Greetings from Worship Arts
Mariko Giverink
Can you believe it’s that time of year once more? The holiday season brings with it plenty of opportunity for busyness, which is definitely the last thing I need. So as I’ve been preparing for this Christmas season, I’ve been asking myself the question “How can I simplify?” How can I insert some “margin” into my hectic schedule, and still keep my sanity through all the demands of the holiday season?
In answer to these questions, God has been teaching me the value and the importance of the "Secret Place." This is not actually a specific place, but more a time to pray and worship, be still before Him, and listen for His voice and leading. Although I place great value on this time of seeking God more deeply, I’ve noticed that there are always roadblocks when I try to go there. But one thing I’ve discovered is that there will always be roadblocks on the path closer to God. Pressing forward is part of the process. Perseverance is part of the process. Nothing worth having ever comes easy.
The Christmas season is always exciting for the worship team, and this year is no exception. Recently we had a vocal coach come and share at our first ever Vocal Workshop. We learned a lot about how to use our voices to better glorify God. About thirty people came and we spent the day learning through teaching, a hilarious skit, and a special song (Maybe I’m Amazed). It was a blast performing this song the following day at church. This same vocal coach will be directing our choir on Dec. 11th, and she’s working with our vocal team over the next four weeks. We also have several guest choir members joining us, and on the morning of December 11th, you’ll have the opportunity to hear the result of all this hard work, so don’t miss it!
Our drama team is hard at work in rehearsals for "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." This is a must see, and the perfect opportunity to invite your family and neighbors to our church.
UPCOMING DECEMBER WORSHIP EVENTS
12/4 - 12/25- Message series inspired by Narnia. Preparations for this series are underway, and we’ve been listening to music inspired by the movie "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe."
12/4 - Pre-School Choir. Our very own CCC children will be singing, so come and cheer them on.
12/11 - Special Christmas Sunday, featuring an expanded choir, guest choir director, and special accompanist, Guy Prince.
12/16 - 12/11 - The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Get your tickets early for this wonderful play!
12/18 - All Church Christmas Banquet. Our very own Dave Demourdant has put together an incredible team of musicians to perform for us at the 7:00 seating. Bring the kids at 5:00 for some fun special music of their own.
12/24 - Two Christmas Eve Gatherings. Join us at 5:00 or 7:00 as we celebrate the Eve of Christ’s birth together with a special candle lighting event, and classic/acoustic worship in the multi-purpose room.
12/25 - Christmas Day. Let’s celebrate the morning of Christ’s birth together at one 11:00 gathering in the multi-purpose room.
And what better way to bring in the New Year than together with your church family? We’ll see you the first of January for our own special worship celebration!
Joyfully,
Mariko