Thoughts on the First Worship Service

...in our new auditorium. I wrote this article for our church's newsletter the week after our first worship service in our new auditorium.

We are finally there! But “there” is “here” now. What I’m trying to say is “we are finally at our new site!” All of us have longed for this day. Something very magnificent took place on our first Sunday in the new auditorium. It’s a day that will remain in our memories for quite some time. I’ll bet Pastor Mark is also mentioning our first Sunday in his newsletter article. But I just had to share my thoughts on it too!

I started the day, like many of you, at our 501 Old Kyle Rd. location at 9:30 a.m. The night before, a couple of people discovered there was a carillon. The controls are in a closet in the hallway between the stage and choir room. Because of their technical backgrounds, they were able to get it functioning again. So at the 9:30 service, we were drawn to the old sanctuary with the beautiful sounds of the carillon ringing in our ears.

We had a glorious service there at the old location. I was overcome with emotion as I led a few hymns from the piano. So I just turned the mic toward the audience and let them sing. Then we saw a DVD that reminded us of our history and heritage, as well as the impact we’ve had on the community and the world (i.e. The Kenya mission trip). The DVD was so good we had to show it again at the opening service at our new location. We also heard from Bro. Young, Marsha Niedecken, and Pastor Mark.

When we came to the new location, it was like the glory of the Lord fell on the congregation. As the minister of music, I just have to say that you sang so well! We truly “made a joyful noise” to the Lord. Many of you who have volunteered your precious time in preparation for this momentous occasion were exhausted by the time our first service came around. I was too! But God blessed us with the strength we needed for the day.

Please continue to pray for Pastor Mark and staff here at FBC. We feel the strength of your prayers. And pray that our church will continue to be a beacon in this community to the glory of God! We are so excited to see what God has planned for this congregation. “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11)!