I'm BAAAAAaaaaack!

After six weeks of feeling like I was dragging myself through the day, in the last week I have finally started to get back the energy I had before I got sick in April. Hooray! I have added several more blogs this week, and will add blogs for Children's Music, Drama, and Fine Arts in the near future. I think that will do us for a time, and I will publish all of the addresses in the next Chimes. I found worship this morning especially meaningful thanks to the Ministry of Music by Brian on the cello, and Stacey on the viola. Brian's arrangement of "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty" was very beautifully written, and very beautifully performed. I really felt the deep rich sonorities were moving, bringing the congregation closer to the greatness of our God. Also, play North Tenth Avenues' recording of "By Your Side" during second service Communion was moving as well. Being able to take communion together as a Praise Team, and as a congregation holds a lot of significance for me. Several years ago, I argued for offering communion every Sunday; I am glad to see that this change came about while I was recharging my spiritual "batteries."

The sermon this morning continued Pastor Dave's series on Angels with a discussion of demons. I will admit that, in the past, I have not been real big on the presence of demons. However, I found Pastor Dave's sermon this morning helpful and enlightening.

As I peer out into the darkness of cyberspace, I feel quite alone at the moment. Yet, I have faith that soon I will read the words of another voice, and that someday, these blogs will be a "hotbed" of communication, and another tool to help the Trinity family to grow closer, and to grow bigger!

Peace,
Greg

Updates

Just wanted to let y'all know that, unfortuntely, I have been battling a headcold for 12 days now, and am currently busy with Finals week, so I apologize for the lack of updating. I hope to be back at the computer by this weekend!

Here's one for fans of the David Crowder Band:

Handbell Boot Camp
Have you ever thought it would be fun to join the Handbell Choir, but have been intimidated because you thought it would be too complicated to get started, all that reading music stuff? Ask any current member of the choir – they will probably tell you that getting started is easy, primarily because we ease you into playing. As a music director, I firmly believe that my role as educator is just as important as waving my arms on Sunday morning, and so you will not be “thrown to the wolves”. Along these lines, I would like to hold a Handbell Boot Camp next August for current choir members and those of you who would like to “try” it. I was recently reminded to “think big” after hearing that Kristi Shamburger is now the Handbell Choir Director at her church – she directs four choirs!

Drama Ministry
If you have interest in being part of a drama ministry here at Trinity, please enter stage right, (or come backstage, if you prefer!) A drama ministry could greatly add to the worship experience of those who attend gatherings small and large such as bible studies, youth and children’s ministries, Sunday morning worship, and special events like the Easter sunrise service, or even a full-length drama! Please, contact me if this sounds like an exciting role to you.
(You know you want to . . . please, don’t make me come find you!)

Music CD Library
The Music Department has begun building a CD lending library of Christian music of all kinds, as well as classical music and jazz. Please, consider if you would like to donate CDs, or make a monetary donation to help further this project. CDs only, please, and if the music contains lyrics, please make sure they are appropriate for ALL ages.

Summer Music Classes
The Music Department will be offering the following summer classes:
Beginning Voice
Beginning Guitar
How to Read Music I: Pitch
How to Read Music II: Rhythm
Look for more information in the worship bulletins and in the on-screen announcements during the month of May.

Deeply Indebted to the Holy Spirit . . .
This was a busy week, culminating with the Adult and Youth Choir's presentation of the Easter Musical: Eyes of Faith. Special recognition goes to the Holy Spirit for inspiration given to all involved in the production, as well as to all those worshiping in the pews. The soloists, the members of the trio, and the choir all sounded fantastic, so special thanks are due to soloists Jeni, Mark, and Valerie; the trio: Amanda, Stacey, and Zach; and each and every member of the Adult and Youth choir! (There were five singers under the age of eighteen . . . I believe a first for an "adult" musical or cantata under my direction.) I know the Spirit was working through the actors and narrator this morning; thanks go to Alicia (Mary Magdalene), Charlie (Simeone), Joel (Judas), Larry (Peter), and Margy (narrator) for the extra time they devoted to learning lines and making the text come alive! I would like to also thank Charlie for his expertise with lighting and set design, as well as Dave for his work on sound design, making everyone sound great, and Barb for costumes that added just the right touch, making the characters even more believable! I would also like to thank Jim for stepping in at the last moment to run the spotlight, and Norma and Jeni for their help during rehearsals. Last, but not least, I would like to thank Pastor Dave and Laura Ballinger for their support, and all of you who have been praying for this endeavor. I was deeply moved by the experience of directing Eyes of Faith; bravo, and brava, everyone!

He Is Risen! . . . I Will Rise!
Easter Sunday at Trinity was a glorious celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! I want to thank all those who devoted hours and energy to rehearsing so that we might use our talents to the very best of our abilities when we praise our Lord. I especially want to thank Zach and Brian for their dedication to making Chris Tomlin's "I Will Rise" a vital part of each service. Zach made the lyrics of hope come alive, and Brian wrote his own cello part to accompany Zach and the piano. Thanks, guys!

Easter Musical: Eyes of Faith
April 19, 2009 at 10:30 AM
The Adult and Youth Choir has been very busy preparing Eyes of Faith: Seeing and Believing the Messiah, to be presented this Sunday. The musical will bring our two Sunday morning services together for just one service starting at 10:30 AM. Eyes of Faith features "60 Minutes" style interviews with Simeone at the time Jesus is brought to the temple as a babe, and with Peter, Judas, and Mary Magdalene recounting their experiences before and shortly after the Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. The music includes a number of beautiful modern choruses, as well as the classic hymn Crown Him with Many Crowns. The Congregation will be invited to sing along with the choir for about half of the songs, and the lyrics will be projected onto a large screen to make it easy for everyone to join right in! Eyes of Faith powerfully combines music and drama to inspire all to deepen their personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.