Thank you…

Silas had surgery on Monday to have a G-tube installed into his stomach.  The surgery went well so now he won’t have to have a rubber tube down his nose anymore.  We will be able to give him his liquid diet right through the G-tube button into his stomach.  The hope is that the G-tube will keep him from aspirating liquids into his lungs AND the special Keto-diet will help reduce his seizures.

This has meant a number of trips to Riley Hospital in Indy.  I want to say thank you for helping making it happen.  Many of you contributed money to send Sara and out on a date a couple months ago.  We went out to eat and attended a show at the Wagon Wheel Theatre in Warsaw.  It was a great night for us to get away, but apparently there was money left over and Dan Friend decided to give it to us the form of a gas card.  That card, and a couple others we have been given, fully funded our trips to and from Riley this past week.  So, thank you.  You are the hands and feet of Christ to me and my family and I can’t thank you enough…

In the book of James, it says that believers should “not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.”  It goes on to say that

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:  to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

You have done that with the simple gift of a gas card so that we could take care of Silas in the best way we know how.  Please continue to pray for him and others who are in the hospital this weekend.  No one wants to be in the hospital.  Especially on the weekend…and finally…

Brothers [and sisters], as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.  As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered.  You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.  The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. -James 5:10-11

“I’m a Riley kid too…”

There seems to be a plot a foot…an underground plot of compassion and generosity to our family at Riley.  I’m not sure if the people I keep meeting are angels or aliens, but either way, I think they are sent from God.

Last night I headed down to the Ronald McD house by myself because Sara was full from the delicious vegetable wrap and pita chips with hummus we happened upon in the afternoon a few hours earlier.  We were both feeling snack-ish and since Si was sleeping we headed downstairs to find…nothing.  I had just walked past the kitchen island and was planning on drinking some water when I turned around and…magically, wraps and pita chips with hummus had appeared out of thin air!  Actually, they were from one of the Dr groups here at the hospital, but it seemed like they just appeared.  Amazing.  We spent the next 45 min munching happily in the courtyard while listening to each other and the water from the bubbling fountain.

Fast forward back to last night…my stomach was semi-full from the wrap and chips, but I still wanted to eat something to avoid the munchies at bed-time.  Low and behold, the College Park Church from here somewhere had brought in home-made hamburgers, beans, potato salad AND fruit salad and was serving it with a smile to all the hurting souls who stumbled in the doors of the R.M. House.  I got a plate (no beans, please!)  and made my way back out to the courtyard to sit in the quiet.  No more than 5 min later, an elementary school girl wearing a yellow T-shirt and straight, dark blonde, shoulder length hair walked out the door, crossed the courtyard and asked, “Can I sit with you?”

“Ah, sure,” I said.

“My name is Lindsey.” she said, “It sure is nice and quiet out here.”

“Yeah, it is.  My name is Sam.”

“Hi, Sam.  How are you doing today?”

“I’m doing…ok.  Thanks for asking.  My son is here at Riley because he’s sick and we are learning to feed him through a tube in his nose.  The Doctor says that it could really help him.”

“Oh, that’s good.  I hope it does.  I was a Riley kid too.”

“Really?  So are you here at the hospital as a patient or are you just helping?  You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.  It’s up to you…”

“That’s ok.  I’m just here helping.  My sister Amanda and my mom are here too.  We are here a lot helping.  My sister and I are twins.”

“Well, thank you for the food.  It’s delicious.  By the way, are you fraternal twins or identical twins?”

“You’re welcome.  We are identical twins.”

“Are you wearing the same thing or different things.”

“We’re wearing different things.  Oh, there she is…”

And just then, her sister, Amanda, walked out into the courtyard wearing a floral jumper.  She also walked lightly across the courtyard and plopped down next to her identical twin.

“Hi, my name is Amanda.”

“Hi, Amanda,” I said, “I was just talking to your sister, Lindsey.  And thanks for the food, it’s delicious.”

