"When Life Gives You Lemons..."

All of us want to work with and around "high caliber" people… whatever that means. We often have an idea of what a perfect environment look like in our own minds, whether it pertains to worship, work, friends, sports, music, etc.. What it really comes down to is that we often want to work with people who don’t require us to exert a lot of energy because they are similar to us. Is that really what we should be doing and desiring? Is that what Jesus did? 

Check out this Scripture passage and then watch the video blog linked below it:

As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival. But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem. When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. So they went on to another village. Luke 9:51–56 (NLT)

Here are some of my thoughts on this topic on this week's video blog: http://youtu.be/SKqU3HV4Leg.

Now, take some time to really think about these questions:

• How quick are we to sometimes judge someone?
• What do we typically look for in the people that we want to work with?
• What made Jesus pick the disciples that He did?
• How can we better serve the people we do worship with here at ORBC

Announcements

• Summer Schedules
• Please take a chance, if you haven’t already, to mark off times you will be out for the summer. It is really helpful to be able to know peoples schedules when doing summer and advanced planning.
• Check In
• Please continue to check in when you serve! It is imperative that you check in when you are serving. If you have any question about that see Doug DeWitt.
• Out of Town Next Week
• I will be out of town from June 22 through 29^th… If need anything you can ask Anna Moss or Tim D.

Too Thick In The Head

One of the ways that we honor God is our growth. Through both personal growth and how we integrate with a team. We, as a ministry, have discussed in the past what part both formal and informal education play in this process of personal growth. To me, one interesting dynamic about wisdom is that there are those who believe you can be too educated for your own good.

Based on some of my course work in ethics and moral theory, I really felt moved recently to do a study of the book of Ecclesiastes over the summer. Take a look at these passages out of the first chapter:

"Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief." Ecclesiastes 1:17–18 (NIV)

Here are some of my thoughts on this topic in the video blog: http://youtu.be/PbxvLzyUynE.

After you read the passage and blog for this week, think about these questions:

• Why does it appear that Solomon is saying that the wiser I get the more miserable I become?
• Does the kind of wisdom we pursue make a difference as to its effect on our joy and growth?
• What areas of wisdom are the best to create growth in me as a worship leader, technical leader, or servant?
• If I could grow in one area, what would it be, and why?

Announcements:

• Summer Schedules
• Please take a chance, if you haven’t already, to mark off times you will be out for the summer. It is really helpful to be able to know peoples schedules when doing summer and advanced planning.
• Summer Interns
• ORBC Worship Arts is taking on interns who want to gain experience for the summer. If you know of someone that would like to serve in a greater capacity over the summer and wants exposure to some of our greatest leaders, tell them to let me know.
• Check In
• Please continue to check in when you serve! It is imperative that you check in when you are serving. If you have any question about that see Doug DeWitt.

Eclectic Worship

I can’t tell you how many times I have heard or mediated disagreements around the style of music in the church! Country sucks, rap has no place in the church, that sounds too over-produced, why should we use loops lets keep it more organic, and so on…If I hit you with one of those phrases it is because many times we don’t truly know how to appreciate the diversity that we have. We are blessed with the diversity of music that we now have in the church and it has not always been this way.

This month, Worship Magazine has many articles about the diversity of music in the church. This is a great magazine and I would recommend a subscription for anyone who wants to be challenged in the area of worship leading.  As we prepare this week, let’s think about the issue of musical genre and how it affects us in worship arts. 

Please take some time to read this article: http://on.fb.me/1w7YI6c.

Check out my thoughts on this topic on this weeks video blog: http://youtu.be/j4kashQqIEM.

After you read the article this week, or watch the video, think about these questions:

• How has music in church changed, as far as its diversity, since you have been in church?
• Is there a certain style of music that you refuse to listen to? If so, what does that say about your diversity?
• What can I do to better appreciate different styles of music?
• If I could see ORBC launch a new Venue what style would I most like to see?
• If ORBC were to launch a new venue in the fall, what style of music do I think would have the greatest opportunity to reach more un-churched people?
• Other thoughts on the matter?

