April 29 Devotional

Posted on April 29, 2015 by drscott
Dear Friends,
I pray that today you slow down enough to spend time with God in His classroom as He teaches and guides us all on our journey.  Today is a gift indeed!  Enjoy!  Be blessed!  Love, Scott
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Let Me Teach You Thankfulness.

  Begin by acknowledging that everything-all your possessions and all that you are-belongs to Me.  The dawning of each new day is a gift from Me, not to be taken for granted.  The earth is vibrantly alive with My blessings, giving vivid testimony to My Presence.  If you slow down your pace of life, you can find Me anywhere.

Some of My precious children have been laid aside in sick beds or shut away in prisons.  Others have voluntarily learned the discipline of spending time alone with Me.  The secret of being thankful is learning to see everything from My perspective.  My world is your classroom.  My Word is a lamp to your feet and light for your path.

Hebrews 12:28-29 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken,(A) let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,(B) 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”

Psalm 119:105 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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April 28 Devotional

Posted on April 28, 2015 by drscott
Dear Friends,
During this morning’s staff chapel service, we were challenged to go a little deeper into the meaning of Psalm 23.  As I meditated on this beautiful song of David, a few thoughts came to mind.  First, the opening line:  “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”  I have often said that the two words “I want” can be the most powerful, action words one can say.  But the Good Shepherd provides all that we need, so it’s not just “not wanting”, but also being fully provided for.  The line “Thy rod and thy staff comfort me.”  Not only does the rod and staff give us protection, but it also gives us guidance.  I’ve seen herders gently guide their flock with a little tap on the rear to keep them going where they need to go.  “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”.  What more do you need?  Be blessed friends as you give this day to God, the Good Shepherd.  Love, Scott
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As You Look into the day that stretches out before you, you see many choice-points along the way.  The myriad possibilities these choices present can confuse you.  Draw your mind back to the threshold of this day, where I stand beside you, lovingly preparing for what is ahead.

You must make your choices one at a time, since each is contingent upon the decision that precedes it.  Instead of trying to create a mental map of your path through this day, focus on My loving Presence with you. I will equip you as you go, so that you can handle whatever comes your way.  Trust Me to supply what you need when you need it.

Lamentations 3:24-26 24 I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” 25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; 26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

Psalm 34:8 NKJV  Oh, taste  and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!


Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young
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April 27 Devotional

Posted on April 27, 2015 by drscott
Dear Friends,
 
A beautiful devotional to start our week. The images of empty hands and open hearts are easy to grasp.  When we’re weak, God is strong.  I was privileged to see this in action last night as I attended a concert at Arborlawn UMC.  Tom Stoker was the conductor for this glorious tribute for him and his wife Pam.  Tom has faithfully served God as a music director for 43 years and will continue to do so until cancer takes his life.  He sat on a stool conducting the 120 voice choir and exceptionally large orchestra as they played and sang some of the great choral excerpts from known sacred works by Mozart, Brahms, Faure and others.  We finished last night with an arrangement of “Fairest Lord Jesus”.  Even though it was a tribute concert for the Stokers, Tom kept bringing the focus back to God, Jesus and a life well lived.  At the reception, Tom and I barely recognized each other.  He hadn’t seen me in a few years nor I him.  We both had changed a bit.  He asked if I was ok and I told him I was fine, “just trying to take better care of myself”.  I told him that I loved him and he responded in kind.  Those will be the last words I hear him say to me.  God is with us.  We are not alone.  Thank you God for Tom and his faithfulness.  Be blessed dear ones.  Love, Scott
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Come To Me with empty hands and an open heart, ready to receive abundant blessings. I know the depth and breadth of your neediness. Your life-path has been difficult, draining you of strength. Come to Me for nurture. Let Me fill you up with My Presence: I in you, and you in Me.

My power flows most freely into weak ones aware of their need for Me. Faltering steps of dependence are not lack of faith; they are links to My Presence.

John 17:20-23 20“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

Isaiah 40:29-3129 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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Orchestra Agenda

Posted on April 23, 2015 by drscott

orchestra agenda 057

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Chancel Choir Agenda

Posted on April 23, 2015 by drscott

choir agenda 056

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Let Me Walk With You Recording

Posted on April 22, 2015 by drscott

For choir members that went to Europe in 2009, this song will be familiar! For everyone else, it will be new!

