Marshmallows at Midnight

I left church about 11 pm tonite. There was quite the business meeting. Our music leader Randy has resigned, once and for all. I think the best way to say it is 'he resigned before he unresigned, and now he's resigned again. He's up for three wks vacation pay, and a four month severance package. I'm grateful the church has the resources to provide such a package.

A strong handful (60-80) spoke on his behalf, and I got a killer email from my buddy Phil B. about how he still believes in supporting Randy. Phil, his wife Tammy ( and her amazing voice ), and their two absolutely-perfect daughters will be at another church starting this weekend. I'm miss them, both as partners in ministry, and as buddies too.

I was one of the folks that spoke in support of the Deacons tonight, and their difficult decisions in dealing with Randy. I questioned his lack of knowledge of the very music he was supposed to lead us in; of how I thought Collosians 3:17 called us to a higher standard than we were meeting. I think that makes me a bad guy to many. A few folks agreed with my comments, and said so. A lot more didn't, and I'll accept that.

So here it is after midnight. I started a fire in the outdoor fireplace about 11.45, and started roasting marshmallows until my belly full of warm melty stuff told me it's time for bed.

For all those that wish JR ( our awesome former pastor ) were stil around to take control of things, they would probably be surprised that JR was Randy's original detractor, and knew from the start that Randy was not filling the shoes he was hired for.

Goodnight.

Jim
mr.jamescox@yahoo.com

Wisdom of the Ages ( Aged ? )

My wife's adorable Granma Dorothy pointed out to me yesterday: " Our church must really be involved in the Lord's work for the devil to want to give us all this trouble we're having "

She's right. If we weren't after lost souls, and actually bringing them to Christ, our church life would probably be alot more ho-hum

Jimbo

I'm having a real "What the heck" moment

Wondering why we're all in such a turmoil. The boss, an absolute teddy-bear sweetheart of a man, is in the thick of it right now with who/what/where I don't know, but half the church is worried, over HIS STYLE OF MUSIC!! Are they there to be entertained???


To make sure the blame gets passed around, I myself have commented more than once that we don't try hard enough in our services to actually know our music, or to play it correctly. It's not like most of it is hard ( four friggin chords, sheesh! I could have played this in high school), we just don't work as hard as we should to sound tight, and the results are distracting to say the least. Our Bass buddy Chris pointed out that we should bring God our best, and not just what makes us comfortable. Col. 3:17 comes to mind, and I don't think it's currently a common practice. We need to be more prepared, to sound more prepared.

One of our female singers just pointed out to me that God should be judging the Boss' efforts, and not me. I just don't know how much of something I should overlook or ignore.

I've always said, that I won't play in a band I wouldn't listen to, and now I'm doing just that. I'm no Mozart, but I take time and make an effort outside of my 45 hr/wk job to learn what is expected of me, and to play it with some repeatability, and to try and make it recognizable to those who have heard it before.

Crazy, but I don't listen to Chris Tomlin or Matt Redman to be inspired about God's wondrous love thru music ( OK, Tomlin has lifted me a few times here and there ). For me, it's Bill Gaither and his Homecoming crowd. They are not afraid to let go and sing for Christ, to honor his love and sacrifice. I know they are just as polished and produced as all the other junk coming out of Nashville, but they touch me, plain and simple.

Any how, God is not in a guitar or a set of drums, or a mic. Is God in the heart when we sing??

Is God in our 'Heart of Worship' ????

I suck. Seriously. I do. Glad HE doesn't. The Lamb deserves the glory. Am I giving it to him, or just being selfish. I know the answer, and just don't want to say it. Maybe I can quit having a 'what the heck' moment, and have a chance to love God, to reflect on him, and to both honor and Worship him, without any music around. Think that will happen?? I don't.

JC

P.S. Here's something to watch. No, it's not contemporary, but it's message is timeless. Enjoy.