Announcements

• Vacation
• I will be out of town and out of communication starting this Friday through June 1. Anna will help you with any scheduling issues in performing arts (amoss@orbc.net).
• Live Venue Devotions
• I have asked Tim Dennis to lead this week in the Live Venue through the devotions.
• Check In
• Please continue to check in when you serve! It is imperative that you check in when you are serving. If you have any question about that see Doug DeWitt.

Virtuous Ambition

I believe that God likes to speak to us from multiple angles when He really wants to get our attention. I am currently taking a course in Ethical Formation and our assignment recently was to put together our personal virtues. I based many of mine off of Galatians 5:22, but was struggling whether I should add ambition to my list of personal virtues. 

I recently had a conversation with another pastor discussing how there are few awards handed out for pastors, yet so many people want to know what their accomplishments are.

If the idea of listing personal virtues seems a little foreign to you, it may help you to know that it isn't a new concept. Benjamin Franklin and others throughout history have completed similar exercises in an effort to help their lives have greater impact with regard to their morality and integrity. 

If you're curious, check out Ben Franklin's virtues: http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/06/01/the-virtuous-life-wrap-up/

So, do you think ambition could be a virtue? In my personal search on this matter I came across this article: http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2010/october-online-only/ambitiouslikejesus.html which offers some interesting perspectives.

Check out the video blog this week to hear some of my own thoughts of mine on this struggle: http://youtu.be/uYhx2Jaq3ZM.

After you read the article above, or watch the video blog, think about these questions:

• Am I an ambitious person? If so, toward what end?
• Is ambition a virtue or a sin? Why or why not? Is the context important for what ambition is aimed toward (work, spiritual life, relationships, etc.)?
• Have I ever taken the time to write out what virtues should guide my ministry or life?
• Is there a certain Scripture that could be a foundation for my virtues?

Announcements

• Vacation
• I will be out of town and out of communication starting this Friday through June 1. Anna will help you with any scheduling issues in performing arts (amoss@orbc.net).
• Worshipplanning
• With summer vacations beginning for many of us, please take the time to mark your schedule in worshipplanning as unavailable. If you need help on how to do this talk to any leader in your venue and they can help you.
• Check In
• Please continue to check in when you serve! It is imperative that you check in when you are serving. If you have any question about that see Doug DeWitt.

Illuminated

Have you ever really thought about Jesus’ claim that He is the light of the world?  This concept becomes an entirely new and powerful idea when you connect the fact that He has commissioned you and I to use our gifts to reach out to this world with His Light.

Have you ever considered how your gifts are being used by the Lord to reach out and touch others?  Take a moment to reflect on these questions, and then read the passage below this week:

“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.”

Luke 8:16–18 (NIV)

Here are some thoughts of mine on the passage in this week’s video blog: http://youtu.be/voFTZ0l4ajc.

After you read the passage and watch the video think about these questions in light of your own specific gifts:

1. What does it mean for us to out our light on a stand vs. placing it under the bed?
2. What might someone conceal or hide that needs to be brought into the light?
3. What do we have that Jesus may want to give us more of?
4. What would be the reason he would give more or less to us?

Announcements:

• Vacation
• My family and I will be out of town and on vacation May 23rd through June 1st. I will be getting back to the office on June 2nd.  If you have a question regarding an assignment please contact Anna Moss. She will be able to help with any assignment issues you may encounter while I am out. If you have a venue-specific or flow question please contact your venue pastor.
• Check In
• Please continue to check in when you serve! It is imperative that you check in when you are serving. If you have any question about that see Doug DeWitt.

Cheap or Extravagant?

There were a lot of nuggets that came out of the worship retreat this past weekend! One of the concepts or phrases that really hit me was, “cheap worship is a contradiction in terms". When John Sarno said that, I sat back and just had to take in what it meant. Below is the Scriptural reference he was referencing. Take a few minutes to read the passage and check out the video blog for my thoughts on it.

Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” 

“To buy your threshing floor,” David answered, “so I can build an altar to the Lord, that the plague on the people may be stopped.”

Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take whatever pleases him and offer it up. Here are oxen for the burnt offering, and here are threshing sledges and ox yokes for the wood. O king, Araunah gives all this to the king.” Araunah also said to him, “May the Lord your God accept you.”

