Small Group Worship

Last evening was the night that Nick conducted his worship service for our small group. Since he had skip day at school, he was able to clean around them house and pick up supplies during the day. I had been excited to see what he'd do because he'd kept almost all of his preparations underwraps (he'd practice when I was gone, research when I was asleep, etc.). He really went to great lengths and our group really learned a lot from it. He had an outline of the service for everyone to follow, print offs of the lyrics to the praise songs, etc. He took us from creation to the resurrection, using a lot of symobolism and parallels. He went into detail on the Jewish passover meal (Sader), had communion by candlelight, and included corporate and private prayer. We all sensed that there has been some spiritual warfare going on in our group (people tired, restless, sick, hurt, etc.) so we were able to pray for everyone in our group towards the end. We have come to love our small group and enjoy being able to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Nick loved being able to research and carry out a service. He was so excited after everyone left, we continued to do worship together and discuss the service. We both found a lot of power in the Jewish customs to our Christian faith.

Consequently, I am going through a book called Celebrations of Faith by Randy & Lisa Wilson (an awesome book and, I think, a must read) that deals with taking customs right out of scripture and living them out in the home. I think it really brings a new element into living the Christian life, when you can put life into traditions of the Bible. I know something that has made a profound impact on my walk is calling God by his names in Hebrew. The book I've been going through challenges its readers to call God by who is has proven himself to be your life (Jehovah Jirah, provider; Jehovah Adonai, father, etc.). Nick and I were excitedly bouncing ideas of customs in scripture we want to live out now, as well as new ones we would like to establish with when we have a family. Doing this has really stretched us and grown our faith.

Today, Nick had a test and a quiz at school. He will be speaking with the Christian service dean to approve a concept he has for fulfilling his internship. We have found a position back at our home church that is not being met. Right now, the need is being met by volunteers. We are hoping they would allow him to fulfill the position each weekend as part of a ministry internship. It would do both parties good- Nick would gain experience and satiate his credit need, and the church would not have to worry about who would fill the position each week. We will be working on this and keeping you posted on any further developments.