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What
does it mean to say, "Worship does God's story?" It is this: Worship
proclaims, enacts, and sings God's story. Worship is not a program. Nor
is worship about me. Worship is a narrative. God's narrative of the
world from its beginning to its end. How will the world know its own
story unless we do that story in public worship?
Robert E. Webber, Ancient-Future Worship: Proclaiming and Enacting God's Narrative. (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2008), 39-40. |
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Check this out:
Did you miss us last week? Click here to listen to the latest sermon. |
| Take a Look & Listen! |
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Click here and enjoy Brad Thomspon & the Five Smooth Stones as they perform "Still." |
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Hospitality Team Greeter: Assures all worshipers are warmly welcomed.
Sacred Space: Develops & implements the installation of worship decor for prayer stations & communion table.
Media Assistant: Assists in the visual worship elements.
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God-signs... |
 Easter. Blacklights, crazy paper hanging (no, we weren't TP'd!), and music from The Killers. Who would have thought we would talk about the humanity of Jesus on Easter, instead of the resurrection? We did! The music built us towards an understanding of the very real, very human side of a man who loved his followers. And how that love has been shared for thousands of years in the way of Christ. I thought Easter and Palm Sunday were truly significant in the journey of our souls at The Search. Many thanks to those of you who made it so special and so unique. Ideas for next year are most welcome!
But Easter got me thinking after several of Search worshippers asked me how on earth I pull a song that isn't specifically theologically bent towards our faith, and make it so. Well, "I don't know" is my usual, standard, kind of sad answer. So I have been giving it a lot of thought. How does God speak? Does God specifically only speak inside the walls of the church, through religious art and music, or does God find ways to change our hearts in our every day living? Well, I'm sure you know where I land! A resounding YES God speaks through all things is what I believe; and Jesus also was a great teacher that pointed to the mundane of our lives to bring people closer to faith. I think we must do better by opening our eyes and ears to God-signs that are everywhere, if we choose to see and to hear. And as The Search community, I feel you are well poised to do so in your daily journey.
But I am struck by something. So I've decided that our Search Ezine needs to include a section of WHAT WE ARE LISTENING TO. Each time an Ezine is published, check the side bar for what we, your staff, are listening to in heavy rotation. Check out the selections of Alec, Brad and myself and we would love to have you post your thoughts and music ideas on the wall of our Facebook group! (yes, a shameless promotion to join our group!) So look at the side bar now.... And join in the music of our God. After all, as Brandon Flowers (lead singer of the Killers) asks: "Are we human? Or are we dancer?"
- Suzanne Castle - Minister
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Language of Music... |
 I'll admit up front, I'm not a big music buff, never have been. However, it seems as if The Search in general has pulled me more and more towards seeking God through the analysis, creativity, and art of music. Pre- Search, I would listen to the radio when I was in the car going from here to there, but mostly just to help pass the time, get a little relaxation in, or to spur on my emerging vocal career (yeah right). Now that I've had the opportunity to actually listen to songs and think about their words rather than just letting them go in one ear and out the other, I feel as if I have a greater appreciation for lyricists. I've found myself listening intently to every word of songs that I've heard literally every week for the past ten years and finding new, intriguing depth behind the lyrics. I've also found myself actively seeking out new songs and artists that in no way would I have actively sought Pre- Search. All of this to me is new and interesting, and I am fascinated at every turn as I hear songs both old and new with new ears and a new heart towards the words. I encourage you all to really focus on what many of the artists are saying now, you never really know what you may hear that has always been or what you may see in the music the first time you hear a song. Words are powerful, music is powerful, but we must be open to it all in order for it to be transformative.
Alec Ylitalo - Assistant Minister
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Upcoming Highlights
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Take a look at photos of The Search worship!
July Sermon Series -
Taking a look at the
Disciples of Christ Affirmation Statement:
We Enter, We Are Joined,
We Celebrate, We Receive
Harry Potter Opening Night -
Mark your calendars for the
new Harry Potter movie July 14th!
Join us at 9 for a Costume Contest, Potion Making, Trivia, Food and more before we
head to midnight showing!
RSVP By July 8 to the youth office (Sharyn@uccftw.com), cost is $10
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Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 10:19AM 
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