What God Ordains Is Always Good
The following is the text from a classic hymn concerning the Sovereignty of God in times of struggle. We hope these lyrics could be a strength for you in whatever season you are presently in. This hymn greatly sustained our friend David Jolliff in his struggle with cancer and will be a part of his service of burial. What God Ordains Is Always Good By: Samuel Rodigast What God ordains is always good: His will is just and holy. As he directs my life for me, I follow meek and lowly. My God indeed, In every need, Knows well how he will shield me; To him, then, I will yield me. What God ordains...
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From the December Pres by Joel Adams O Come, O Come, Emmanuel! November 29th marks the beginning of Advent. In this season we await the incarnation of God. In our world of “NOW”, there is no reason to wait or anticipate anything. Let’s just have it all right now! Forget the depth and contemplation…let’s just skip to the joy and celebration! Why would we wait or spend any time praying, singing, or pleading for His arri-val? He already came, lived, died, and rose again. As I contemplate the music of the Church, I find answers! As I sing and meditate on the words of Ad-vent...
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From March Pres by Joel Adams A Series of Articles on the Elements of Worship This article is the second in a series of articles explaining each element within our worship service. As I focus on each element individually, I am again reminded that what we do in worship is meaningful and not random. I pray these articles are informative and will enhance and increase our intentional participation in the worship services at EPC. INTROIT entrance, invitation The introit is the entrance into worship. In some traditions the introit is sung prior to or while the ministers process...
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From February Pres by Joel Adams A Series of Articles on the Elements of Worship This article is the first of a series I plan to write on the elements of worship. Following the Reformed and Presbyterian traditions, we are very intentional as we plan the Order of Worship. More than the specific order, the elements of our Worship Service are given the utmost attention. As we plan to worship our Triune God, each element should be closely reviewed. Our worship is not happenstance, but planned and prayerfully pieced together in light of Scripture. In this series I...
Read MoreCelebrate!
From January Pres by Joel Adams The new year is a time for many to reflect on the past and look toward the future. Sometimes the tendency is to only look at the negative things in our lives that need to be improved. Resolutions are readily made, but rarely kept! I am committed to spend more time celebrating the successes in life! As I reflect upon the music at EPC in the year 2008, my heart rejoices. Whether quite and reflective or thunderous and majestic, each moment has an important place in the life of our congregation. These moments define our church and draw us closer to...
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