But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” 2 Samuel 24:21–24 (NIV)

Here are some thoughts of mine on the passage: http://youtu.be/dF1aCyIQQDw

After you read the passage and watch the video and think about these questions:

1. What do I consider my current offering or offerings to be?
2. In what way have they remained the same and in what way have the changed?
3. What does it cost me to bring my offering of worship currently to the Lord?
4. What is one thing I could do to make sure that my worship is not cheap, is costing me more, and is becoming a greater sacrifice for His Glory?

Announcements: 

• ORBC Worship Retreat!
• I just want to thank everyone who was able to make the retreat this past week. My prayer is that Friday gave you a greater, intimate connection with Christ and that Saturday made you a better worship leader. If you have a few minutes, e-mail me what made the retreat great, what was ok, and what you would like to see improved or be added for the next one. Your feedback will help me to continue to improve the retreat and make it a better tool for our ministry!
• Vacation
• My family and I will be out of town and on vacation May 23^rd through June 1^st. I will be getting back to the office on June 2^nd.  If you have a question regarding an assignment please contact Anna Moss. She will be able to help with any assignment issues you may encounter while I am out. If you have a venue specific or flow question please contact your venue pastor.
• Check In
• Please continue to check in when you serve! It is imperative that you check in when you are serving. If you have any question about that see Doug DeWitt.

Responding to Doubt

As we go through ministry there will be seasons where we will face doubt. When this happens are first response is to think that this is abnormal. The fact is that it is a very normal part of being a person and for ministry.

This week let’s take a look a John the Baptist and look at a time when he faced doubt. Jesus said of Him that there was no man born among women who was greater than John. How would you like Jesus to say that about your life? To me that means that John had an incredible faith walk.

But even John doubted and struggled. This week take a look at Luke 7:18-28. There are lessons in this passage for those facing doubt and those that are called to encourage those through doubt.

Here are some thoughts of mine on the passage in this week's video blog: http://youtu.be/Gpx6cTqZ6wg.

After you read the passage and watch the video think about these questions:

1. Why didn't Jesus answer John’s question directly? (I am the one)
2. Why did Jesus respond by directing John and his disciples to the works being done by Jesus?
3. Why did Jesus speak highly of John after the His disciples had left?
4. Do I know of someone doubting their ministry role, their call, and what am I called to do to encourage them?

Announcements:

• ORBC Worship Retreat (THIS FRIDAY & SATURDAY)
• We are gathering this week for our Retreat! From 7 to 8:30PM in the Live Venue and 9 to 4:30PM on Saturday (for Worship Leader Training) with John Sarno. An invite was send out last week through CCB. Please make sure that you respond by WED! If you are in the Ridge (Let Liz know) and in Seaford (Let Thomas know) which days you will be attending. Thanks and can’t wait to see you there!
• Some Role Changes
• Last Thursday we announced that Tim Dennis would be transitioning to the role of Global Technical Director for ORBC and that I would be transitioning to the Global Arts Director (Larry). This transition is now in process. That means that everything will currently operate the way that it has been, but that Tim will assume leadership over the technical areas and that I will concentrate my efforts to provide leadership to our performing arts areas. We have already begun the process of transitioning our venue pastors to a role to give leadership over the flow in their venues. As we make these transitions please exercise patience, refuse to gossip, and bring any concerns or suggestions to Tim, myself, or to your venue pastor.
• Bass and Guitar Players
• We are still short for both electric and bass guitar players right now. Be shoulder-tapping friends about the opportunity to serve in this way at the church.
• All Campuses and venues are currently short bass players.
• Check In
• Please continue to check in when you serve! It is imperative that you check in when you are serving. If you have any question about that see Doug DeWitt.

Who Is In Your Inner Circle?

I had a great time with my small group this week. Sometimes, in a small group, you have to deviate from the plan and go in a direction that God is leading. We found ourselves looking at Matthew 17:1–9 (The Transfiguration) and asking a simple question: What was it about Peter, James, and John that led Jesus to make them a part of his inner circle?

You and I, whether we know it or not, each have an inner circle. Sometimes it’s a team we have put together, a group of friends, a band we are a part of, or any grouping of people where we allow certain people we trust to get close to us.

