Reflections From Sunday Evening

Walter Bryant and the music program of PWUMC provided great worship this weekend with the Christmas cantata, "Almost There".  We are so blessed to have such varied and excellent music to escort us into the presence of God on a weekly basis.  Today was special.
This weekend I had my annual opportunity to participate in the music ministry.  A few years ago Walter asked if I would narrate the cantata.  I figured I can read pretty well so why not.  So I have been narrating for the past few years.  I actually find it enjoyable.
This year Walter offered to give me a year off.  You see, this cantata was more difficult than some we have done.  It was challenging for the musicians (they all did a fantastic job) and as I discovered for the narrator.
Here was my issue.  A little background helps.  I don't do music.  I listen to it and I enjoy it very much.  But I don't sing. I don't play instruments.  I have difficulty playing the radio!  I know what a note is and can tell if they go up or down but as far as reading music - nada.
So when I was narrating this cantata and needing to read in the middle of songs and be able to read my parts at the right time -- I had a challenge.  But Walter let me go ahead.
As I thought about this and how I was probably not going to do this really well and would need to work on it more than usual to make sure I "did no harm" I realized something.  I was going to have to practice what I preach.
Here is what I mean.  I often ask people to get out of their comfort zone and take a risk.  As a matter of fact I have pretty much asked our whole church to do that.  You have responded in some amazing ways.  Anyway, here I was having to do that myself.
Glad I did.  Everyone helped me out.  I had a couple of things pointed out that were corrected.  When it was all said and done everything fit together nicely and meaningful ministry happened.
Now I get back to what comes a bit easier for me - (I would rather preach 100 times than stress out on the music!)  But the next time I feel the nudge to step outside my comfort zone and seek to do something for God I will have a greater sense that it will work.  I encourage you to make the same discovery!  Together we move forward to honor and serve the Lord, even if we feel a bit unqualified in the beginning.
It's been a great day.  I hope you've had a great day too.
steve
On another note...Keep our mission team in prayer as they make a trip to Honduras this week.  Once again we take the ministry outside the walls of the church