David's Reflections

This past Sunday's worship was one of the special services. Could you sense it?

Maybe it was the anticipation of the Lord's Supper. Maybe it was because we had all the instrumentalists there and playing. Maybe the number of people in the congregation had something to do with it. Prehaps there was some residual effects held over from the Saturday Night Youth Worship.

Or maybe, just maybe, we were ready to see God!

In our staff meetings recently, we have had much discussion about worship, and more specifically what can we as a staff do to enable more freedom in worship. These discussions have provided for some interesting dialogue and reflection.

Sunday morning, it hit me. All we can do is come prepared to see God! Nothing more, nothing less. It helps when the music is uplifting and exciting. It helps that the people are singing and the choir is harmonizing. It helps that the message is inspiring. It helps that Terry Richards' can belt it out in a strong solo. But ultimately it comes down to me. Me wanting to see and experience God in all His splendor and glory. But even that can be a scary prospect.

There was a moment in the middle of the choir number, where I was transported to that place. That place where time and space stand still. That place where you are only aware of yourself and the presence of God. And in that moment, my song became the song that Terry and the choir were singing, "Lord, Have Mercy."

Do you remember the story of the prophet Isaiah when he stood before the Lord. You might want to refresh your memory of the story as I have this week. It's found in Isaiah 6. After the prophet had stood before the Lord, he had witnessed the angels, he had heard the "Holy, holy, holies." All he could say was "Lord, have mercy on me!" And God's response was "It is granted!" O, how He loves you and me!

I walked away from the service Sunday, somehow different. How about you?

Upcoming Events
All of our choirs will meet at their regular times this week.

We will begin taking reservations for the 2006 Christmas Dinner Theater this week.

The Tennessee Baptist Chorale will present their pre-convention concert on Sunday Night, November 12th at 7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Humboldt. Listen for announcements about transportation for those wishing to go.

Ripley First Baptist Church will host the Community Thanksgiving Service on Sunday Night, November 19th at 7:00 p.m. Bro. Randy Cooper, Pastor of the First United Methodist Church will be the speaker. There will be a community choir that will meet at 6:00 p.m.

God Bless!

Senior Adult Choir Visits Ripley Rehab

The Senior Adult Choir visited with the residents of the Ripley Rehab and Residential Center this past Wednesday. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and ministry. The choir shared several special musical selections with the residents. Then Mrs. Edith Harris played the piano and accompanied the group on several favorite hymns, including, "Love Lifted Me" and "Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound." The residents of the center enjoyed singing the "old" hymns, and they are really good singers.

Over the years it has amazed me at how a person can "come to life" when singing the songs of our Savior and Lord.

The Choir did an excellent job in leading the residents in the songs, even though we were few in number on this day.

Members of the Choir: (L.- R.) Mitch Dziedzic; Edith Harris;

Margaret Cepparulo; Carolyn Ammons and Elizabeth Mosley.

We were missing a couple of our regular members due to illnesses. Please pray for Mrs. Mildred Sellers and Mrs. Edna Meadows, both of whom were in the hospital at the time of the program.

The Senior Adult Choir will now begin work on programs to be presented at all the Ripley area nursing and residential centers during the Christmas season. The choir meets each Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the choir room of the church.

Margaret visits with a friend at Ripley Rehab.

Elizabeth helps one of the residents after the program.

Mitch chats with Ms. Lillie Reeves, a former member of

the Senior Adult Choir, now a resident of Ripley Rehab.

Introduction

Wow! I have finally moved into the 21st century.

Welcome to the world of the Ripley First Baptist Church Music Ministry. The purpose of this page is to provide information and announcements regarding the Music Ministry of the church. Regular posts will be made to keep the information current. Announcments regarding upcoming events and services will be made. Stories about recent events will also be posted. There will also be opportunity for you to provide comment and opinion.

Our Music Ministry is always busy. It is hoped that this medium will allow us to keep in touch and current.

If you have any ideas about this page, please feel free to contact me.

Now let's start down this road together!!