It's Monday!

Good morning Team,
Yesterday was a wonderful Christmas Sunday as we gathered together to worship the newborn King. Thank you to Miss Cheryl and the Wee Naz Kidz for the Nativity recreation and to Ari Manwaring and the Naz Kidz singers for adding "Away In a Manger." Add the Owego Naz Worship Band and Praise Team and wonderful Christmas songs and we have an awesome worship celebration. Pastor's message that Christ came for all and the Owego Naz Worship Choir's finale brought it all home! And here's a surprise... if you go to our website and listen to the end of the podcast, you'll hear Tiffany and the choir's rendition of "Go Tell!!" Check it out:
http://owegonaz.com/current-sermon-series

Our most special service of the year is on Thursday night at 7PM. The Christmas Eve service will include all the elements that prepare us for Christmas Day...

Christmas carols
The Christmas story from the Bible
Special music
Pastor's Christmas message
Candle lighting to "Silent Night"
"Joy to the World"

Check your email this week and I'll give you information and times for all participants.

Coleen and I want to express our thanks to all of you for your generous gifts and expressions of love. We are blessed to be a part of the Owego Naz family and we wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

As you start this week, purposefully allow the specialness of the season to guide you through your days. Choose to dwell on the news that the angels announced and then be the angels to those you are with this week.

Blessings,

Dave

It's Monday!

Good morning team,
I always have mixed feelings the Monday after we do a musical. I'm excited with the satisfaction that you all did a magnificent musical and that we touched so many lives over the weekend. I'm relieved that we pulled it off again. I'm sad, because I love the preparation and rehearsal road we travel to get to this point. But there's good news...EASTER'S COMING!! I especially like completing our Christmas musical because we always head to Florida after Christmas and I get to listen to Easter music on the beach...the hot, sunny beach!

But Christmas is still yet to come. We have 2 more special times that the Owego Naz worship team gets to celebrate. This week is Christmas Sunday and we will be singing, "Go Tell" in the second service. We will NOT rehearse this Wednesday night. Meet in the choir loft on Sunday at 10:40am for a run through.

Then, perhaps, the most special service of the year is our Christmas Eve service at 7PM. We will allow you to sit with your families for most of this service and then we will sing "One Child" as the introduction to Pastor's message. As always, the candlelight finale will be awesome.

"I vow to worship you this Christmas Day,
I'll stand and say,
'Glory, glory to the Highest in excelsis Deo.'
I pledge to celebrate the meaning of this holiday
Giving praises to the beauty of your holy name."

"More than anything I do, more than anything I say,
More than anything I say or do, I worship You.
More than any card I write
More than any Christmas light I light
More than any gift I give
I'll give you my praises from morning to night!"

May it be so, Lord Jesus!

Blessings,
Dave

It's Monday!

Good morning Team,
A special time yesterday as we gathered to worship the King. As you know, I'm all about preparation and rehearsal. While these are essential elements in our worship arts program, they don't replace the power of the Holy Spirit leading us. It was a good morning!

Tonight...6:30pm - 8:00pm... The Owego Naz Worship Choir will rehearse for Rejoice! Woohoo!

Wednesday... 6:15 - 7:45pm... The Owego Naz Worship Choir will rehearse for Rejoice! Hooray!!

Friday... 7:00pm... The Owego Naz Worship Choir presents "Rejoice!" a soulful Christmas musical. A cookie and coffee reception will follow in The Gathering Place.

I want to remind you about the power of a personal invitation. No amount of advertising is as effective in getting people to attend an event as a personal invitation. When you invite a friend, neighbor, co-worker...anyone, that invitation says, "You are important enough to me to get a personal invitation." Think now...who can you invite to our musical on Friday or Sunday? Send an email, text, phone call, or verbal invite right now to those you care about. The message of Christmas is life changing!

Blessings,
Dave

It's Monday!

Good morning Team,
I'm so looking forward to this week. Thanksgiving has always been a special time for our family and I suppose most families because it is a time when scattered kids gather together. It seems that our busy and structured schedules force us to use these planned holiday times to meet up with our parents and siblings and spend time together. Now, men and women look at these gathering times quite differently. Men tend to spend time just being together. This can be accomplished very well watching football or playing Wii. Conversation is of minimal importance. Women on the other hand, don't understand this male thing. They want to TALK! Sitting around chatting is all that is necessary for a wonderful time. Now, I'm not saying that's not perfectly fine to do...just don't expect us do it.

