations of ideas are not allowed to even take hold, let alone find themselves lodging deep in our hearts. I have many more months of this early morning commune time and I am excited about all that God will teach me during that time. But one word of caution. If we ask–He will answer. And sometimes, well, we are just not ready for His answer. Our attitude should be, here I am Lord, use me within your will, not mine. And give me the courage to accomplish all that you would have me do for your name’s sake and for your Glory.
Life is back to normal. After a week long bike tour, in the mountains of North Georgia, followed by a quick trip to North Carolina, for my daughter’s surgery, I am home and back in the office at Velocity Church. As I look back it has only been about a week and a half, but it seems like month’s ago that my day was normal. However, I could easily get used to getting up each morning and riding my bike for 50 or 60 miles and relaxing all afternoon and evening. But, alas, life is not a bike ride, or is it.
Serving in God’s kingdom is the greatest privilege for me. Getting up each morning, speaking with my Lord, seeking His word in devotion and seeking His will in prayer, is the most awesome opportunity for anyone to experience. Yet, how often we take it for granted. As I woke each day of my tour, I anticipated the early morning ride. The sun would pop up about mile 6 or 7 and even caused me on one occasion to stop for a quick picture. It was as if God were saying, “Good morning world. Have a bright and blessed day.”
Each day on the ride brought challenges to face. Sometimes it was long strenuous climbs. Sometimes with was high traffic areas where you needed to pay special attention to your surroundings. Life also brings challenges each day. Some are job related, others are people related and most seem to sap our energy and require us to pay special attention and seek help from the Lord. And He will deliver–on time and as needed.
Some days on my bike ride included for instance, a 10 mile stretch of down hill riding. Very little pedaling was needed. Coasting was the mode of operation. Boy, was that great. And life is a series of downhill coasts of excitement and joy–if we look in the right places. Joy often comes from serving or giving. Joy comes from slowing down and appreciating all that is around us–family and friends. Joy comes from stooping down to greet a toddler; joy comes from holding open a door for someone at the store; joy comes from paying $ 5.00 towards the meal of the person behind you in the drive through line.
Some days on the bike last week were short–due to hills; some days were very long–due to less hills! In life, we each have 24 hours in a day–no more or no less. How we choose to divide up those hours can make the difference in how much we accomplish in life. Time management requires us to take stock of our hours and minutes to discover where our time it going. On the bike tour, our day was pretty much mapped out for us. Follow the route intended and you will arrive at your destination on time. If you vary or get lost–well, the day could prove difficult. God wants us to prioritize our time for Him. Give Him a portion of your day–early if possible, and He will direct your path the rest of the day. Trusting Him will help you arrive at the end of your days within His will for your life.
Time to close off these rambling thoughts and concentrate on getting my work done for the day.
Hope to give a daily short update from the road while on Brag. I will use Twitter and Facebook for short additions with possible pictures. Velocity Volume will be longer. However, typing on the iPhone with one finger is very slow. So expect short updates.
Not certain pictures will be ok the blog. Add me as a friend on Facebook to get the pix.
Velocity Church hosted a benefit concert yesterday in behalf of Fullerville Mission. We collected a good amount of clothing, canned and dry goods and cash donations for the Mission. My day began early in the morning and I spent most of it in the sun, with some breaks in the shade. God provided us with a cool breeze which helped us all tolerate the cloudless sky and warm Georgia temps. Our set up began with unloading our equipment truck to get at the stage and chairs, which is always first loaded. But after a while a group of about 25 of us were working hard to get everything set up for our noon start.
We began with a worship, which included what we called, Cluster Communion. Four areas were prepared for circle groups of 25 or so people or more to share in a time of communion. We read scripture, prayed and remembered what God did for us at Calvary. After the Clusters were finished, our own worship band, A Ransom Plea, led us in more worship songs. We took short break to serve the hot dogs and hamburgers and soon were back to hear more worship bands perform. Except for a small technical problem of one band locking their keys in car, which delayed things a bit, the afternoon was a great success.
Our tired volunteers once again stepped up and we cleaned up, packed up and left the premises sparkling clean. Our deadline was 4 PM and I drove the truck off the property at 3:55. After unloading stuff at the office, I was headed home for long recovery nap.
I am certain that the names of interested guests we collected will enable us to see returns to our regular worship time. I am certain that God will richly bless those who served faithfully in all aspects of Sunday’s Benefit Concert. I am proud of our team, our staff and the bands who gave of their time to share that day.
So, we look forward to reaping the blessings which God will give for us honoring Him, His Son and His Spirit in concert and service. We can’t outgive God–so I thank Him for what He has planned for Velocity Church.