“Yeah, it is good.  It’s all home-made.”

“I know,” I said, “Lindsey told me.  It’s great.”

“Do you know what makes it good?  Love.  Love always makes food taste better.  It’s not like you just go to the store and open a can of baked beans and dump it out.  You make it yourself and it has love in it.  That’s what makes it taste good”

“I think you’re right,” I said.

The conversation went on from there.  We talked about what we liked to put on our hamburgers.  Both Lindsey and Amanda said they LOVED mayonnaise and couldn’t think of any sandwich that they wouldn’t put mayo on…except PB&J.  That wouldn’t really taste good, we all agreed, but that was the only one.  Later their mom came out, introduced herself and shared their family’s story…

Amanda and Lindsey were congenital twins who were born attached from the bottom of their rib-cage to the belly button and they were sharing 1/5 of their individual livers!  At 5 months of age, they came to Riley and were separated in an intensive surgery.  Ever since, they were “Riley kids”.  A few years ago, their mother decided she needed to give back and convinced her church, College Park, to provide meals and volunteers for the Ronald McDonald house at Riley where she was “given such a gift”.  Now, almost once a week, they come down and serve home-made food with love to the hurting souls who are here to find healing.

I’m still not sure if Amanda and Lindsey were angels or aliens.  They were at least two of the most caring and outgoing little girls I’ve ever met.  Either way, after meeting them, I think I want to be a “Riley kid” too.

What does it cost for LOVE to win?

I’ve always enjoyed Rob Bell’s Nooma videos.  So it’s hard for me to watch the promo video and read some of the reviews for his new book.  It seems (based on the video and the reviews only….I haven’t read the book) that he has moved toward a universalist position.  This is nothing new.  The view has been out there and other people hold to it.  The difference here is that a lot of people know and read Rob Bell’s stuff.  While he might be just trying to have an honest conversation out in the public sphere about  things he is unsure of, others will see it as gospel.  It may be unfortunate, but true.

While I wouldn’t be this pointed, this video from CNN puts Rob on the spot and helps clarify the issue.  Does what we believe/say/do here on earth make a difference in terms of our eternal destiny?  The other issue that is missed is that our grace does cost something…in fact it cost quite a bit.  What did Jesus die to save us from?  Historically, the wrath of God was a big aspect of what were have been saved from.  This is more emphasized in Reformed thought and many of the people who have written reviews are from that tradition, but what do you think?

Worship Arts Ministry Staff: Anna Macke

If you are a regular ECC attender, you are used to seeing Anna Macke’s face every week on the big screen.  She is the face and voice of ECC as she shares things happening in the live of the body.  Sometimes it’s easy to think of this just as the “announcements” and an intrusion to the worship service, but the Apostle Paul talks alot about the life of the body and he uses worship language to do it.  In other words, he is telling us that the life of the church is an act of worship just like singing, praying, preaching, tithing, Communion, Baptism or any other aspect of our weekend services.  And all that to say…Anna fills an important role at ECC and I wanted us to get to know her a little bit better.

Anna!  Welcome to the Worship360 blog.  Tell us when did you become a Christian and where were you?

I became a Christian when I was five years old.  I was at my neighbor’s house attending a summer Bible school camp.

Ok, let’s talk about role models.  Who have been the most influential people in your life?

My mother and father have been the most influential people in my life.  I admire and respect my dad for his moral integrity and wonderful example of a godly leader inside and outside of the home.  He is a very knowledgeable man and I enjoy learning from him.   My most poignant memories of his spiritual leadership were when he would sit down with his Bible and answer my questions, always finishing with “I will not tell you what to believe, but that is what the scriptures say.”  My mother was a wonderful teacher of the world – how it works and what to expect.  I have turned to her again and again over the years for support and encouragement.

I can relate to that.  My parents have had a huge influence on me too.  So who’s your favorite Christian artist or songwriter right now?