Well, now that I have gotten myself into some deep weeds, lets talk about what's ahead. We have 3 critical rehearsals before our Christmas musical, Rejoice! I need everyone to make a special effort to be at them all:

Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 6:15pm
Saturday, Dec. 5 at 10am
Wednesday, Dec 9 at 6:15pm

last Wednesday I gave a cool gift out to those present. That will likely continue for these remaining rehearsals as well.
Listen to your CD's often!

Have you ever wondered how monks who take a vow of silence can share in the traditions of Christmas music? Now you know...




Coleen and I wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to all of you for the time and talent that you offer freely to the Lord and makes our Worship Arts team so special. Your positive spirit and unselfish efforts are truly the aroma of Jesus to all who enter our sanctuary for worship. Thank you.

Blessings,

Dave

It's Monday!

Good Morning Team,
We kicked off our week wonderfully yesterday with an awesome time of worship, teaching, fellowship, encouragement and recharging. I'm looking forward to what God has planned for us this week.

Here's the new song we will be doing this week...




Wow! How powerful and what a great way to launch us into the Advent season! Speaking of Advent, have you heard any new Christmas songs that would be worth looking at? Send them to me and maybe we can use them this year.

I'm getting charged up about our Christmas musical, Rejoice! Four weeks to go. This Wednesday I will have some posters for you to put up around where you are. Personal invitations are still the best way to get people to come and experience this exciting time of celebration.



Have a outstanding week!

Dave

It's Monday!

Good Monday Team!
It's a beautiful Monday morning and I'm still celebrating an awesome weekend. Best highlight of the weekend was gathering together with you all for worship on Sunday morning. I love it when all the preparation matches up with the Lord's presence and true worship results. ONWC... your contribution of "Our God Saves" lifted me and inspired the congregation...WTG! The hymns in the first service were spot on as Pastor Dennis unraveled the mystery of the Trinity. The band and praise team joined the choir in leading the people in the second service to spirit filled worship. Thank you God for being so good!

The next best thing about the weekend was being an Ohio State fan. After a couple years of humble pie at the hands of Penn State, it was nice to turn the table on the blue and white. I posted a new pic for the PSU T-shirts on facebook :)

Last, but not least, it was great to be an American this weekend and honor our veterans. Without them, we would not be able to worship like we did this weekend or complain about what's happening in Washington. Here is the video we used yesterday...

Have an awesome week!

Blessings,

Dave

It's Monday...OK, it's Tuesday morning!

Good morning Team,
Andre Crouch wrote a song that starts with...
"How can I say thanks for the things you have done for me..." and while he was directing his thankfulness to God, forgive me for borrowing his words and directing them to you. Your displays of appreciation this past month were overwhelming and I cannot put into words, adequately, how much it meant to us. Thank you.

I also want to thank those of you who came out on Saturday to help us paint my office (and Judean's office :) Thank you, Bob, for fixing the desk that Coleen will be using. Thanks to all the guys who helped us move the furniture and bookcases and equipment. And a special thanks to Tim and Sherry French for staying with us to the end. You guys were AWESOME!!!

I'm starting to focus on Christmas. Here's something to help...

CHRISTMAS MUSICAL REHEARSALS...
Every Wednesday night...6:15 to 7:45PM

This Saturday... 10:00am to noon

Take time this week to help someone who doesn't expect you to do it.
Anonymous charity is true charity.
Purposefully, speak the name of Jesus to someone.
Call your mom.

Make your week special.

Blessings,
Dave

BONUS: Do you love nature photography? National Geographic has always been the best at this, but they have outdone themselves here. Check it out...

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/greenguide/infinite-photograph

It's Monday!

Good Monday Team,
I'm still basking in our time of worship yesterday as we lifted up praise to our Creator and shared in the awesomeness of nature. Thank you for all your encouraging comments about the music this week. Our team works very hard to offer up excellence to the Lord. It was great to have Kyle Schreiner on drums and Neil on bass this week. We miss you guys when you are not with us. I'm so thankful for our praise teams and what they bring to our worship celebrations. Thank you all for sharing your gifts with us and the Lord. And Owego Naz Worship Choir... awesome this week! You are such a highlight to me personally. Thanks for your commitment and contribution to our worship. I clap my hands in thanksgiving for you!