This song is scheduled as Prelude on May 17th, so get a head start by listening to it now!

Let Me Walk With You

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Upcoming Anthem Recordings

Posted on April 21, 2015 by drscott

Here are some recordings of our new anthems. Click on the main title to hear the full recording and the individual part to hear your part

Praise To The Lord The Almighty

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty– Soprano

Praise To The Lord, The Almighty– Alto

Praise To The Lord, The Almighty– Tenor

Praise To The Lord, The Almighty– Bass

 

All Creatures of Our God and King

All Creatures of Our God and King– Soprano

All Creatures Of Our God And King– Alto

All Creatures Of Our God And King– Tenor

All Creatures Of Our God And King– Bass

 

America, The Beautiful

America, The Beautiful– Soprano

America, The Beautiful– Alto

America, The Beautiful– Tenor

America, The Beautiful– Bass

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April 21 Devotional

Posted on April 21, 2015 by drscott
Dear Friends,
I’m being blessed by this sermon series, the power of words.  Words are indeed powerful, for they are fueled by the same breath of life that was given to us by God.  But before words are formed, in that split second before they come out of our mouths, they were first a thought.  The battle ground for our minds is ongoing from cradle to grave.  I find that the more I surround myself with God’s people, God’s beauty, God’s word and God’s music, the easier it is for my mind to have holy, righteous and spirit-filled thoughts.  May God bless you as you give your mind to Him in all things.  Peace and Love, Scott
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Let Me Control Your Mind.  The mind is the most restless, unruly part of mankind.  Long after you have learned the discipline of holding your tongue, your thoughts defy your will and set themselves up against Me.  Man is the pinnacle of My creation, and the human mind is wondrously complex.  I risk all by granting you freedom to think for yourself.  This is godlike privilege, forever setting you apart from animals and robots.  I made you in My image, precariously close to deity.

Though My blood has fully redeemed you, your mind is the last bastion of rebellion.  Open yourself to my radiant Presence, letting My Light permeate your thinking.  When My Spirit is controlling your mind, your are filled with Life and Peace.

Genesis 1:26-27 26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Romans 8:6 6The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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April 20 Devotional

Posted on April 20, 2015 by drscott
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I want to thank you all again for participating in our Confirmation service yesterday afternoon.  It was a beautiful hour of worship and I know God was pleased with all that He saw as all of heaven rejoiced when each child said “yes, I believe”!  Thank you for supporting all of our kids and honoring your pledge to nurture them when they became baptized into our church family.  Your presence is a BIG deal to them, the parents and grandparents.  May God richly bless you for your faithfulness!  Peace and Love, scott
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Come To Me with empty hands and an open heart, ready to receive abundant blessings. I know the depth and breadth of your neediness. Your life-path has been difficult, draining you of strength. Come to Me for nurture. Let Me fill you up with My Presence: I in you, and you in Me.

My power flows most freely into weak ones aware of their need for Me. Faltering steps of dependence are not lack of faith; they are links to My Presence.

John 17:20-23 20“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

Isaiah 40:29-3129 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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April 15 Devotional

Posted on April 15, 2015 by drscott
Dear Friends,
I really like my routines, especially my morning workout.  My day just seems to go better and I feel better all day after a little sweat and swim time.  Maybe I’m getting old, but I don’t like it when my routine is disrupted, even if for a good reason!  But, God knows our needs and sometimes we are reminded that as comfortable as our routines are, He may have other plans for us.  This is where trusting and obeying come into play.  This is where we let go of fear.  Be blessed in and out of your routines beloved ones.  Hugs, Scott
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TRUST ME,

and don’t be afraid. Many things feel out of control. Your routines are not running smoothly. You tend to feel more secure when your life is predictable. Let Me lead you to the rock that is higher than you and your circumstances. Take refuge in the shelter of My wings, where you are absolutely secure.

When you are shaken out of your comfortable routines, grip My hand tightly and look for growth opportunities. Instead of bemoaning the loss of your comfort, accept the challenge of something new. I lead you on from glory to glory, making you fit for My kingdom. Sayyes to the ways I work in your life. Trust Me, and don’t be afraid.

Isaiah 12:2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord , the Lord, is my strength and my song;he has become my salvation.

Psalm 61:2-4: 2 From the ends of the earth I call to you. I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3 For you have been my refuge,a strong tower against the foe. 4 I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

2 Corinthians 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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