This Week’s Video Blog: http://youtu.be/ZDDI_GAfT9Y

As you prepare your heart this week for worship, think about the following discussion questions:

• Why did Jesus select Peter, James, and John for His inner circle?
• Who is in my inner circle? Did I pick them with purpose? If so, what purpose and intention?
• How does my current inner circle affect my spiritual life, relational life, perspective on the church?
• Do I need to make any changes in my inner circle?

Announcements

• ORBC Worship Retreat (Updated Details)
• ORBC will be gathering May 2-3. May 2^nd from 6:30 to 8:00PM. Worship Leader Training from 9 to 4:30PM on Saturday with John Sarno. An invite will go out this week for the retreat. This is event is for everyone serving in worship arts (tech and performance) on both campuses (Seaford and Salisbury).
• Easter Services
• Take a close look at the services, rehearsal times and other elements. They are subject to change based on how the Lord leads our leadership. Remind yourself that the "win" this weekend is to see people follow the Lord in baptism and we will do whatever we need to do to accommodate that goal, as well as to connect with first time guests!
• Check In
• Please continue to check in when you serve! It is imperative that you check in when you are serving. If you have any question about that see Doug DeWitt.
• Bass and Guitar Players
• We are short on both electric and bass guitar players right now. Be shoulder-tapping friends about the opportunity to serve in this way at the church. All campuses and venues are currently short bass players.

Honored To Serve

It is so easy, within our culture today, to see ourselves as entitled to a certain position or role in the church, or for that matter, any organization. But is that the desire that we should have? I think our attitude has to be one of gratitude when it comes to volunteering, especially when it comes to the church. 

Two passages that we have covered before, but never studied together, are Matthew 20:28 and Philippians 2: 1-11. Both of these passages speak to the humility that we are to have in worship arts, but I would like to look at them from a place of risk-taking this week. Please read both passages before coming this Thursday evening and watch the video blog below.

Video Blog: http://youtu.be/R9TXZQq-BKI

As you prepare your heart this week for worship, think about the following discussion questions:

• What is it like to serve with someone who feels they are entitled?
• Is there an area where I, or someone I know, feels entitled? If so, how did it manifest? Is it in my or their language, attitude, have others brought it to my attention?
• What disciplines of the Christian faith help to combat an attitude of entitlement?
• How is risk-taking connected to humility?

Announcements:

• ORBC Worship Retreat (Updated Details)
• ORBC will be gathering May 2-3. May 2nd from 6:30 to 8:00PM. Worship Leader Training from 9 to 4:30PM on Saturday with John Sarno. An invite will go out this week for the retreat. This is event is for everyone serving in worship arts (tech and performance) on both campuses (Seaford and Salisbury).
• Easter Services
• If you have not already responded to Easter Assignments, please do so. Keep in mind to reach the amount of people that the Lord is calling us to reach we will need to expand our services times for that weekend. So, in the Video Venue we will be running all 3 service times. In the Live Venue and in the Ridge we will be running all three service times and one additional Saturday services at 4:30PM (4/19).
• Please be praying for every visitor, every person getting baptized (OVER 50), and for ever person that is struggling with inviting someone to an Easter Service. Be in prayer for Pastor Brian as he prepares to give the Gospel this week and in the weeks to come!

The Power of Prayer

Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.”  He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me.  Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep.  He said to Peter, “Couldn't you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away* unless I drink it, your will be done.” When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open.

So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. Then he came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. ⁴⁶ Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”

Matthew 26:36–46 (NLT)

Take a look at this week's video blog: http://youtu.be/4zxZIqgLU4c

When it comes to prayer, there is a mystery that has always excited me. The connection and power available to us through this discipline has always intrigued me and I know I still have much to learn about this dynamic of faith. 

Prayer is as simple as taking to God and listening for His voice, and yet we are told throughout the Bible that when we ask of the Lord He responds in interesting ways. In the Old Testament we even see pictures of how prayer changed the direction of what the Lord may have done (a mystery to me).

