Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Go Deeper - For Good

There is a Broadway Musical called “Wicked” – it’s the story of the life and times of the witches of Oz before that fateful day when Dorothy’s house inadvertently smashed one flat in Munchkinland…you’ve heard me talk about this musical before. I have yet to see it, but I own the soundtrack. There is one song in particular that captures my attention and is cause for pause. Perhaps I’ll play it for you tonight. The name of the song is, “For Good”.

 

Elphaba – we know her better as the one who becomes the ‘Wicked’ Witch of the West sings this song as a duet with Glinda, the one we know as the Good Witch of the North. Evidently before Dorothy arrived on the scene there is quite a bit of back-story connecting these two and the song reflects this relationship…here are some lyrics…

 

Elphaba (the wicked one)

It well may be that we will never meet again in this lifetime.

So let me say before we part so much of me is made of what I learned from you.

You’ll be with me like a handprint on my heart.

And now whatever way our stories end I know you have re-written mine by being my friend:

Like a ship blown from its mooring by a wind off the sea.

Like a seed dropped by a sky bird in a distant wood.

Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?

But because I knew you…I have been changed for good.

 

Glinda – (the ‘good’ one) sings something very similar. It’s a sweet song sung by characters who ultimately end up diametrically opposed to one another. Yet for a moment there is a glimpse of recognition, an understanding really, that there are people who shape our lives. We may disagree with them. We may love them. They may drive us crazy with ‘hair brained’ ideas or drive us to fulfill more of our potential than we ever imagined possible. As the song says, “Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But because I knew you…I have been changed for good.”

 

I have a list. They are people I think about often. Some are friends (Brian Waddell), some childhood bullies (Joe Woods); some are teachers (Mrs. Hoggard), bosses (Bobby Boyles), family (Chris Balthrop), companions (David Anderson), or comrades (James Lankford). Some hurt me deeply; others pushed me (or carried me) further than I thought I could go. For me this song applies to these people.

 

I wonder if I am that to someone else? I wonder if the words I say and the things I do will change someone…for good. Every moment of our days, every time we come together here at church to learn, to serve, to lead; every word we say carries with it the hidden power to influence both the here and now and the ever after of those people God brings across path.

 

Genesis 50:15 – 20, “When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…”

 

Measure your actions well. Consider your words carefully, because today you will change someone…for good.

 

Love y’all,

Chad

 

Notes to Notice

Making Contact

We all know someone who has been involved in CAM in the past, but has taken some time away – perhaps for summer vacations or to serve in another area of ministry. This week, take a look around and notice who’s here and who’s not. Then in the next several weeks begin inviting them back to CAM. We’ve all been given gifts, talents and resources – let’s fulfill our calling in the area of ministry God has given us to serve and let’s encourage our friends and family to do the same!

 

REHEARSAL MANIA!

6:00 Instrumental Ensemble in the Worship Center
6:30 Celebration Choir in RM800
7:30 All Together in Worship Center

Praise Team Auditions

The New Praise Teams will begin this SEPTEMBER. Every one who auditioned for Praise Teams did a great job! Thanks for trying out! Be watching here in the weeks to come for details what Praise Teams this fall will look like!

 

Opening Day – Character Auditions

It’s coming faster than we think; the beginning of a new school year, a new semester and a new season for everyone involved in CAM. Wednesday, August 30th at 6:30pm we’ll unveil plans for the new semester, including Christmas, meet new CAM leadership, introduce ourselves to new CAM members and discover what it means to be involved this season in CAM. Bring someone with you and let’s make this the best season in the life of our church yet!

 

FarPoint Weekend

Every week in churches everywhere volunteers come together to plan, prepare, and present the gospel in a way that is clear, creative, concise and compelling. These are the volunteers who make our services work. theFarPoint Weekend is a time of encouragement and equipping specifically designed with YOU in mind!

 

September 15th & 16th churches from all over the metro will come to FBCO to discover how we do what we do! The Christian Arts Ministry of FBCO will lead them in a time of encouragement and equipping. Plan to now to impact leaders from across Green Country by leading out this year at FarPoint Weekend!

 

For more details visit, www.thefarpoint.org – Registration online is for people OUTSIDE FBCO – we’ll begin FBOC registration in August. Your only cost will be $10…for the concert, Friday night & lunch on Saturday.

 

Sunday AM Schedule Change

The proposed schedule change is coming – SUNDAY, AUGUST 20th

 

 

 

Order of Service

Sunday AM – 07-30-06

Mike Napier – I’m No Superman, “All on the Altar”

 

Pre-service – COUNTDOWN | CD

 

PRE-SERVICE CONGREGATIONAL MUSIC

I’m No Superman – F#, CHART | E, CHART for Acoustic Guitar

                              D, CHART for CHAD

 

SERVICE START | Chad Balthrop

 

CONGREGATIONAL MUSIC

How Great Thou Art – B, CHART

Great in Power – D, CHART (w/o Holy)

 

WELCOME & WELCOME SONG

You Are Redemption – (I’ll ask the cong to sing with us)

 

CHOIR SPECIAL

Great God Medley – A, RED – 96

 

CONGREGATIONAL MUSIC

How Great Thou Art – (Chorus only | NO MUSIC)

Before the Throne of God Above – D> Eb, MSPW2 – 65

 

SPECIAL MUSIC

I’m No Superman – F#, CHART | E, CHART for Acoustic Guitar

                              D, CHART for CHAD

 

MUSIC INTRO – FROM CD | Set Pulpit

Main Title - Superman

 

MESSAGE

Mike Napier

 

INVITATION

I Will Never Be the Same Again – D

 

OFFERING | CHILDREN’S MINISTRY PROMO / DRAMA, (1 MIC)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Page Cole

 

Presentation of New Members

Close

How Great Thou Art – B, CHART

 

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