| First
Presbyterian Church Petaluma |
Pastor
Dave's AfterThoughts |
April
20, 2004
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What a season it was – Lent and Easter. A Lenten series helped us focus on the last days of Jesus. I rejoiced as I saw dozens of our congregation pitch in and to give the church campus a thorough spring cleaning. Dozens more participated in the Prayer Vigil the same weekend. You prayed for our congregation, community and our nation. The choir led us in a moving Maundy Thursday service. The choir and Bell choir rehearsed often. When Easter came, we were ready. Our Youth ministry provided a sunrise service followed by a pancake breakfast. Many of you invited friends and many others made room by parking far away and greeting new people. We celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ and had more than 500 in our three Easter services. Thank you for all you did to make this season a valuable time of spiritual growth. Special thanks to all the leaders who planned and orchestrated these events. -Pastor Dave
AFTERTHOUGHTS
is an email newsletter from AFTERTHOUGHTS is sent out about twice a month. I hope you find it encouraging. If this was passed along to you, you can subscribe by emailing [email protected]. Type "Subscribe Afterthoughts" in the subject line. You can read past issues of AFTERTHOUGHTS. Just go here and click on the date you want to read. TO
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Worship God's Way If God is the audience of our worship it makes sense for Christians to ask, “What kind of worship is pleasing to God?” The Bible provides answers to that question. A biblical understanding of worship begins with the Old Testament... Music plays a large role in the worship of God’s people. Singing was a large part of Israel’s worship. Often the songs are spoken of as joyful: “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs (Psalm 100:1). David, the musician-king is known for singing and dancing in praise to God (1 Chronicles 13:7). Praise singing was not reserved only for temple or tabernacle worship. On one occasion, Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, led the Israelite army into battle against a stronger foe with joyful singing: “After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever” (2 Chronicles 20:20). The enemies of Judah turned on each other in confusion and it was clear that the battle belonged to the Lord (2 Chronicles 20). I wrote a paper on this a few years back. You can read the entire article, footnotes and all if you like. If you prefer the Word document (easier to print) click HERE. Last Chance: Exploration Class Starts Sunday EXPLORATION CLASS provides an opportunity for adults and youth (senior high school and up) to explore your faith, identify your spiritual gifts and consider a commitment to continue your faith journey as a member of First Presbyterian Church. The Exploration Class will meet four Sunday evenings, April 25, May 2, May 16, 23, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM at First Presbyterian Church. Benefits: Join us. For more info, or to register for the class, please call
the office: 707-762-8269 or email [email protected].
I'll see you Sunday.
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