Music Ministry

Finally......!

2012-01-23T13:01:00.000-08:00

Finally, there is a new schedule posted. I know it's hard to believe. Christmas season is past and January is actually almost over. So much for slowing down in this New Year. I'm sure by now you are all back to work, school, or whatever else you took time off from during the holidays. This also means we need to get busy learning new music and making new commitments to being faithful to choir. I thank those of you who are here each week without being asked and sometimes not even sure what we are singing. Its actually a commitment to God and His ministry, not just to choir. Those of you that aren't quite as faithful, I ask you to start anew right now. Please do your best to be here every week for both church and for practice. It really shows when we are all present and well rehearsed. I always get compliments on the choir when everyone is there and we all know the song, however, those weeks that half of you are gone and the other half never showed up to practice, well, let's just say that its obvious too. I look forward to a great year together, and I hope we can add new members to our ranks each month also. Thank you again for your faithfulness and dedication. God is honored.

Stress or Enjoy?

2011-11-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

Well I have officially reached my stressful season. I'm trying to decide if I should just forget about all the stress and just go and enjoy the holiday season. It's been so long since I've just let everything go and let myself enjoy the season. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas. It's my favorite time of year, but with the joy comes an elementary production, a high school production, and of course the Christmas eve service which based on what we are doing that year could be considered a production. All in all though, I wouldn't trade it for anything. There are those that would argue for Thanksgivings sake. I mean the poor holiday gets left out in the cold at our house. We go from dressing up and handing out candy to putting up stockings and singing carols in the kitchen. I am thankful still. I hope you don't stress out too much throughout this season. Let God's love and gift of life encourage you to let go of everything else and just enjoy the season. I'm having to learn this concept and I think it's gonna make this a season to remember!

Christmas?

2011-10-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

So, we are well into Fall, and I love it. I love waking up and having to wear a jacket because there is a crispness to the air. I love how my wife puts pumpkins and all of her fall decorations around the house. I love using pumpkin spice creamer in my coffee. I love wearing orange (for fall, not because I'm a Tennessee fan!). I don't like that it gets darker earlier, but that does mean that bed time for the boys is earlier! Most importantly, though, it means that the insane holiday season is coming soon. We begin working on Christmas music in the choir this month, and from there it doesn't stop. Honestly, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love the holidays and I love that I have three amazing little boys and one phenominal woman to spend it with. It's stressful, and time consuming, and sometimes ridiculous, but it's worth it all. I hope that as the craziness starts, we don't get worried, we just enjoy it. We get to sing about our Savior and all He's done for us. I know He's done too much for me for me to get too consumed with myself and my worries. I just want to enjoy it all. I hope you do the same. That's our motto this season: "Enjoy It!"

Big Month.....

2011-08-05T09:32:00.000-07:00

Well August is here and it's a big month, at least for me and Jamie. August usually signifies the end of summer break from school, all the college students will be going back, school is starting back up, there is usually a bible conference or some type of program about to begin, and some of us are trying to get back into the swing of a harsher routine. This August is no different, except on top of all of this we will be having our third child. It's very exciting but it seems overwhelming at times, as if two boys wasn't overwhelming enough! There are going to be several new additions over the next few months. Amy Plummer kicked us off last month with little Bryson, or as David James calls him, Baby Bison. Then they keep coming. It is an exciting time and I know many of you are just as excited to see the new ones as I am.
In the midst of all of this we do have some exciting programs at the church that we have to prepare for. September 11th starts our Fall Program on the cross. We will start working on music, both old and new, for this program ASAP. I'm excited about all the new this month and next. We need to be very faithful to choir and to practice. I know it's hard, believe me, but it is so rewarding when the choir gets up on Sunday mornings and the loft is full and we all join together to worship and sing praise to our Lord! Let's get through all of the vacations and different summer events and then let's hit the ground running! Thank you all for your dedication to the music ministry. God Bless!

So Hot...

2011-06-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or is it getting to be extremely hot outside? I guess it could be worse and we all know the awesome humidity WILL get worse. I probably shouldn't complain since my poor wife is not only hot but is also carrying an extra human around inside of her. I know there are several other women who are growing a person too, and I salute you. What an awesome task the Lord has given you.
I think of my tasks as well and I think, how blessed I really am. Even when things are going bad I still can focus on God's blessings to me. I have two amazing little boys, soon to be three, and an unbelievable wife. These alone would be enough, but then I get to work and serve with wonderful people like you all. Every week we get together and minister to those around us, and more times than not I'm being minstered to by you. Thank you for your ministry not only to the church but to me. It really is an encouragment to see your, most of the time, smiling faces and to hear the talents that the Lord has blessed you all with. Even for those of you that don't feel like singing is your forte', you are blessing others with your spirit and willingness to get up there each week and give it your all! Thank You!
Please try to relax and enjoy the summer heat rather than stress about it. Just think about the two feet of snow we had last year and try to be thankful that you can at least get out of your driveway. God Bless you all!

