Kendra Walker, Kristy Denbo, Laci Stegall, Mike Kiser, and
Tom Spence met in the Pastor’s Study at 6 pm on Wednesday, 4 June 2025 to
discuss worship. Tom had previously
promulgated an agenda via email.
Tom opened with prayer.
The first item addressed was the order of worship. This was
left mostly intact with a few minor adjustments. The songs/hymns would be
reduced by one. A time of Praise and Celebration would be offered before the
worship warmups. The warmups were retained with 3 phrases being set as optimal.
The Monthly memory verse would be led by the liturgist
beginning with 3 times on the first two Sundays and reducing the repetition to
one time by the last Sunday of the month.
Once or twice a month (maybe more), we will ask Mike to play
during the offering. The other Sundays will remain with singing Give Thanks
– 359 concurrently with the offering.
Special Music would not be scheduled every Sunday, but
remain in the bulletin in case someone was led to offer a special. Some new
songs might also be introduced at this point, but mostly it is for those who
have a song that God has placed on their heart.
A Time of Testimony would continue at the current rate of 3
or 4 times per year.
We will vary the Hymn of Invitation more but retain Step
by Step (494) as a standing hymn of departure.
Tom asked for input on hymns that we know and received a
substantial list that will be incorporated for the remainder of the year.
A draft order of worship for 15 June 25 is attached. Tom
selected a Words on the Wall song—Good, Good Father—as the special as it
is Father’s Day. Future selections will mainly come from those in the meeting.
The questions of how do we get more specials and get back to
short messages in drama remains a challenge for the group. We will also
consider recruiting someone for a more traditional Christmas Program/Play.
While all missed their children having the experience of a Christmas program;
landing a director being the sine qua non.
F4 was touched on and the possibility of getting some of our
own youth to help lead was considered as well as looking to college students
who may be led to partake in this ministry, at least on occasion.
The clipboard and candy for children were considered
acceptable.
In the course of general discussion, Mike proffered
something of a Youth Chorus/Choir for those who were interested in a little
more. This would probably land in the F4 arena with a time between 5:45 an 6:00
pm (just before F4 starts).
It would culminate most likely in something for the F4
Finale and might even migrate to a Sunday morning service. Mike is working on
the basics and we can add some meat to the bones as we go and see what response
we have.
This would not be a general music time or class, but working
with a few who are called to do more. It is a skin-in-the-game sort of deal
with the commitment of those involved essential to its success.
Other things such as Cantatas were discussed with some
inquiry with other church groups to follow.
Other topics were discussed on an ad hoc basis and may
resurface again at a later date.
Tom thanked all for the two plus hours set aside for this
meeting. It was very fruitful.
Kendra closed us in prayer and the meeting was dismissed. A
time of fellowship ensued.