So this week, as we move toward Easter, I want to talk about how prayer effects our ministries. Read the passage above that we will be looking at this week in the message and think about these questions:

1. How and when do I currently pray?

2. How does prayer affect the way I serve?

3. Since God is waiting to move based on prayer at times, in what way do I think He wants me to pray for the church, my leadership, and the Easter Services coming up? What other ways may the Lord be asking me to pray?

Announcements:

• ORBC Worship Retreat
• ORBC will be gathering May 2-3. Please block off the evening of of May 2^nd from 6:30 to 8:30PM for an evening of worship and fellowship. Then we will be doing worship leader training from 9 to 4:30PM on Saturday with our Guest Speaker: John Sarno. 
• We will have a Chili Cook-off for lunch! Let me know if you would like to cook for lunch? I will be preparing my own Chili for those that like it medium hot and worship arts will be judging the winner. This is event is for everyone serving in worship arts (tech and performance) on both campuses (Seaford and Salisbury). I will be creating an event shortly and sending you an invite that you will need to register for.
• New Worship Candidate in the Live Venue
• This week we will be hosting a guest (Jeff Hill) and his wife (Nikki). Jeff is interviewing for the position of worship pastor in the Live Venue and will be leading in that venue this week.
• Please be praying for your leaders and for Jeff and his family that God’s voice will be clear with regards to Jeff’s calling to ORBC.
• Devos This Week
• Larry is leading in the Live Venue
• Neil in the Video Venue
• Liz in the Ridge
• Thomas at Seaford
•  Worshipplanning 5.0
• Please let me know if you are having any problems with the new software. We are in testing phase with it and would want to let the manufacturer know. You can also create a trouble ticket as a leader inside the software.

Satisfied In Christ

Philippians 4:11-13: “I am not telling you this because I need anything. I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens. I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens, when I have enough to eat and when I go hungry, when I have more than I need and when I do not have enough. I can do all things through Christ, because He gives me strength.”

Take a few minutes and check out this week's video blog: http://youtu.be/A9QjAXJy6Vc

This week I wanted us to focus on the concept of being content. Personally, these last five months have been filled with a busy, sometimes hard schedule that has had me running around like crazy. I'm really learning the importance of being content and satisfied in my walk with God. 

Keeping that in mind, let's take a look at how this concept aligns with our value of God-honoring living. Make sure you read the passage above (Philippians4:11-13) and come ready to share with the team what your thoughts are.

Here are a few questions to consider to better prepare you for Thursday's devotional time:

1. Am I applying this to my life currently?

2. How can we learn to rest in God to be content in all circumstances?

3. How does this correlate with our value of God-honoring living?

Announcements

• ORBC Worship Retreat
• ORBC will be gathering May 2-3. Please block off the evening of of May 2nd from 6:30 to 8:30PM for an evening of worship and fellowship. Then we will be doing worship leader training from 9 to 4:30PM on Saturday with our Guest Speaker: John Sarno. We will have a Chili Cook-off for lunch that day, so please let me know if you would like to cook for lunch.  I will be preparing my own Chili for those that like it medium hot and worship arts will be judging the winner. This is event is for everyone serving in worship arts (tech and performance) on both campuses (Seaford and Salisbury). I will be creating an official event shortly and sending you all an invite that you will need to respond to and register for.
• Larry Out of Town This Week
• I will be out of town this week from Thursday morning through Sunday evening. I will have limited access to phone and e-mail.
• Devo this wk
• Anna is leading in the Live Venue
• Neil in the Video Venue
• Liz in the Ridge
• Thomas at Seaford
• WorshipPlanning 5.0
• Please let me know if you are having any problems with the new software. We are in testing phase with it and would want to let the manufacturer know. You can also create a trouble ticket as a leader inside the software.

Bugging Out On Legacy

Make sure to check out this week's video blog: http://youtu.be/PkJNzz1EozI.

Take some time to read Matthew 6:19-21 and consider the questions below:

• Where do I currently spend most of my time and treasure?
• How does where I spend my time and treasure effect my long term spiritual legacy?
• Is there a dream I have for impacting others that I have not investigated yet?
• When I get to heaven, what do you Jesus will be celebrating about my life?

Please be praying for this week’s worship venues, our visiting worship pastor candidate (Jeff Hill) and for Pastor Brian as he prepares for the message this week.