Tonight the Worship Arts Team is meeting at our house at 6:30. We will be discussing our August 2010 trip to Brooklyn Tab as well as looking at our overall worship arts ministry. We want your thoughts too! Send me ideas or comments: worship.pastor@owegonaz.com

PODCASTS ARE AVAILABLE!
Check out our site owegonaz.com

Finally, sing to the Lord a new song today. What can you do differently today to allow you to focus on the Lord? Take time to look out the window at work... walk to lunch somewhere new... pray for someone you haven't thought about for a long time... send an encouraging email to another worship team member... LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU COME UP WITH!

Blessings,

Dave

It's Monday!

Good Monday Team,
It's almost 4pm and I'm just now getting around to my blog. First thing...wasn't it great to have some of our college students home this weekend? Thanks Janel, Stephen and Phil for joining our worship team this week.

Four months ago, our Leadership team embarked on the journey to update our church's website. We recognized that reaching our community for Christ was going to take all the resources we can use and since 85% of first time church attenders visit a church's website before attending, it was time to move forward. Yesterday, we announced that http//owegonaz.com was online. I'm also excited to announce we will have our podcasts operational by next week. Thanks to all who stepped up! So what do you think? I'm interested in your comments about our new site...

Now that the website is up, my attention is going to be focused on Christmas... specifically, REJOICE! Here's the dates for it:

Friday, Dec. 11 - 7PM
Sunday, Dec, 13 - 11AM

A special performance will be on Saturday, Dec. 12 at Davis College for the Andrews Good News Christmas Party. We will share excerpts from REJOICE! for more than 4000 people sometime between 4:30pm and 6:30pm. It will be an awesome chance to share the love of Jesus.

It's not too late to join us for this great experience. Choir rehearsals are Wednesday's at 6:15pm. A special REJOICE! rehearsal will be on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 10am.

Make a difference this week...

Dave

It's Monday!

Good morning Team,
Our worship arts team left for New York City at 7am yesterday to experience the noon worship service at Brooklyn Tabernacle. We sat in the balcony...we didn't get there in time to sit on the main floor! The reconverted theatre main sanctuary seats 3200 and it was full at the noon service. We will be sharing some of the experience on Wednesday night at choir rehearsal. Here's a preview:

Pastor Jim Cymbala's message continued Pastor Dennis' theme of sharing our love for Jesus with those around us...starting with loving Jesus ourselves. Then we have to show that love through our actions of helping those in need. It's awesome when we realize that God's word for us in Owego matches up with what's being preached in Brooklyn and around the world. We truly serve the God on the universe.

I'm looking forward to rehearsal Wednesday night! I trust that this week will be amazing for you. Bring a Jesus story with you to share! Blessings, Dave

It's Monday!

Good morning Team,
I am still pumped up after our worship celebrations yesterday. The challenge that pastor Dennis shared with us to commit to being ready to share the reason for our hope and your response was exhilarating. Be sure to keep your yellow ribbon list in front of you daily. This Sunday will be the final week of this current series and promises to be a memorable worship experience.

I want to thank all of the worship team for your commitment to serving the Lord with your talents. I feel like the choir is back in gear after our summer break and you were awesome this week. "At the Cross" set the stage for an awesome prayer time! And the Band...woohoo! Thanks, Karen, Mark, and Janet!

This is an important week for us:
Tuesday @12:24pm - Coleen returns to NY
Wednesday @ 6:15pm - Choir rehearsal
Saturday @ 9am - Tech/Media/Video team workshop
Saturday @ 10am - Rejoice! Christmas rehearsal
Saturday @ noon - Pitch in Lunch for the entire worship team
Sunday @ 11:00 - Choir sings "Orphans of God" in the second service

Make this week special to someone you come in contact with as you are the aroma of Jesus in your world.

Blessings,
Dave

It's Monday!

Good Monday morning Team!
And it is a good Monday. More about that in a minute...

