Together We Sing! #2

“My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.” (Psalm 145:21)

Turns out that I have a few quiet moments this morning prior to our church service to sit and reflect on the Together We Sing evening planned for tonight. Those of you who know me, won’t be surprised that I have several long (and detailed) lists that I have checked, reviewed, and worked through several times. It’s part of how God has gifted me. Yet, throughout these past weeks of preparation, I have found myself often reminded of the reason for this event…worshiping God together! God has created us as relational beings…people who not only need relationship with other people, but also a relationship with God. So, I find myself praying that our time together tonight will truly be a time of praising and honouring God, encouraging each other in the process.

At last count, there are over 40 people, from multiple churches, involved in helping lead tonight’s service. This is but a small picture of the broader kingdom of God, where people from every tribe and nation worship God. I am grateful to every single person who is involved, for every single person who will attend, and for every single person who is praying.

So, welcome. Join us. Perhaps you need the encouragement of others. Perhaps you need a chance to forget the realities of your present situation for a short time as we gather to worship. Perhaps you just love to sing. Whatever your motivation, my invitation stands. Come and join us, and let’s see what God will do in our lives.

And, there just might be a musical surprise or two as well!

Blessings!
Leonard

Together We Sing!

“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!” (Psalm 150:6)

There is a wonderful passage of scripture recorded in Revelation 5 that records a new song. This song grows and grows, culminating in every living creature joining in and singing: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise and honour and glory and power for ever and ever!” (Read the entire chapter here – Revelation 5).

King Road Church is hosting the second annual “Together We Sing” worship evening, a time of praise, worship, fellowship, and encouragement. It’s a time to invite people of all ages to join together and worship God! There will be lots of congregational singing. There will be some choir pieces (you too can join the choir – see below) and other presentation pieces. Lots of musicians are committed to being involved. So, join us. Invite a friend. Spread the news. Come and sing, in worship of Jesus our King! Don’t think of this as a concert, but rather a dress rehearsal for the time when we will sing together with all Christians around the throne of God!

Our promotional flyer is available here: Flyer (contact me if you’d like a hard copy for sharing with others).

Choir details are as follows: anyone and everyone is invited to the join the choir. There are two practices (Wednesday, August 18 and August 25, 7:00 p.m.) No previous choir experience necessary. Just show up…

What Do I Do Now?

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:4-9)

Saddle Ridge Ranch is now closed :( But what a wrap-up it was. For one last time yesterday, all those at Saddle Ridge Ranch played games, did a craft, and looked at Scripture…this time to answer the question “What Do I Do Now?” The lesson: honour God! Sounds simple, but it’s a 24/7 kind of thing. The verses above are a great reminder for all of us.

And then we how a large round-up, with parents, grandparents, and other guests. We said “Howdy!” and “Yeehaw!” We sang. We watched pictures. And we discovered Rusty (or was it Dusty?) found his dog again. Oh yeah, there was also ice-cream…(pictures are on our facebook page).

So, as tired as we may be, it’s a good tired. What a privilege to spend the week together. Thanks to all 64 volunteers. Thanks to all participants. And, most importantly, thanks to God for the gift of His Son Jesus. I think I’m going to go take a nap now…

Last thing: If you’re interested in what King Road Church offers in terms of Children’s Ministry, click here…Children's Ministries at KR

How Can I Be Like Jesus?

“Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5)

Can you believe how quickly this week has gone by? Wow! We’ve had over 100 children registered at Saddle Ridge Ranch this week. It has been great to spend the week together, particularly in learning from God’s Word.

Last night’s question was “How Can I Be Like Jesus?” The children should be able to list a whole lot of answers…but the key point is best summarized by the word “follow”. I can follow Jesus’ example! This is a high calling that all of us should strive for. Jesus showed love, care, concern, compassion, fed the poor, served, taught…What will you and I do as we practically follow Jesus? This is a question worth answering…not just by our words, but also by our actions. Where are you sensing God calling you to follow Him?

One more night on the ranch…better go shine the boots. We’ve got one more question that needs an answer rounded up!

What is God's Plan for Me?

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Can you believe that VBS only has two more nights? Saddle Ridge Ranch has been a busy, lively, and loud place. What have we learned?