David

Encouraged....

2011-06-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

I was extremely encouraged this last week. When I looked up at the choir, it was completely full and there were still some key people missing. I realized that we could fill up the choir loft every week with some dedication. I appreciate everyone of you who are here every week. Most of you understand the need for commitment and practice to give the Lord our best. We need to keep recruiting and getting more people to join us. I would love to have to move everything off the back of the stage because the choir needs the room. I would love to have to move the orchestra to the floor because there's no more room for instruments. I would love to have to turn people away because there's no room for anyone else. We can only accomplish this through commitment.
It's summer and everyone is planning vacations. I think it's great if you get to go away. Everyone needs some peace and quiet now and then. Just don't forget about the rest of us while you are away. I really do miss you when you're gone. I feel like part of my family is absent.
Even when you're away we still keep rolling along here in the music ministry. So jump right back in when you return. Enjoy your summer, and let's keep serving Him together!

Finally....

2011-05-02T07:24:00.001-07:00

Finally the warmth has arrived! Unfortunately with it comes people missing church because of spending the day on the boat, or fishing or going on vacation. I understand that all of these things are important and believe me, I wish we were going on a few more vacations this summer. Every one needs a break every now and then. I hope everyone is planning some time away this summer, but I hope no one is planning to take the whole summer off! We need everyone we can get in the choir and orchestra.
Everyone did such a phenomenal job on the Easter music! What a blessing to be a part of the services on Good Friday and Easter morning. I have gotten so many compliments and good reports about how worshipful and beautiful the music was. I remember looking out on Sunday morning as I was leading and seeing a visitor sitting in the back. He is a family member of one of our members. I had never seen him or his family before, but I couldn't miss him that morning. He was so excited to be singing. There were too many people to be able to hear him alone, but I could tell that he was singing with everything that he had. He had a smile and was swaying back and forth as we proclaimed that God was alive! It actually convicted me about how un-stirred I am sometimes when I sing. The Lord has done so much for me and yet I fail to do something as simple as "give it my all" when I'm singing and worshipping Him. I was very excited on Easter morning to sing about our Risen Savior, but I should be just as excited every other sunday because He's just as alive in May through March as He is on Easter sunday.
Thank you so much for all your hard work and commitment to the special programs the choir performs in. They would be nothing without you.
God Bless

Did Spring get the memo?

2011-03-22T08:04:00.001-07:00

Ok spring is officially here, but I'm not sure it got the memo! I'm ready for shorts, flip flops, sun and fun outside. I'm tired of long sleeves, shoes, and most of all cold weather! I know everyone else is too. I think Spring got confused because Easter is so late this year. Maybe it thought it shouldn't come out until right before. At any rate, it's gonna be fall again before it even gets warm.
I'm sure everyone is working hard on the Easter musical. The music is a lot tougher this year, but it is amazing. I have a personal time of worship everytime I turn it on. Sometimes I think I should be paying more attention to the words and parts, but I think God is pleased when I just let myself go and worship Him during rehearsal. I don't have a lot of free time during the day, so those moments that I do have are special. That is why I use them to worship Him. I hope you take the time to worship God each day. I know it's hard with everything going on in our lives, but it's so important to stop for just a few minutes and praise the God who created everything around us. As spring does arrive, the beauty comes with it. Praise God for the beauty that He made. He took the time to create all of it for our enjoyment, so let's praise Him for who He is and how much He loves us.
Thank you for all your hard work. I know God is pleased!

Is St. Patrick's Day a real holiday?

