Sunday, December 02, 2007

First Sunday in Advent Review

What a day!

This morning was a special worship service at JUMC. We introduced some technology into our worship service, with power point-type visuals and a film clip (from It's A Wonderful Life), and celebrated the Eucharist with a liturgy which we sang to the tune of Christmas carols. The sanctuary was packed...standing room only. It was a blessing! The techno stuff really matched up well with my preaching style, which was both a surprise and a relief. The feedback was extremely positive. Yes...it is possible to mix traditional style worship - robes, Wesley hymns, candles, etc. - with 21st century technology. It was really neat.

After the service, we adjourned to our fellowship hall for a Christmas party. The hall was filled to capacity (and a bit beyond) and we had a wonderful time. The people of JUMC are simply the best, and God is blessing us in abundance! It's a great time to be a part of this fellowship. We are getting more and more visitors, and I'm having a heck of a time scheduling all the baptisms. Hallelujah!

Tonight, Robyn and I are heading for Heinz Field. Some kind friends from JUMC gave us their tickets for tonight's game against the Cincy Bungles, and we are hyped up to go! Look for me on TV; I'll be the shirtless guy with the Cross & Flame painted on his chest. God is so, so good!

8 comments:

Allan R. Bevere said...

Keith:

It's always a blessing when friends give you tickets to the big game. Carol and I have been recipients of tickets several times over the years.

I hope you have a great time, and no offense, my friend... "Go Bengals!"

Anonymous said...

heretic

Anonymous said...

Looks like the Steelers to tried their best to give the game away.

Our former bishop used to get seats to the Colts games on a regular basis. He used to use that "God is Good" phrase a lot in joking about those.

I never knew God dispensed football tickets. I've been praying for the wrong stuff. :)

Eric Park said...

Sounds like a powerful day of worship, Keith.

But I wonder...

How did the people take to the snake-handling?!

Keith H. McIlwain said...

The visitors from Central Highlands said they were used to it. (hee, hee)

Anonymous said...

Okay, Keith.

Now this week is time for real divine intervention.

If you could get that lineman to roll on Brady the way he did on Carson Palmer (wink, wink "clean hit") that would be great.

Keith H. McIlwain said...

John - That particular player is no longer with the team. If the Steelers win, it would be nothing short of miraculous. But, even if they do, I don't see anybody but New England winning the Super Bowl this season.

Greg Cox said...

I don't know if we should ask for a review of the second week of Advent, namely the Steeler's part or lack there of.