Summer art, part 3

We hung the third and last grouping of student artwork this week. We are completing a planned installation of works by children in our congregation. The sermon series is long-past, but we wanted to give all the artists a chance to be seen by a broad cross-section of our worshiping congregation. There for we paced the work out to last through the whole summer, and into the beginning of the school year. Here are the pieces submitted by some of our middle- and high-school students.

Summer art series

Our sermon series on questions of faith from a child's perspective winds down this week, but our art installation continues. The first installment featured art by children who completed Kindergarten and grades1, 2 and 3this spring. This week we shifted to the artwork of older elementary children, who have completed grades 4 and 5. The work of young artists will continue through summer; in a few weeks we'll trade out with work by middle- and high-school students.

Youth Sunday Music

It's a pretty short list of music, but what a service! Kaitlyn, Jordan, Olivia, Alec and Rosy did a great job! The other liturgists and worship helpers made it a truly special day. Awesome!

You are my King (Amazing love)
Lord reign in me
Word of God speak
Forever
I could sing of your love forever
Amazing grace
Give thanks

Things really took off after worship, when folks stuck around for food and fellowship. Folks seemed to not want to leave. Forty-five minutes later we finally were able to start cleaning up! What a day!

Music for YOUTH SUNDAY

Prelude
Arr. Kevin McChesney, Praise to the Lord the Almighty
Aaron’s Bells

Gathering Song(s)
Better is one day
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord

Opening Song
My hope is built (THE SOLID ROCK)

Confession
You are my King (Amazing love)

Anthem
Chris Machen, Bow the knee
Give voice

Offertory
Share the well
(all youth)

Doxology
Give thanks

Communion
Hungry
One bread, one body

Closing Song
Forever

Benediction Response
Doug Wagner, the Peace of God
Give Voice

Go Duke!

The Duke-Carolina game is Sunday afternoon right when we're supposed to be having youth rehearsals. So in the spirit of the game or whatever, we're moving rehearsals.

Aaron's Bells (Youth grades 6-12) will be at 1215PM and last 1/2 hour.
Give Voice (Youth singers grades 6-12) will be at 1245 and also last 1/2 hour.

For real, this was not my idea. I was perfectly willing to rehearse during the first part of the game. But some of the musicians really wanted to cancel or move things around. Cancelling wasn't an option because YOUTH SUNDAY is next week.

So, here we go. And, go Duke; sorry Kaitlyn ; )

Blessing and Open House

The Barker family had a short liturgy this afternoon to bless their new home. That was followed with an open house for the whole church family and neighbors. It was tremendous! For the liturgy we walked around the whole house and shared readings and a prayer for various rooms. Bob Ratchford and Kevin Frederick did a fine job leading us in the liturgy and around the home. Once the formalities were out of the way, food and drink flowed for the church family to help celebrate! There was a huge crowd for the open house. It was wonderful to see so many new church friends. So many folks here had been curious about Barker's Folly, we thought it would just be easiest to invite everyone over to see for themselves! Special thanks go to Charlotte S. and Ellen F. who helped with final preparations, and who helped keep food and drink moving; also Alice S. who worked the punch bowl later in the afternoon. And thanks to all the choir singers who brought tons of food! It was a wonderful spread. We are blessed with a wonderfully caring church family, who have outdone themselves in kindness today. One highlight must be mentioned: the impromptu concert by a spontaneously formed youth choir (on their way to youth conference at Montreat) was a truly moving experience. I'm not sure when I have heard a more "stirring" rendition of "Jesus Loves Me!"