I found some free studies for small groups online yesterday.
We used “The Dynamics of Spiritual Growth” last night. The questions were not easy and made us think hard to find the answers. This lead to great discussion and a few healthy disagreements. A great night had by all!
The day started for Al and David at 10am this morning. All the equipment was lifted from the church (and elsewhere) and brought down to the park to set up. Excellent work guys. You did an amazing job.
The first thing to be thankful for is the weather. It didn’t rain, despite the weather forecast. It was very windy though. We all had to use clothes pegs to prevent the music sheets from blowing away!
I arrived now at down at the bandstand about 11.30 followed shortly by the rest of the band. We did a few songs so David and Al could check that all sounded OK.
While people enjoyed their picnic, Karen Bowden sang a few songs. We then sang a few worship songs about 20 minutes prior to the actual event starting - Did you feel the mountains tremble, Indescribable, Grace like rain and How great is our God.
Once the event started, the rest of the worship went well. The band (James, Niall, Peter, Robert and Janette) were really excellent. Thanks guys for playing! Everything went according to schedule (apart from me starting into Purify my heart when I shouldn’t have!). We ended with What can wash away my sin which everyone seemed to know and love.
On the way home it started to rain… 
(more photos + information)
This is a modern hymn written by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ztd1VUOJWAY]
Direct Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ztd1VUOJWAY
I love this version of Amazing Grace by Todd Agnew.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu0fxvnlygQ]
Direct Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu0fxvnlygQ
We had a practice for Sunday on Tuesday night past. Eeek! It was not good. I think I’m getting a bit stressed about it all.
Two different people told me over the last couple of days that a bad practice is a good sign! How they work that out is beyond me. I think it’s a conspiracy to keep me as calm as possible.
We would have a bad practice now and again, and then the actual day turns out to be excellent. When that happens I give all credit to the Holy Spirit - there’s no other explanation.
This Sunday is going to be no different (I keep telling myself). God is in control.
Home groups, house groups, small groups, cell groups, life groups… we all call them something different, but they are essentially the same.
I’ve been a house group leader for several years now. I’ve seen the group dynamics change so much due people leaving, new people joining, etc.
Using the tag browser on wordpress I found a short post where a guy mentions that his home group is for men only. I suddenly thought to myself what a great idea this was. It could bring a whole new perspective to a group. Men would probably be more open without their partners in the room.
We’re told that most men will sit back and let women do all the talking, so a men-only group could give opportunities for some men to share - and therefore grow.
No, I’m not going to ban women from house group next week. What do you think? How is your house group made up?
Relient K have a new album out - well it’s been out since 06 March but I’ve only found out about it tonight (cheers Neil!). I had a quick listen to some of the tracks on iTunes and it sounds amazing. Any Relient K fans out there?
I’m on the lookout for some churches to visit in the Durham, North Carolina area. Has anyone got a recommendation for me? I’ve done a search online and picked a couple to add to my checklist.
What do I want from a church?
UPDATE: I found and attend New Horizon Church.
Since we need to get the words printed for the event I’ve had to prepare the set list early. The day will start with a picnic in the park at 1pm. We finish off the picnic time with some songs before the actual event starts at 2pm.
Picnic Time:
Section 1:
Section 2:
Section 3:
Section 4:
I’ve drawn the short straw and have to organise a worship band for our town’s participation in the Global Day Of Prayer event taking place all over the world on May 27 2007.
We are working with many other churches in the town and getting together in a local park to worship and pray together. So, the worship will need to suit the majority of the churches involved. As you know, the song selection across different churches can differ dramatically. So, my job will not be straight-forward! I trust God will guide me and I will post a proposed set list over the next couple of days.
Is anyone reading taking part in this event? It should be good. I’m a bit nervous, the fact that there will potentially be hundreds at this event, and it will be outside in a wide open park. However, at the same time I’m looking forward to it. To worship and pray with hundreds of other believers. It should be a good day.