2011-03-02T06:41:00.000-08:00

So the question remains of whether St. Patrick's Day is a real holiday. In America, we capitalize on every possible day to either get a day off of work, buy candy, or if you're my wife to buy decorations and decorate the house very festivally. I do love the decorations, but I definitely don't need the candy! Whether it is a "real" holiday is unsure, but it is a milestone of the verse that says "Go Ye into all the world and preach the gospel." You see St. Patrick's day is credited with bringing the Christian faith to the pagan country of Ireland, which according to Answers.com, drove out all of the false Druid gods. As I was reading the description of this day it struck me how our Christian lives need to resemble St. Patrick's day. Not for the green shamrock hats or pinching your co-worker who wore red instead of green, but because we are to be taking the gospel to as many different peoples and nations as we can. We should be God's hands and feet in driving out the false gods of our world. Many of us are the only God some people in Kent County will see. I have been doing a Bible study on worship recently and one phrase that really hit me was, "Worship invites God's presence!" What a powerful statement. We are actually inviting God's very presence into our midst when we worship Him. Then it scared me to think how on sunday mornings as we "worship" Him, some can stand there with a blank face or even a scowl. What does that say about God's presence in our lives?! If I were in heaven standing in God's presence I would be anything but blank faced. Why should my worship each day be any different! I pray that we never forget the fact that we are leading people into the very presence of our Lord each time we take the stage. Let's Worship our Lord each day with a happy heart! God Bless!

Season of Love.....

2011-01-25T06:28:00.000-08:00

As February approaches I'm reminded of Valentine's Day and how this is the season of Love. Of course Wal-mart has had Valentine's candy out since December 26th, just another holiday to capitalize on, but that doesn't lessen the importance of the day. February 14th is set aside to remind us to tell those that are closest to us how much we love them. I'm sure everyone has some plans for a special dinner or romantic outing with that special someone in our lives. My wife would kill me if I forgot V-day. It seems the whole world is full of love in February, but how many of us remember to tell the Lord how much we love Him. True, this day is not set aside for that specific purpose, but why do we need a specific day to remind us to love God. Every day should be Valentine's day in our hearts. If you truly love something or someone, then you want to pour as much time and energy as you can into that relationship. It should be no different with our Savior. We should pour just as much, if not more, time and energy into loving Him as we do into everything else in our lives. Sadly, He often takes a back seat to the "more important" things. This "season of love" don't forget to thank God for His sacrifice, and incredible love. If only we could love like our Lord, how many of the petty things in life wouldn't matter. I love you all and thank you for your sacrifices to minister with me. God Bless!

"A New Song...."

2011-01-05T08:19:00.000-08:00

"He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God; many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord." Psalm 40:3
The greatest thing we can do with our talent is bring praise to the Lord. The Bible says that many will see the joy in our lives and will trust in the Lord. We can stand up there and sing all we want, but if we aren't living the song we sing, we are deterring people from God instead of drawing them unto Him. I pray that this month, and this year, as you prepare to lead others to worship Christ, you will ensure that your heart is prepared as well and that you are being a living testimony of the song that you sing. I look forward to the many exciting things God is going to do through us this year. Happy New Year!

2010-11-29T10:50:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!!
It's the most wonderful time of the year! It's also the busiest time of the year. Already most of us are trying to fit holiday parties, programs, and special services into our schedules. I am officially in panic mode about the school Christmas program. It's on December 14th and it should be a good one. (The students have put in a lot of work regardless of how it turns out.) I'm very thankful for each one of you. I know how hard you work every week, and I appreciate you taking the time to minister every week. Hopefully you are being ministered to, through the services each week, as well. After the new year we will have another choir party. December is just too busy to try to fit another thing in. In the midst of everything else, take some time to pause and remember the Reason for the Season. Remember, God is heard in the still small voice. Relax and listen for that voice this holiday season.

David

Giving Thanks.....

2010-10-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is November! I can't believe it either. In over just a month my little boy will be turning two and it will almost be Christmas. If you're like me then you love Christmas time more than any other holiday. My classroom Christmas tree will be going up almost immediately and the Holiday CD's are already driving Jamie crazy. During this time of year we are reminded to give thanks for all the blessings in our lives. But we shouldn't just give thanks for one month out of the year, we should be thankful all year long. There are so many things that God has given me that I am truly grateful for. My wife, my family, my beautiful and LOUD boys, my friends, and the amazing ministry that He has allowed me to work in. Thanks to everybody who takes part in the music ministry. What a blessing it is to me each week to be able to come to church and worship with not just talented people, but talented friends. I love getting to know each one of you, and I have enjoyed ministering with you as well. I hope that as the hustle and bustle of the season comes down upon us, we will take to the time to be thankful. Thank God for rich blessings! We all have them in both big and small forms. God Bless everyone!

October?!?!

