Praise and Worship

Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing.
Psalm 100:2

8,797 is the number of documents, Powerpoints, .pdfs, etc. in my laptop that have the word “worship” noted in them. As a United Methodist pastor and preacher one of my primary responsibilities is to lead worship. Rarely a day goes by that I don’t think of worship in some way or another. Worship for me is not something I do just for an hour on Sunday morning or at an occasional special service. It is, or at least I seek to make it something I am always doing…

The word “worship” is used over 240 times in the NIV Bible. A quick scan makes it clear that worship is not about us or something we do for ourselves. Worship is always upward focused to and for an Audience of One – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Our word “worship” comes from the old English word that meant, “worth-ship.” To worship is to recognize the worth of the One we worship. I think most of us agree God is worthy of our adoration, submission and reverence. Where we have differences is the worship style with which we feel most connects us to God. Thankfully, there are many ways and styles to worship God.

That’s why I am excited to share with you that we will have a new Praise and Worship service this Easter at 9:00 am. I am delighted to announce our own Hannah Schwartz will be leading the singing at that service, accompanied by David Knauft on the keyboard. A less formal setting than our traditional service, the sermon will be the same, but the music will be contemporary praise songs with lyrics projected on screen.

Easter is the Super Bowl of Christianity. More people come to church on Easter than any other day, especially if they are invited. 80% of all new Christians first came to church because they were personally invited by a friend or relative. It’s not complicated or difficult. Pick up the phone. Go across the street. Send a personal email. At the very least, post something on Facebook.

The new 9:00 am Praise and Worship service, along with our 7:00 am Sunrise and 11:00 Traditional services offers a variety of times and styles to experience the joy-filled worship of God. Easter is coming, Jesus is risen! Who will you invite?

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, our souls bow in reverence before your holiness. Whatever our style of worship, may it be filled with gladness and expressions that are pleasing to you. May our hearts be filled such that we cannot help but invite others to know you and your love. Amen.

In His Word,
Reverend Dee Dee

---