So what happens when your strings break? What? OK... This week, my guitar needed to have its strings changed (I have to do that about every 3 weeks or so) and I decided to use some new, expensive, beautiful sounding strings that I had used before, but had a problem with them breaking on me. I thought, "This time will be different! Maybe these new ones are better than before." It had been several months since I had tried them so I was hopeful. Well, as you saw yesterday, I broke a string on the second song. Fortunately, I had a chance to quickly replace the broken string during the announcements. But after we began singing again, I broke another string. Guitars have 6 strings, so what if only one breaks...there are 5 more. Ha! It doesn't work that way. Every string is important and when one breaks, the guitar will not function properly. And its not just because one part of the chord is missing, but because when one breaks, all the others go out of tune.

Sounds like our lives sometimes. There are sins that have haunted us in the past and we sometimes think that if I go that way again, the results will be different. Nope. Sin doesn't change over time and its results on our lives will be the same...broken strings and a life that is out of tune and therefore, useless. And fixing only one of the strings and not the others doesn't work either. It wasn't until I replaced all the bad strings that my guitar functioned properly. Our lives will never be in tune until we give it all to Him. Are you hanging on trying to play music with a broken string? Replace it and make sweet music!

And that leads me to Monday... it's a great Monday, when we are in tune with our Lord. Go make sweet music this week!

See you on Wednesday at 6:15!

Blessings,
Dave

It's Wednesday!

Hi Team,
I heard this on the radio and want to do it next Sunday in our contemporary worship celebration. Unfortunately, Michael Robert hasn't released the album yet (I think you might want to get this one) so here is the video from his site:





You can check out more about Michael Robert at

http://michaelrobertmusic.com/

Blessings,

Dave

It's Monday!

Good morning Team,

"We will shine like stars in the universe
Holding out Your truth in the darkest place
We'll be living for Your glory
Jesus, we'll be living for Your glory!"

I have been challenged by pastor's message to begin living outside the Christian bubble. A friend of mine has done that by participating in a local theatre group, only to take "friendly" fire for being worldly. I wonder if I am strong enough to take that risk. Then God graciously reminds me that its not my battle, but His, and my job is to be obedient. Guess that excuse is shot down. Anyway, I'm still looking for ways to step outside the bubble...let's see what God has planned...

Speaking of stepping outside the bubble, the Owego Naz Worship Choir has a ministry opportunity that I'll ask you about on Wednesday...6:15PM. It was so good to have you back leading worship this week. There is a freshness and excitement that you bring to our worship celebrations and God uses that to bless His people and speak to everyone present. Thank you for stepping up for the Lord. He was pleased with our offering this week and my heart leaps for joy when we please Him. Well done!

Have a great week living outside the bubble!

Dave

It's Monday!

Good morning Team,
Happy Labor Day everyone. It was great to see so many of you with us in worship yesterday. "Sing to the Lord a new song!" I could tell by your awesome spirit that you were singing fresh and living praises to our Lord.

So... for those of you who were unable to make it to our opening rehearsal of the Owego Naz Worship Choir... here's the HUGE announcement:




AUGUST 13, 14, 15, 2010
The Owego Naz Worship Team will travel to New York City and share in the ministry of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. This vision expanding trip will include a time of mission work and a time of fun in NYC. We'll conclude the trip on Sunday with worship at the Brooklyn Tabernacle and the opportunity to experience the 300 voice Brooklyn Tabernacle choir leading worship. Woohoo!

The trip will be open to Owego Naz Worship Choir members first and then other members of the Worship Team. What a nice incentive to join the choir :)

The choir will be singing this Sunday so our rehearsal this Wednesday is real important (not that every rehearsal isn't important!) See you Wednesday night at 6:15pm.

Have an awesome week!

Dave

It's Monday!

Hi Team,
Two!!! Two more days until kickoff for the Fall 2009 season for the Owego Naz Worship Choir! I have finished up the lineup of songs for this year and will have CD's available for everyone at our rehearsal...

WEDNESDAY
September 2nd
6:15 PM - 7:30 PM
Owego Naz sanctuary

The choir will sing for the first time on Sunday, September 13 in the second service.

"Sing to the Lord a new song. Play skillfully and sing with joy!"
-Psalm 33:3

This is the theme for our Worship Team this year and I'm excited to share more about this with you at rehearsal. I am also going to make a HUGE announcement about a HUGE event coming up this year. HUGE!! See you Wednesday night!

