Video: Old Home Place

Here's a great old tune by Mitch Jayne and Dean Webb, first recorded and released by The Dillards in 1963. I love how these sad songs that really capture a yearning for home. 

Why Not a Worship Set?

Recently, I was asked about why we punctuate our service with songs rather than use the typical three to five song set before a sermon. First, singing five songs in a row is not bad. I've led services like this…

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Protest Is the New Plea

During this very odd year I've been surprised at how quickly we in the church speak up about our rights. Just like in our country at large, self-defense and division in the church is extremely common. 

Here’s one example among…

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Need and Gratefulness

Worship Notes for Jan. 24, 2021 

Christian worship should cause us to let go of self-sufficiency. Of course, this flies in the face of what we naturally pick up from our own culture. Self-sufficiency, independence, self-reliance, survival, and the like…

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Which Kingdom?

CCC Worship notes for Jan. 17, 2021Does your desire match God's will? Do you want the same kingdom he wants?

More questions: Do you want to do deeds of love and mercy, like we sing about in Lead On…

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Scripture as Prayer

Worship notes for Jan. 10, 2021

Approaching the Lord in prayer can be done in several ways, one of which is to allow his word to inform our prayer. Often, the call to worship I write is a reflection on…

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Epiphany 2021

Worship notes for Jan. 3, 2021

Today is the traditional Sunday upon which we celebrate Epiphany or the 'manifestation" of Jesus Christ. This is an opportunity to meditate upon one aspect of the story of Christ's brith, that is, the…

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Comfort, Comfort

Had a great time pulling this together, complete with all three of our bass players who have contributed through the years. Merry Christmas!

Guitar and Vocals: Nathan George (In North Carolina)
Mandolin: Mark Stoffel (In Southern Illinois)
Bass: Ross Sermons…

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Relief

Worship notes for Nov. 1, 2020

After considering the decline of mankind in Genesis 4, chapter 5 comes as a relief. In fact, relief is promised. This week, as we sing at Christ Covenant Church, we will be reminded that…

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Planning with Pastoral Interns

I have been working with several pastoral interns as they plan our worship services for the next four weeks (July 12 - Aug. 2). We are looking forward to learning together. Already I have noticed that I will learn a…

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Kingdom of the Heart

Lord, now indeed I find thy power and thine alone,
can change the leper’s spots and melt the heart of stone.
Jesus Paid It All, by Elvina M. Hall, 1865

The Bible proclaims and calls for the spread of God's…

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Habakkuk's Two Responses

We are in the midst of a health crises, race crises, financial instability, and more. Of course, we don't expect a complete melt down, but what would our response be if that were the case? Habakkuk knew that destruction was…

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