2010-10-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is already October! Didn't school just start yesterday? It's hard to believe that soon Halloween will be here, then Thanksgiving, and before you know it lights and trees will be everywhere. As hard as it is for me to believe how fast the year is going by, I do love it. It's very stressful, and at times frustrating, but I get so excited during the holidays. I'm like a little kid. Our Christmas tree goes up before thanksgiving, and I pull out the Holiday CD's as soon as Halloween is over. Jamie is usually sick of Christmas music by December 1st. For the choir, this is also an exciting time. We have a lot of new music to learn, and many different seasons to explore. With all of the hustle and bustle beginning, I hope you do take the time to enjoy the season. The leaves are turning and the crispness is in the air. Enjoy it! Take the time to sit back with your family, or that rare alone moment and just take in what each different holiday means to us as Christians. Thank You again for all your hard work this summer. It is truly appreciated. Keep recruiting! I know one day the whole stage will be filled with instruments and voices! God Bless!

Fall's Finally Here!!!

2010-09-07T08:12:00.001-07:00

Ok if you're anything like me, you love summer, but you get ecstatic about Fall! I love when the air starts having a crispness to it, and of course the famed honking of the geese. I think every person on the eastern shore of maryland stops whatever they're doing and immediately runs to a door or window the second they hear that first goose honk. I'm the same way. It means that summer is finally ending and that my busy season has begun! School has started and the bombardment of holidays is about to take place. Labor Day, Grandparents Day, Halloween, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and of course Kwanzaa. Each of these are observed by most and therefore require music that follows suit. Let's also not forget about all the special programs here at the church including Mission's Sunday, and Waterman's Day. I'm nervous about the stress, but love this time of year. What a joy and blessing to be able to participate in all of the awesome programs and events. I know it is a demanding time, but I hope that each of you will be able to make the committment to be here as much as possible. If even one person misses, we all feel it. Thank You for your participation all summer. Even with vacations and beautiful days the choir was mostly full every sunday. Please continue to recruit and pray for the music ministry. It's a great ministry and I thank God that He allows me to be a part of it. God Bless!!

Dave

2010-07-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Ok it's officially July 1st, I know I can't believe it either. The summer is flying by, but it is going very well. My family just returned from vacation and we had a great time down south in Tennessee. Now it's time to get back to business recruiting and practicing all our new music. I know many of you have vacations planned and other things going on still this summer. I hope you have a blast and enjoy the time away, but know that we will miss you while you are gone. I'll be posting the July schedule today so if you have any questions or problems, let me know as soon as possible. Thanks. This sunday is July the 4th and as always it will be a Patriotic celebration. We want to thank all the men and women in our Armed Forces. Their sacrifice makes it possible for us to meet freely every week and worship our Lord. Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice! God Bless everyone here and around the world, and let's also not forget the family members of those that are serving. We're saying a special prayer for you as well. Thank You everybody here for all your hard work and dedication to the music ministry. It is such a blessing to work with you every week. Dave

Summer's Comin....

2010-05-26T07:38:00.001-07:00

Hello everybody, I can't believe that next week is already June. The year is flying by and I'm not sure if that's good or bad. One thing that is doing good, though, is the choir and orchestra. The responses and comments I've received from people have been great. They love the sound, the love the music and they love the worship time. I really appreciate each person that has made the committment to be in choir each week. I know it's difficult sometimes with our busy lives, but God rewards the faithful. As you can see I've posted the music schedules for June here on the page. Please keep an eye on this for any changes. Summer's comin, and that means vacations, and traveling, so if you know that you are going to be out on a particular sunday, just let me know. Everyone needs time away, so believe me I'll probably just be jealous of where you're going.
One thing we need to do this summer is recruit. We need new faces and bodies, (not that we are getting rid of the old faces or bodies for that matter, although some of us would probably like a new body), but if you know of someone that might be a good fit please invite them to a rehearsal or let me know and I'll invite them. I'm excited about our new music, its spirit filled and FUN! Who says you can't have fun while praising the Lord, right! God called us to have a joyful spirit, not a dead one. So let's get excited and busy recruiting as we serve Him together! God Bless, Dave

Music Ministry

2010-04-28T07:14:00.000-07:00

Thank You to all the members of the music ministry. All your hard work since the beginning of the year has truly been appreciated. Summer is almost here and the special events keep coming. Easter was spectacular, but now we have Mother's Day, Father's Day, Memorial Day and of course July 4th. I know it sounds like a lot, but as professionals I know everyone can handle it. Please let me know if you have any questions or problems. Also let me know if you are going to be out for any services. Again, I appreciate you dedication and hard work.