- Big thanks to Chad for finishing up the Thrive series as Lisa and I wrapped up vacation.
- One thing we like to do at the end of vacation is get back in town and visit a local church.
- Today we chose Christian Life Assembly across the river in Camp Hill.
- I know a couple of people who attend there including the lady who does the processing for all of our mailers.
- I had been there previously during my Purpose Driven days for a technology conference and was very impressed by their team and facility.
- Again today I was really impressed…as I’ve said before and is one of our core values, “It takes all types of churches to reach all types of people”.
- With that said, I was slightly disappointed that their contemporary service wasn’t more contemporary than what it was.
- That’s not their fault…I just sort of assumed it would be and also we can blame the broad range that now falls within the terminology of “contemporary worship services”.
- Their web-site says that the 11am service is contemporary music and casual dress.
- When we got out of the car with jeans and t-shirts on, I immediately knew we were way under-dressed.
- Many were still in suits and dresses and those that came “casual” were in khakis and button down shirts.
- The worship team was in suits and skirts and most of the “contemporary songs” were from the late 90’s and early 2000’s down in multiple part harmony.
- Again nothing wrong with any of these things, I just wish there was better terminology.
- Ok with all that said, the service itself was awesome.
- It had a July 4th theme throughout and from the music, to special music to message, it was done with excellence.
- I especially enjoyed the worship pastors leading style and a cover their lead guitarist did of Jimi Hendrix’s version of the National Anthem.
- Ironically that was the most contemporary feeling thing they did even though it was the oldest song, other than “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”.
- There was sort of an awkward moment when a lady came up on stage out of the crowd, grabbed the Christian flag and walked it all the way across the stage and put it in front of the American flag. She could be heard telling the pastor, she wasn’t happy seeing the American flag get honored while the cross took a back seat.
- The Lead Pastor handled it well and was able to tie it into the intro of his message to affirm that yes if it weren’t for the cross and the power of God and the faith of our founding fathers, then our country wouldn’t be nearly as great as it is.
- I really enjoyed his message and it was a good reminder that Israel, not the USA is God’s nation. If God upon the disobedience of Israel removed His blessing and allowed them to become enslaved to others, what makes us think the same won’t happen to the US if we continue down the path we’re on.
- Overall we both really enjoyed our time there and I’d recommend them as your church home if you don’t have one or if ExponentialChurch.tv is not quite your style.
- Excited to get back to work tomorrow…yeah I know it’s a holiday, but Sunday will still come regardless so I’ve got to get stuff done.
- Next Sunday we start a brand new series looking at the life of and book of Jonah.
- Should be a great series and will include some special surprises and events including our very first baptism service on July 31st.