Recently, I have really been enjoying Sons of Korah.  Their music has been very encouraging for me through the past few months.

Ok, since we gave this question to Dan awhile back…just for fun–Favorite 80’s song? (or maybe we should say ’90s now?)

Honestly, I didn’t listen to the radio until high school so I don’t really have a favorite pop song.  I listened to classical music mostly.  I have always loved D’Vorak’s “New World Symphony”.  The fourth movement has a wicked-awesome, “Jaws”-like cello part.

How did God lead you to work at ECC in video production?

God has been instrumental in leading me to video productions at Emmanuel.  I switched majors four times in college because I was trying to find a major that allowed me to include all of the arts that were essential to my identity.  I finally decided upon English education because at least then I could teach about literature while drawing from the humanities.  However, from the moment I stepped into my own classroom, I felt a void and knew this was not where God wanted me to be.  I finished out the year, praying that God would open the right door for me.  That door came in the form of an opening on staff here at Emmanuel.  I had never before worked with video productions, but it has turned out to be the perfect fit for me.  I feel incredibly fulfilled each week because I am able to use various gifts to serve the Lord.  I feel so incredibly blessed that God would answer my prayers above and beyond my expectations.

Without thinking…favorite book of the Bible or favorite verse?

Isaiah 61:1-3   This passage makes me want to stand up and shout.  I have always loved and been empowered by it.

Why don’t you describe your morning devotions.  What time do you wake up in the morning?  How much time do you spend reading, meditating, praying, etc.?  What are you presently reading?

I usually wake up at 8:30 every day.  After breakfast I snuggle in with my puppies and coffee to do my morning devotions.  I start with a time of prayer thanking and praising God.  Then I ask him to speak to me through His word as I study.  After reading the scripture I bring my and others’ requests to the Lord.  Usually my devotions last anywhere from 15-30 minutes.  I am currently reading Luke.

What books are you currently reading in these categories: for learning and fun?

For education I am reading Love & Respect by Emerson Eggerichs and Paradise Lost by John Milton.  L&R has given me insights into my marriage and how best to encourage my husband.  The language used in Paradise Lost is just as beautiful as the story itself.  I love Milton’s purpose “to justify the ways of God to man”.  I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a fresh perspective on the story of the fall.  For fun I am reading Volume 2: The Return of Sherlock Holmes Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Wives and Daughters Elizabeth Glaskell.  Sherlock Holmes makes me laugh often and is intriguing while Glaskell’s novel draws me in to the mind of female character.  W&D was turned into a TV Miniseries a few years ago and was well done.  It is watch instantly on Netflix, and I would recommend it.

What’s the best book you’ve read that has helped you grow as a believer?

“The Screwtape Letters” really changed my view of the devil and how he could use my own sinful nature against me.  It challenged me to really look inside my heart and understand my own weaknesses, so that I can be better prepared for an attack.

So, what single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your life?

Spiritual Advice:  “Whenever you look at another human being, before you make any assessments or judgments, accept that he is imperfect and remember that God created him and Jesus died for him.”

Advice for the daily grind: “Sometime you just need to jump through the hoops”

What else do you do for fun?

I am sure you are surprised, but I love to watch movies.  I also enjoy traveling, reading, drawing, painting, walking my two mini doxies, and hanging out with my family.  I may also play a mean game of MarioKart.

Anything else on your mind you want to share?

Thank you to everyone who has encouraged, prayed for, and supported me through this last year with all of my health issues.  Surgery was very successful and I am so grateful for your intercession on my behalf.

Thanks for letting us get into your world a bit, Anna.  I love Sherlock Holmes too!  It have been great to have you on staff as you always add a fresh and creative perspective.  And that’s all the news that’s fit to print…see you next week on Worship 360.

