God gave worship so that we might become partners in his highest purposes.
Jack Hayford
Month: April 2014
Wanting from the Lord
“It is easy to want things from the Lord & yet not want the Lord Himself, as though the gift could ever be preferable to the Giver.”
St. Augustine of Hippo
The Call to Worship: Tune Our Hearts
Why do we have a Call to Worship on Sunday mornings? This article from “The Gospel Coalition” explains:
I can almost hear the bells of our church steeple still ringing in my ear.
Every Sunday morning as a child church bells would echo through our town. From our steeple tower, a proclamation would sound to all who could hear that God was summoning his people to worship.
The walk from the back door of the parsonage to the church sanctuary took less than a minute at a ten-year-old stride. As the pastor, my dad would wake up early, marching that same path in the dark. He would prepare his heart for worship with prayer and meditation over his text. I would mostly rely on the bells.
Resurrection Hymn (See What A Morning)
Sunday Night Thoughts
Tonight, I am sitting on the loveseat – waiting for a text from Anna. My feet are up and I have ice on my foot. It seems Friday and Saturday made a mess of my foot. I don’t think the race caused it but, it sure made it worse. Looks like spring has really made it to the Valley and I will be needing to cut the grass, hopefully tomorrow if my foot feels better.
We had a wonderful weekend – running the Park to Park 1/2 Marathon and attending our Men’s Challenge Weekend in beautiful Highland County. It was great to get away from technology for a few hours – there is no wi-fi or wireless there. We had a great host in YDI, Inc. This morning we even had a little bluegrass inspired worship service. That was fun.
This afternoon, we had a good little choir practice and then we had a good time with our youth. I’m a little tired right now and am looking forward to getting off the computer, so that’ about all I have tonight.
Pressing On!
Sunday Set List
Welcome and AnnouncementsCall to Worship – 1 Peter 1:3-4
Songs of Worship
Victory In Jesus
Lord, I Lift Your Name on High
Jesus Saves (Hear the heart of mercy beating)
Prayer
Song of Worship
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
Worship Through Giving
Worship Through God’s Word
Closing Song – My Savior’s First of All
Benediction
Second Sunday of Easter
Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body
may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Park to Park 1/2 Marathon – 2014 Edition
Today was the annual running of the Park to Park 1/2 Marathon. This is a great little local race that I enjoy running. It was a beautiful morning – for the third year in a row for me. It was a bit nippy at 38 degrees, but I decided to go without long sleeves or gloves. I’m glad I made that decision. I was plenty warm by the end. The beginning of the race was started on a sunny, crisp morning, with no wind. That all changed by mile 8 – from that point on, we had quite a bit of headwind.
Considering that I didn’t get the training I wanted, I had a respectable finish, although I didn’t PR (Personal Record) I finished in 1:51:33. Below are my splits for the race
| 7:59 | 7:59 |
| 8:16 | 16:16 |
| 8:03 | 24:20 |
| 8:19 | 32:40 |
| 8:42 | 41:22 |
| 8:08 | 49:30 |
| 8:12 | 57:42 |
| 8:50 | 1:06:33 |
| 9:03 | 1:15:37 |
| 8:41 | 1:24:18 |
| 9:08 | 1:33:27 |
| 8:37 | 1:42:05 |
| 8:42 | 1:50:47 |
| :45 | 1:51:33 |
I think if I wouldn’t have had the headwind, I might have been closer to my PR of last year, but like I said, the training wasn’t what I wanted.
Edit: Here is the line score from this year’s race:
PLACE NAME BIB NOCHIP TIMEGUN TIMETOTAL PACE GROUP PLACEGROUP FINISHERS
126 Dale Argot 3039 1:51:32 1:51:42 8:31/M Men 50 to 54 12 28
One of the things that I love about this race is running through the Shenandoah Valley countryside. This year was no different, although I think a few cows thought we were crazy. Over all this was a great race – well organized – lots of race support for runners and a fun post-race atmosphere.
Hopefully I can get over my foot problem – not caused by the race – but made worse by the race. I’m hoping I can get up on Monday morning and run – even if only for a few miles to prepare for the Comfort Care Stride 5K coming up the Saturday before Mother’s Day. I am really hoping to PR that race.
Pressing On!
Saturday of Easter Week
We thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered us from the dominion of sin and death and brought us into the kingdom of your Son; and we pray that, as by his death he
has recalled us to life, so by his love he may raise us to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Second Sunday of Easter
Second Sunday of Easter (April 27, 2014)
Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31
1 Keep me safe, O God,
for I have come to you for refuge.
2 I said to the Lord, “You are my Master!
Every good thing I have comes from you.”
3 The godly people in the land
are my true heroes!
I take pleasure in them!
4 Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.
I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood
or even speak the names of their gods.
5 Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
You guard all that is mine.
6 The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
What a wonderful inheritance!
7 I will bless the Lord who guides me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
9 No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.
My body rests in safety.
10 For you will not leave my soul among the dead
or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
11 You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.
