How was Sunday?
Google Docs working again. Here is the sermon text from Sunday 29 August. The point of the sermon will be clear, but those who are reading it and didn't hear it will miss the central (and most powerful) illustration in the sermon. I had permission to TELL it, but not to PUBLISH it. :( Sorry.
Here are some highlights from the day.
(1) In the morning we had a great choir. 11 voices for us when it's not a Special Service is a very good day. And we easily could have had 14 or 15. I'm very hopeful that we are about to take choir (and as a result the entire ICB morning service music ministry) to the next level. The difference between 5-10 voices every Sunday and 10-15 every Sunday will be HUGE!
(2) The highlight in the morning was probably the successful execution of the All Church Lunch. We've struggled to figure out HOW to do it in a way that is not an administrative nightmare. I think we figured it out. A little tweaking here and there and this could result in a wonderful new ministry.
(3) In the afternoon I had the joy of sitting and explaining our church to a group of about 10 people who are thinking of joining ICB. That's always fun! I think we have something special going on and I love to see others embrace the vision.
(4) It was great to have Mark and Ann back. Still sad for their recent loss, but happy to see them and glad that there was a good turnout for their return.
(5) The craziest thing that happened in the evening was right at the beginning. Mark started the service by asking "where do you see God?" People gave various expected answers. In others, in the Bible, in nature. Then Mark's WIFE said, "In bed!" Giggles could be heard throughout the room. :)
(6) I did say (emphatically) in the sermon that the first thing we know about Hitler is that he was created in the image of God... which is also the first thing we know about everyone (good or bad). It's the first thing the Bible tells us about anyone. And it tells us 3 times in 2 verses. (Genesis 1:26-27). If you want to read where the idea for THAT intro came from I suggest picking up a copy of Untamed by Alan and Deb Hirsch.
(7) I'm totally excited about next week. We begin the Hope in the Midst of Chaos series. It's going to be great. It's about hopeful living, it's about prayer, it's all about Jesus!
Here are some highlights from the day.
(1) In the morning we had a great choir. 11 voices for us when it's not a Special Service is a very good day. And we easily could have had 14 or 15. I'm very hopeful that we are about to take choir (and as a result the entire ICB morning service music ministry) to the next level. The difference between 5-10 voices every Sunday and 10-15 every Sunday will be HUGE!
(2) The highlight in the morning was probably the successful execution of the All Church Lunch. We've struggled to figure out HOW to do it in a way that is not an administrative nightmare. I think we figured it out. A little tweaking here and there and this could result in a wonderful new ministry.
(3) In the afternoon I had the joy of sitting and explaining our church to a group of about 10 people who are thinking of joining ICB. That's always fun! I think we have something special going on and I love to see others embrace the vision.
(4) It was great to have Mark and Ann back. Still sad for their recent loss, but happy to see them and glad that there was a good turnout for their return.
(5) The craziest thing that happened in the evening was right at the beginning. Mark started the service by asking "where do you see God?" People gave various expected answers. In others, in the Bible, in nature. Then Mark's WIFE said, "In bed!" Giggles could be heard throughout the room. :)
(6) I did say (emphatically) in the sermon that the first thing we know about Hitler is that he was created in the image of God... which is also the first thing we know about everyone (good or bad). It's the first thing the Bible tells us about anyone. And it tells us 3 times in 2 verses. (Genesis 1:26-27). If you want to read where the idea for THAT intro came from I suggest picking up a copy of Untamed by Alan and Deb Hirsch.
(7) I'm totally excited about next week. We begin the Hope in the Midst of Chaos series. It's going to be great. It's about hopeful living, it's about prayer, it's all about Jesus!
