Click on the link below and read this very interesting article/blog.
Newsflash! The Key to 20 somethings is not musical style
I love the music at Pantano. I love the hymns I grew up with in the Southern Baptist Church. My mother reminded me just last week that I auditioned for the youth choir by singing the hymn “It is Well”. She also reminded me that I did not do a good job either! (in a way that only a mother from the south can do). I love country, hard rock, techno, industrial, Christian. My IPod has a very eclectic mix. I just love music. Actually, I have been listening to reggae all week on Glen Elliott’s sound dock (Thanks Glen!!) while he has been in the Ukraine. Music connects me to memories and feelings. It takes me to times in my life or even specific places that I was when I heard it. But my worship has to go deeper than just the music.
I have been reviewing the notes and comments from our discussions on Saturday mornings in Sierra Vista. It is interesting to me that I don’t think we have talked a lot about music. We have said that “who” our target group is will drive what type of music we have. We really haven’t talked a lot about the “Worship Service”. There is a reason for that. Purposefully, we have talked about connecting with each other and our neighbors. I believe that music is very important. Please don’t misunderstand this blog. I think all the guys that are up front every Sunday Night are pouring their hearts out for God. But I also believe that it cannot be the basis of our worship. It can’t be the only reason folks are walking in the door of our community in Sierra Vista. Worship, to me, is the person that greets our friends at the door, welcomes them in and connects them to a place where they can grow on their journey to Christ.
Music may be a draw, and it might not be. I am okay with that. It is the “worship” of our community that will keep people growing in Christ.
From my heart.
I got home Saturday Night after working in Sierra Vista for Make a Difference Day and I felt a little funny. It was almost like my head was buzzing. “Hmmmm..did I drink too much caffeine again? No, that’s not it. What could it be?” I was tired and a little sunburned but that wasn’t it either. Then it hit me. This is what it feels like to walk in the path that God has laid out for you.
You know the feeling? The feeling that what you are doing right now is directly in the “crosshairs” of what God is calling out for His Kingdom. His Church. His People. Goosebumps. I have experienced this at different times in my life. In looking back, I was being blessed by doing whatever it was that I was doing. Most of the time I was serving others. All of the time I was giving more than receiving. Most of the time my job was to show up. That’s it. Be present and available to serve whomever God brought. Who would have thought moving rocks, painting poles and equipment would connect us to our purpose for God. Well…God did for one. By listening to the group in Sierra Vista on Sunday night and watching the pictures that were taken, I think you guys know what I am talking about.
God calls us to bless others. The very simple act of serving connects us with that calling in ways that transform lives and community. If you don’t believe me, read the front page of the paper from Sunday. This was news in Sierra Vista!
http://www.svherald.com/articles/2007/10/28/news/doc47242ad8f3b9f998006709.txt
Isn’t it amazing what a group of 27 folks can do just by showing up and being ready to serve those around us in tangible ways?
THAT, my friends, is the heart and soul of Pantano Christian Church!! THAT is why I am here, and I know it is why you are here too.
Who was more blessed on Saturday? Those that received the gift of time, effort and sweat to have their equipment painted and front walk landscaped? Those that gave the gift of time, effort and sweat? Does it really matter?
Do you feel it?