Announcements:

• Jeff Hill will be visiting to lead worship the week of April 6^th.
• Please be praying for his wife (Nikki) and kids as they are considering whether ORBC might be a match for their ministry.
• Please be praying for your staff as they pray and work through Jeff’s candidacy for the worship leader position in the Live Venue.
• Ridge Audio Tech Needed
• The Ridge currently does not have an experienced tech to help with rehearsals or to train the band and future audio techs. If you have a heart for and are an experienced audio tech, please let me know so that we can better support what is happening in the Ridge.
• Saturday Recordings
• We currently record the weekend message in HD on Saturday from 3-5PM. If you would like to help with this process we could utilize folks with gifting in audio, HD recording, and lighting. Please e-mail me if you are interested in being added to this rotation. This process currently enables ORBC to be able to provide a technical solution for the message to be delivered to the Seaford Campus that puts them on the same week without any delay.

When You Haven't Had Your Snickers

This week's blog post was written by Liz Elliot.

True confession: My life is a Snickers commercial.  The thing is, I try very hard to keep it inside, but the inner-diva still rages on.  From the time I get up until the time I fall asleep I am a soldier in the battlefield of my mind. And guess what, so do you!

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  It’s a process; if I’m not vigilantly standing watch fueled by spiritual sustenance, I am not victorious. 

Let’s look over some of the topics we have discussed in devotions since the beginning of the year: 

• Having humility
• Being servant-hearted
• Being creative
• Being authentic
• Having balance
• Where we go to seek refreshment and renewal
• Focusing on the win

Forgive me if I missed one or two, but as I look at this list I see that since the beginning of the year (and most likely before that) God has tried to shift our thinking.  Every one of those topics are qualities we battle for and are trying to achieve in the war of our hearts and minds.  

As artists when we act like divas or divos (male version, according to Google) sometimes people give us a free pass.  I’ve heard such things as, “Well wouldn’t you expect that kind of behavior from an artist?” or “Isn’t that typical of musicians?”  I’ve literally had those very words spoken to me about this ministry.   

I’m going to unapologetically say that giving emotional artists (and technicians who are artists in their own right) an excuse for their bad behavior is both demeaning and enabling.  I’m going to bring Rory Noland’s thinking about this on Thursday.  The thing is as a Christian we have the mind of Christ (1Cor. 2:16).  So when we act out there’s really no excuse other than to realize our fault and our sin.  And nobody gets a free pass. 

So what do we do when we face our thoughts of pride, self-righteousness, negativity, not seeing ourselves for who we really are, out of balance, off track?  What do we do when we are acting like a diva or a divo?  Take a moment this week and meditate on Psalm51 and see if you can find out what we can do when we haven’t had our Snickers. 

Here are some resources that will help you be victorious in renewing your mind:

Battlefieldof the Mind – Joyce Meyer

TheHeart of The Artist – Rory Noland

Effectively Busy

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38–42 (NIV) 

Check out this week's Video BLOG: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1597sWt-dk.

And now, check out the text version of the blog below, for the "Old Fashioned At Heart": 

This week I was thinking about how easy it is to get busy. I have heard it said by many people that if you want something done, find someone who is busy. I have grown to really hate that idea the older I get and the more I understand about leadership.

However, it is easy to confuse being busy with being effective. I think that your effectiveness is connected to your mission and goals. Many times they are found in what you celebrate at the end of the day.

This week I want you to think about what we celebrate as a church, as a worship arts ministry. Read the passage above and think about the questions below. Come ready to have a conversation about:

1. What’s the WIN for ORBC?
2. What’s the WIN for ORBC Worship?
3. What is your role ORBC’s WIN?
4. How often do you communicate the WIN to those around you? 

Announcements:

• Worshipplanning 5.0
• Please let me know if you are having any problems with the new software. We are in testing phase with it and would want to let the manufacturer know.
•  Production Conference (March 15^th)
• We are always looking for opportunities to train and learn as a ministry. We would like to discuss if there is an interest to attend a local production conference. Before Thursday night please take a look at the conference http://www.887thebridge.com/events/worship-production-conference-2014.html.  Then come ready to talk about if it is something you would be interested in attending this Thursday night.