Worship Leader Profile: Chris Kuntz

As you probably know already if you attend ECC, we have a new guy on the worship staff!  His name is Chris Kuntz and he leads the body in community worship every Sat (5:25pm) and Sunday (9:45am) in the FLC.  It’t been great to have him in the office, but we wanted to let you get to know him too.  So here is our interview w/ Chris…let’s give him a warm ECC welcome…

So Chris, let’s start out with the basics.  When did you become a Christian and where were you?

I am blessed to have been raised in a Christian home, and so being a PK  (that’s “preachers kid”), all my life I have attended church and have been taught about Christ and His life changing message.  I attended ECC in 1972 for about a year until my parents began attending Third Street United Brethren Church where I was baptized at about the age of 5.

Ok, let’s talk about role models.  Who have been the most influential people in your life?

Well my parents have certainly have had a very large influence on my life, and there have been several people along the way who God has used to nudge me this way and that way, but the ones that stand out the most as being influential in my life, specifically as it pertains to my ministry are: Tim Hallman (senior pastor of Anchor Community Church), Pat Jones (Director of Healthy Church Ministries for UBIC) and Ron Ramsey (Bishop of UBIC). Each of these men have given me Godly counsel that has helped to lead me where I am today.

Who’s your favorite Christian artist or songwriter right now?

I really like Chris Tomlin, but Israel Houghton and Sons of Korah are really growing on me.

That was a nice shameless plug for the Sons of Korah.  WHO ARE GOING TO BE AT ECC ON NOV 5, BY THE WAY!  YOU CAN ORDER TICKETS FOR ONLY $5 HERE! Ok, back to the interview…since we gave this question to Dan awhile back…just for fun–Favorite 80’s song?

I would have to say “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins and “Jump” by Van Halen.

Interesting…and back to the serious.  How did God lead you into ministry and how did that lead you to ECC?

To try to make a long story short, When Lisa (my wife) and I got together, she wanted to go back to church. So we started attending a church plant close to us. I got involved with the music there playing my violin and singing. That led to two other church plants where I led music, and eventually we ended up at Anchor Community Church. Shortly after we arrived there, the worship leader announced he would be leaving and so the search began for a replacement. Having been leading for a few years in the church plants, it seemed like God might be working. It took a whole summer, and a lot of conversation with Tim Hallman (senior pastor) to make my decision to take the position. I lead there for five years before being called to Union Chapel Church to join the staff there as the Worship Pastor. While serving there I met Ron Ramsey and Pat Jones through the joint effort of putting together the first United Brethren National Conference where I served as the Programming Director for the conference. This experience helped me to understand what I was passionate about and exploded my world, in terms of new friends and co-laborers in ministry, and my desire to take my ministry and commitment to the next level.

God has called me to full-time ministry and so I have dedicated my life to serving Him and the church through music and teaching His word. I went back to school to get my degree in Biblical Studies from Indiana Wesleyan University, which I am currently working on, and decided to come to Emmanuel Community Church so that I could continue to learn about worship and leadership with and through others who had the same passions and call to ministry I do.

Without thinking…favorite book of the Bible or favorite verse?

I really enjoy reading Revelation because of its imagery, but I also enjoy reading the Synoptic Gospels.

Why don’t you describe your morning devotions.  What time do you wake up in the morning?  How much time do you spend reading, meditating, praying, etc.?  What are you presently reading?

Well, morning devotions don’t exist in my life right now. Since I am in school full-time, working a full-time welding job, working at the church, and raising 3 boys, I tend to be a late night person. So having said all that, my devotions happen at night after the house is quiet and the day has wound down. I find it easier to focus on what the text is saying and it allows for a more peaceful prayer time. I like to do my bible studies using the S.O.A.P.method. I take a portion of scripture and read through it and then go back and SOAP it.

• I find the text that stood out to me and mark it with an (S) for scripture.
• Then I write down my observations (O) about the passage I read. What stood out, what I have questions about, what I think it’s saying in context of the rest of the passage and what is it saying to me.
• Then I write down the (A) application of the passage and how it applies to my life and my current circumstances.
• Then I write down my (P) Prayer.