• cowboy boots aren’t the most comfortable footwear (one person’s opinion)

• horses drool a lot (up to 10 gallons a day, or 37.4 litres a day)

• lots of ranch visitors are wearing cowboy boots, cowboy hats, and bandannas, but where are the chaps? Still waiting to see someone show up wearing chaps…

• cookies (and fruit) taste very, very, very yummy

• our ABC’s…

Energy and fun are vital at VBS. So are volunteers who absolutely and selflessly love the children with God’s love. And, we’ve been answering questions. Humanity is God’s greatest creation – He made you; He made me! He cares for us. And He has a plan for us. The story of Zacchaeus shows us that Jesus came for sinners – God sent Jesus to walk this earth, die on the cross, and then rise again for you and for me! What a great gift. And, to receive the gift of salvation, we have to know our ABC’s…

You gotta A admit to God that you’re sinner and repent and turn away from your sins.
You gotta B believe that Jesus is the Son of God and accept His gift of forgiveness.
You gotta C confess your faith in Jesus as your Saviour and your Lord forevermore.
Then you will never be like a tumbleweed.

So, where are you at with God? Do you know your ABC’s? Contact us at King Road to chat further…

Does God Care About Me?

“Casting all your care upon Him, because He cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

And just when you thought the “YEEHAW’s” couldn’t get any louder…did you hear it? Did you get a sense of the excitement that comes from praising Jesus together with 90 or so energetic children and 50 or so ranch hands?

The second question of the week was “Does God care about me?” On the surface, most of us would probably answer with a simple “yes” immediately after reading this question. Of course God cares! But we spent some time thinking about the realities of this as we looked at the story of Joseph. God truly does care, but sometimes in the midst of troubles it is good to be reminded of this. So, remember…GOD CARES!

Here’s something you can do to remind yourself that God cares…make a list of ways that God shows how much He cares for you. See if you can come up with one for every letter of the alphabet. We’d love to see some responses…

Tonight our visit to Saddle Ridge Ranch continues, and it’s ABC night (more tomorrow). Please pray for God’s Spirit to be actively at work.

Don’t be a tumbleweed, blowing anywhere the wind may lead.
Plant yourself deep, In the B-I-B-L-E.
God’s Word can set you free, from being like that tumbleweed.
If you will take the time to learn your ABC’s.

Who Am I?

“I will praise You, because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well.” (Psalm 139:14)

Wow, what a start to our week at Saddle Ridge Ranch. Over 80 children…more than 50 volunteers…add the parents mingling around and it was one exciting place to be. More than one loud “YEEHAW” was heard last night. We even managed to get the old auditorium smelling like a barn! And the singing around the (pretend) campfire was loud and energetic…no quiet lullabies here 

In this week of “Roundin’ up questions and drivin’ home answers,” the first question was the very basic “Who Am I?” The Bible tells the story of creation in the book of Genesis…and you and I (God’s people) are His greatest creation. This is an important reminder for all of us! God made us, exactly as He did, for a purpose. We are His greatest creation.

Keep praying. Keep inviting friends. Keep trusting God. More pictures are available on King Road Church’s facebook page.

Find yer hats and yer boots, eat some beans, and see you on the ranch later tonight!

Saddle Ridge Ranch…Need Answers? Ask God!

“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)

Set among the stunning vistas and wide-open spaces of Big Sky Country (also known as the premises of King Road Church), Saddle Ridge Ranch is a place where kids can ask questions and discover the answers found in God’s Word. Yes, Vacation Bible School kicks off today…yeehaw!

Under Janet’s leadership, over 50 volunteers are geared up and ready to go for this week of adventure and learning for children entering kindergarten to grade 5. Yes, we plan to have fun! Yes, there will be snacks…and singing…and crafts…and noise. But most importantly, there will be seeds of God’s Word sown throughout the week. So, we’re asking you to pray. Pray for the children. Pray for the volunteers. Pray for safety. Pray for God’s Spirit to be actively at work!

Five (very good) questions will be the basis for our week together. You may wish to reflect on how you would answer these questions, or leave an answer in the comments section below:
Sunday – “Who Am I?”
Monday – “Does God Care About Me?”
Tuesday – “What Is God’s Plan for Me?”
Wednesday – “How Can I Be Like Jesus?”
Thursday – “What Do I Do Now?"

Watch this site for daily updates during this week (we’ll even try and post some pictures). And, it’s not too late…invite someone to join us at Saddle Ridge Ranch.