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From Our Music & Worship Minister



A Message from our Music & Worship Minister

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I was inspired by the middle school and high school youth of our church as they returned from two different trips this summer; both groups were immediately eager to share with me and with all of us the music they learned! Some of the songs were new to me, some were songs we sing regularly, and some songs I hadn't heard for many years. Whether it was familiar or new music, hearing our youth sing and play these songs with the energy and enthusiasm of their shared camp experiences was infectious. Senior high youth who had served in home repair ministry in Savannah, Georgia eagerly accepted my invitation to help lead our congregation in worship on August 4, and they did a fantastic job. Soon, we'll have a group of confirmation camp youth share some of the music they sang in worship as well.

Let's never forget to appreciate the youth and adults who volunteer their time and talents to help lead us in worship week after week. Take a moment to mentally imagine yourself in the position of getting up in front of people and making music for the Lord--it takes courage! I love seeing the way our church treats our young people, not as the church of tomorrow but as the church of today. And, our young people have responded accordingly; they inspire me when they bravely choose to try playing their musical instrument or singing into a microphone in front of a hundred people for the very first time. What this tells me is that God's spirit is moving in our community, and we are receptive to that spirit when we build a community where people of all ages feel safe and loved enough to take the risk of stepping out in faith.

As always, the doors to participation are wide open! Our youth music rehearsals this year consolidate to one rehearsal from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays starting on September 11. This rehearsal will now encompass both Youth Band and Youth Choir, and will often now include more sectionals and more personalized instruction. To that end, I'm in the process of seeking a few more adult volunteers with musical experience who would be able to help me lead these sectionals. If you're interested (even if you can only be there some weeks), please get in touch! If your youth is ready to sign up to participate, you can register using the same form in which you sign up your students for Sunday School and Wednesday night activities. You'll find the registration form at AbidingPresence.net under the "Learn" menu (tap "Registration"), or you can go directly to AbidingPresence.net/SundaySchool.

Our adult choir rehearsals (open to all adults and high school youth, and to middle school youth who have obtained my permission) are on Tuesdays from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. starting on September 10. There is no audition, and it's a fun and multi-generational group... and we have snacks!

There are lots of other ways to be involved as well, including praise band, tech team, brass and orchestral music, and lots of organizing and behind-the-scenes work. For more information on how to serve God and our church through music and the arts, visit AbidingPresence.net/music, come find me after church or email me at dave@abidingpresence.net. Looking forward to a great year of worshiping our amazing God with our hearts, hands, and voices!



        
Featured News

Sunday School Volunteer Opportunities

Sunday School Teachers Needed!

The school year is just around the corner, which means we are searching for 4 to 6 volunteers to invest in our kiddos and teach Sunday School! Volunteers will help to lead a game or craft, teach a Bible lesson, and form relationships with the students! All experience and confidence levels are welcomed! Please contact our Children & Family Minister, Michelle, if you are interested or have any questions.

 Infant, Toddler, and Parent Class

This fall, we are launching a class during the 9:45 a.m. hour on Sundays starting September 8, designed for infants, toddlers, and their parents. The parents will enjoy their breakfast from Abiding Table in the room, while children are given the opportunity to worship and play. The nursery will be available as staff will still be present. Please contact our Children & Family Minister, Michelle, if you are interested or have any questions.


Retirement for Kathi Schultz, Office Manager

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Sunday, August 25 at 11:15 a.m.

Join us in saying, “Thank You,” to Kathi Schultz, our longtime Office Manager who is retiring at the end of August. RSVP to attend the retirement luncheon in her honor.


Featured Events

Neighborhood Food Pantry

Aug 22, 2019 05:00 pm
Make a difference by serving at our neighborhood food pantry! Contact Pastor Heidi to help out!
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Confirmation Family Camping Trip

Aug 23, 2019 06:00 pm
Our initial rising 2nd year confirmation families enjoyed themselves so much at their recent camp out, that they are doing it again! In addition, they'd love to invite any of the incoming 1st year confirmation families to join them for a weekend of relaxation, fun, and being social prior to kicking off the new school year. Save the date for Friday and Saturday nights, August 23rd and 24th at Westmoreland State Park east of Fredericksburg. Additional details and signups will follow in the next couple of weeks. Their central location will be the "group" tent campsite in Campground C at Westmoreland State Park, and they already have that site reserved. However, if you use a camper/RV or want to rent one of the Westmoreland cabins, you will need to make those arrangements separately. Start practicing your campfire songs & stories. Contact our Youth & Family Minister to get connected to the families who are planning the trip or sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090e44a4a72ca6f85-apfamily.
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Backpack Blessing

Aug 25, 2019 08:45 am
Help new and returning students start the school year with confidence by joining us at our annual backpack blessing! Backpacks will be blessed at every service the weekend of August 24-25.
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Sunday School Starts

Jun 17, 2019 03:39 pm
Kick off the school year with Sunday School at Abiding Presence!
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Summer Weekend Worship Schedule

                                  8:45 a.m.   Praise Service
  10:15 a.m.   Traditional Service
     
  (Sat.) 6:00 p.m.   Vespers Service

Communion at all services | Professionally staffed nursery Sundays
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