I like this format of bible study because it is easy to remember and yet it still provides valuable information for me to look back on. As a side note, I also like to use an interliner bible that can help explain the original Hebrew or Greek words that I might come across.

That’s good.  I haven’t heard of that method, but am going to make a note of it.  What books are you currently reading in these categories: for ministry and fun?

In ministry (and for school since they both pertain) I am reading, “Leading Change In Your World” and “Who Moved My Cheese”

No reading for fun?!?!  I’m so sorry.  Well since it’s all business reading with you, what’s the best book you’ve read on worship? The best book I have read on worship is “Worship Matters” by Bob Kauflin. Great book as it pertains to worship and the worship leader.

I’ve started that one and have read Bob’s blog for years.  It’s great stuff.  So, what single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your life and/or ministry?

Communicate, communicate, communicate. Just when you think you said it enough, say it again. It’s hard to remember this but it doesn’t take long to figure out its necessary. The other thing that I have learned about ministry is that when people are led well, the serve well. So it has been my desire to be the best leader I can be so that those who I am leading will be inspired to serve and lead well.

What else do you do for fun?

I love to sit and talk with friends around a fire, playing cards, watching movies. I reserve times of fishing for when I need to make a very serious decision. Occasionally I like to make video/short films and write new songs.

Fishing, huh?  Anything else on your mind you want to share?

Something I have come to know in my years of serving as a worship leader, and something that I believe can carry over to anyone who serves on a worship team by playing an instrument, singing or serving in tech; is that leading worship is a privilege not a right. I am blessed to have been picked by God to represent Him in this way and I should never for one minute think that I deserve to have this responsibility. It is a gift of God, and therefore I want to give it my all, my everything, to honor Him and give Him the glory by offering to Him the best I possibly can. Malachi 1:6-14 speaks about how God will not accept an offering that is second best or left over of our best. He deserves and demands our best, therefore; when we offer Him our worship, it ought to be the best we can give Him, no leftovers.

Thanks for sharing with us, Chris.  I really appreciate it and am looking forward to what God has for all of us over the next year.  Welcome to ECC.  And for the rest of us, we also have another person on the ECC Worship Arts staff and that is Anna Macke.  We are going to try and get her to share a bit about herself in an upcoming post so stay tuned!

NT Wright on Worship

Just listened to an interview with Dan Wilt and NT Wright on worship.  There were a lot of good thoughts for me as I listened.  I was challenged by a number of things he said.  First, I was struck by Wright’s description of how we, as humans, are able to verbalize, and therefore magnify, the worship of creation.  You really need to listen to it for yourself.  He says it much better.

I was also reminded that scripture in worship reading is one of the main ways we enter into God’s story.  Not only that, we tend to see scripture reading as only a means of transferring information.  You know, people forget things all the time so we need to remind them of this specific story before we teach it.  Here is a quote from the piece…

When you read Scripture during an act of worship this is not simply to give people information that they might have forgotten about… It’s actually that you’re telling the story of the mighty acts of God, and that reading Scripture is itself an act of worship–it is praising God because God is the God who is the God of that story. And to be able to lay that out–step by step, day by day, week by week–is hugely important.

I have a little iconoclast in me, but listening to Wright reminded me that learning from believers of the past is a good thing.  Who are we to think we need to re-invent everything.  If we think we don’t need to learn from anyone else, we’re morons.  And I have been one too many times.  Bringing new life to old ways is needed and new songs are needed, but let’s not throw the baby out with the bath-water.

A new face around ECC: Heather Clark

With as many people as we have in the ECC Worship Ministry, it’s hard to have everyone meet our new intern Heather Clark.  So, I thought we’d interview her and share a little bit with you!  Now you can stop her in the hallway and ask about that one time she sang a solo in the wrong key while doing interpretive dance for the President of the Southern Baptist Convention!  (Just for the record, that never happened.  I just wanted to scare Heather a bit! :->)  So without further interruption, will you please give a warm email welcome to our new worship intern, Heather Clark…

So, when did you become a Christian and where were you? Well, I don’t remember a specific time. I was raised in a Christian home, so it has been ingrained in me ever since I can remember.

