Sacred Spaces

It's April 6th, and it's snowing outside right now. Ughh... If there's anything that's a sign of the apocalypse . . . .

My wife wants to start a Tshirt line that says "I'm for Global Warming." on the front. Ha! Anyways,

This last Sunday was a great day. We began the first of a 2 part series called "Easter: a Hunt for Hope". We are telling the story through music, video, and readings from the triumphal entry to the cross. On Easter, we will move from the cross to the resurrection. Now, onto my soap box . . . I grew up in a tradition that did not celebrate Easter. The reason for this was because we did not want to be like the other denominations. However, we communicated (ironically) on every easter that we didn't celebrate Easter on EASTER because we celebrated it EVERY Sunday. Of course, this was a crock.

In many ways I have rediscovered Easter and love this time of season. The emphasis on spiritual "new life" is amplified all the more with the reawakening of nature from winter. The new life springing up from the ground cries out new creation!! So, why is it that we focus almost solely on the cross on Easter? We should be celebrating the resurrection! This season is about joy! Too many of the songs and videos coming out focus on Jesus' death and never get to his life. I really take issue with that. We desperately need more songs in our hymnody that celebrate Jesus' resurrection and his continuing life in us.

Some of you are saying by now: "Well we do have songs about that: What about 'Low in the Grave He Lay', 'Christ the Lord is Risen Today', and 'Because He Lives'"? True. But is that all? Anything else? Where is it in modern worship music?

I'm thankful to Chris Tomlin and Hillsong for their musical contributions to this under celebrated theme. "I Will Rise" and "Mighty To Save" tells of the richness and power when Jesus overcame the grave. "In Christ Alone" by Keith Getty moves us through the entire story from birth to resurrection. Those of us who are songwriters need to lean into this and keep 'em coming!! Ok, ok, . . . . off my soapbox!

All this being said: Here's the worship order from Sunday (Part 1):

Dramatic Reading: Hail, King Jesus!

Hosanna

Hosanna, You're My King

Welcome

That's Why We Praise Him

TEACHING TIME PART 1: Patrick Mead

COMMUNION

And Can It Be

Above All

VIDEO: 3 DAYS LATER

TEACHING TIME: PART 2: Patrick Mead

Beautiful Lamb: Special song

When I Survey

Ten Thousand Angels

I Will Rise

Announcements/ Admonition

Worthy is the Lamb

Dismissal

Last Sunday (Palm Sunday!) was a powerful day. We rehung the paintings from Illuminate on the stage for the visual reminder if the cross. Big props to all our praise team members and tech who made it happen! Thanks for all your hard work. One more big Sunday, guys!!

Blessings,

Chris