CCC Gainesville | Blog
from y’day sermon:
Ira Glass interviewIra Glass Interview Clip On Christian “Pitch”
Start at 3:51 if you are in a big hurry.
This Jewish atheist is so intriguing to me. Reminds me of Woody Allen a little bit.
Though he was rich, so rich,
Yet for our sakes how poor he became!
Even his garments they parted
When he hung on the cross of shame.
All that he had he gave for me,
That I might be rich through eternity.
–E. H. Swinstead
Sunday Philippians 2 brings us to the glorious Carmen Christi, or Hymn of Christ. While studying I came across a John Milton excerpt from “On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity.”
That glorious Form, that Light unsufferable,
And that far-beaming blaze of Majesty,
Wherewith he wont at Heav’n’s high Council-Table,
To sit the midst of Trinal Unity,
He laid aside; and here with us to be,
Forsook the Courts of everlasting day,
And chose with us a darksome house of mortal clay.
What is the meaning of the lamppost, why Journey to the Lamppost?
“When she was about seven, her best friend got lost one day. The little girl ran up and down the streets of the big town where they lived, but she couldn’t find a single landmark. She was very frightened. Finally a policemen stopped to help her. He put her in the passenger seat of his car, and they drove around until she finally saw her church. She pointed it out to the policeman, and then she told him firmly, “You could let me out now. This is my church, and I can always find my way home from here.”
And that is why I have always stayed so close to mine–because no matter how bad I am feeling, how lost or lonely or frightened, when I see the faces of the people at my church, and hear their tawny voices, I can always find my way home.”
Anne Lamott, Traveling Mercies, Some Thoughts on Faith (pg 55)
We hope you are all enjoying your summer. While you are planning your summer vacations and road trips to the beach we wanted to give you some family music resources. I say family because most of this music can and is enjoyed by the whole family. Thanks to my husband I am well aware that there is some really bad sounding children’s music out there. Here you will find some child-friendly music, that even adults will enjoy.
You might recognize this wonderful music company already. Seeds was started when a worship minister was asked to write a few songs for his church’s VBS to help children memorize bible verses. The songs were catchy, well-crafted and came right from scripture. There are 7 total volumes and each is packed with new verses that will get everyone singing them all day long. You can also go to their website to get downloads for children for more resources to help children with each verse, including PDF memory cards.
http://www.seedsfamilyworship.net/kids-stuff/
Rain for Roots is one of the most beautiful children’s CD’s you will ever encounter. With female vocalists like; Sandra McCracken, Elle Holcomb, Flo Paris and Katie Bowser you can’t go wrong on this folk-sounding CD. It has the feel of a lullaby and is based on a Sally Lloyd-Jones baby bible, Hug-a-Bible.
The Spares, Glory and Grace
This album is one of our family favorites. You might feel as though you are in a worship service led by Allison Krauss. It is actually designed to follow a liturgical service order. There is a call to worship, confession and assurance. This album was born out of the following verses that shape its “service” order
Matthew 11:28-3: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [ESV]
Isaiah 6:5-7: And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” [ESV]
While this is not a children’s CD it is a gentle, beautiful worship album, including several songs we sing in our own worship services each Sunday. What is so wonderful is that it follows a traditional order of service through music, so it is comfortable and uplifting.
You can test it out here first http://thespares.bandcamp.com/album/glory-and-grace
This album was written with families in mind. Its not your normal cheesy kids music that sends music critics running the the other direction. Forever home is a delightful CD that focuses on God’s Big Story, “From Abraham to David and Paul”. Its full of biblical truths with a rhythm that will keep you going all day long.
Enjoy Your Summer Listening!