Who have been the most influential people in your life? My dad…I’m a daddy’s girl to the max. I credit much of my character, personality and spiritual development to him.

Who’s your favorite Christian artist or songwriter right now? I really like Shawn McDonald. His rhythms and melodies just get me goin’ and his lyrics are great!

Shawn McDonald, eh?  I’m going to write that down and check some of his stuff.  Ok, since we gave this question to Dan awhile back…just for fun–Favorite 80’s song? I don’t really like 80′s music, but I have to admit Michael Jackson had a few good songs that decade.

How did God lead you into ministry? I have been told that I have singing since the age of week 2…Music has always been a big part of my life and as I began high school, it came to my attention that I could use my gift and love of music to serve Christ. About the middle of my sophomore year, I felt a very strong calling from God saying that was exactly what he wanted me to do with my career and gifts.

Favorite book of the Bible or favorite verse? I tend to worry about things a lot and therefore Joshua 1:9(and other such verses) has had a big impact on me.

Why don’t you describe your morning devotions.  What time do you wake up in the morning?  How much time do you spend reading, meditating, praying, etc.?  What are you presently reading? Well, I am not much of a morning person so I try to do them before I go to sleep at night. In all honesty, it is one of my biggest struggles to stay consistent with this, but I’m working on it! As far as what I am reading, I try to listen for His direction on where in the Word I should be reading on that day and most of the time the scripture really speaks to me (the other times, I get in the way). I find that this is the best way for me to hear what he wants me to hear and learn what he wants me to learn.

What books are you currently reading in these categories: for ministry and fun? For ministry I am reading a book called Unceasing Worship by Harold Best. As far as “fun reading” I don’t necessarily enjoy reading, so I read ministry books and that’s about it.

No reading for fun?!?!  I’m so sorry.  Well since it’s all business reading with you, what’s the best book you’ve read on worship? It’s small and simple, but mighty! Praise Habits by David Crowder

Hmmm, haven’t read that one either.  So,  what single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your life and/or ministry? Trust Him.

What else do you do for fun? I like to watch movies. I like to play volleyball, but I don’t get the opportunity much. I just like to hang out with people and just get to know them!

Anything else on your mind you want to share? The handsome man that you may see on my arm, is my husband Caleb. We were married in May and are excited to “start” our lives together! Also, please come introduce yourself to me! I want to get to know you but it’s hard for me to do when there are over 1600 people attending Emmanuel!! I look forward to serving with you!
Well that’s it.  Thank you Heather for allowing us to grill you with questions.  Remember, ask her about the solo and the interpretive dance. (But seriously, I’m just kidding about that).  We’ll see you this weekend…

Are faith and rap mutually exclusive?

Check out this podcast interview from 9Marks Audio with two men of faith who are also rap artists.

Shai Linne and Voice explain hip hop culture, rap music’s potential for the gospel, and why rap can’t replace preaching.

Interesting and insightful…I think it’s a good challenge for us to examine our own biases about ourselves and our music and see how other people express their faith through music.

Idolatry in America

Great piece from ABC on idolatry and what we worship in America with Mark Driscoll from Mars Hill Church in Seattle.  Good to acknowledge and consider.

It’s all about authentic, expressive worship!

Great discussion tonight about authentic expressive worship.  Dan lead out with some thoughtful questions from Bob Kauflin.  For example, if singing is a biblical command and we believe it…why not shouting?

In this clip, Tim Smith of the Mars Hill Church asks Bob Kauflin how leaders can encourage a church to be physically responsive in congregational worship when people don’t think it’s “cool.”

more about “Tim Smith Interviews Bob Kauflin on E…“, posted with vodpod