Blessings,
Dave

It's Monday!

Good morning Team,
The countdown begins...10
10 days until we kick off the fall 2009 season for the Owego Naz Worship Choir!

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 6:15pm
IN THE SANCTUARY...WOOHOO!!

Yesterday, we worshiped the Lord joyfully and sent two of our worship team members off to college. Janel Lantz and Phil Rodgers will be leaving this week for Mount Vernon Nazarene University where they will undoubtedly be used in ministry. In fact, Phil is already lined up to lead worship at a friend's church when he arrives. I know they will appreciate our prayers.

Most of you know that Coleen and I made a trip to Niagara Falls last week to celebrate Coleen's ___th birthday! Here's a quick look at a highlight..

We enjoyed our trip home as we traveled along the west coast of NY on Lake Erie. There are some awesome estates on the Lake! I was actually surprised to find out that there are some significant bluffs on Lake Erie that make the shoreline very interesting. More later...

Coleen loves HGTV and with her real estate background, she loves the property shows like "Real Estate Intervention." This is a show where people who are trying to sell their home get a reality check about the market. The lesson they learn is that what you are selling is only worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it. How much are you worth? The Bible says,
“You have been bought and paid for by Christ, so you belong to him—be free now from all these earthly prides and fears” (1 Corinthians 7:23 LB).
Oh yeah! You are priceless! Praise God!

Have an awesome week!

Dave

It's Monday!

Hi Team,
I am sitting in my chair, looking out the window at a beautiful morning...quite different from yesterday afternoon when that nasty thunderstorm hurricaned it's way through our area. My purpose driven devotion this morning was quite fitting. I've included it at the end of this blog.

Coleen and I had a wonderful couple of days last week allowing the Lord to speak to us. There is real benefit in getting away from the normal routine and letting God control our time. God had some wonderful things to say to us and I'm looking forward to sharing with our Worship Arts Team(Liam, Suzanne, Sue, Denise, Andy, Bob) tonight. We started our retreat at Kingdom Bound on Wednesday and were totally blessed by the Newsboys. They debuted their new lead singer, Michael Tate, best known as the lead singer for DC Talk. Their energy and the crowds enthusiasm was electrifying. But the biggest impact on me was from Phil Joel. Phil is a former lead singer and bass player for Newsboys who went solo and discovered how knowing Jesus, not knowing about Jesus, is our purpose. Check out this 4 minute video:

We only get to know Jesus in the same way that we get to know anyone...spending time with Him. How do we do that? There is only one way to make it work in our busy society. It must be intentional and regular. We must discipline ourselves to set the time aside every day to meet with Him. When that time is is up to you to decide. Phil found that it was early in the day. For some of us that's not the best time...then how about later after the kids are in bed. Is there anything on TV that is so good we couldn't shut it off and be quiet before bedtime? Whenever your time is...commit to it and make it a routine or better yet...a habit.

Here's my devotion from this morning...

August 10, 2009 Being Positive in Spite of Your Problems by Rick Warren “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way” (James 1:2–4 MSG).

So you think you’ve got problems? Consider Brian Hise: He had more than his share of bad luck a few years ago in July. When his apartment in Provo, Utah, became flooded from a broken pipe in the apartment above his, the manager told him to go out and rent a wet/dry vacuum. That’s when Brian discovered that his car had a flat tire. He changed the tire and went inside again to phone a friend for help. But the electric shock he got from the phone so startled him that he inadvertently ripped the instrument off the wall! Before he could leave his apartment a second time, a neighbor had to kick his door down because by now water damage had jammed it too tight to open. While all this was going on, someone stole Brian’s car! But since it was almost out of gas, Brian found it just a few blocks away. He then had to push it to a gas station where he filled up the tank. That evening Brian attended a military ceremony at the university he was attending. He injured himself severely when he somehow sat on his bayonet, which had been tossed in the front seat of his car! Doctors were able to stitch up Brian’s wound but, in the meantime, no one was able to resuscitate four of his canaries who were crushed to death from the wet, falling plaster in his apartment. He discovered their deaths after arriving home and then slipping on the wet carpet in his apartment, badly injuring his tailbone. Brian said he began to wonder if (and I quote), “God wanted me dead, but just kept missing!” The Bible says, “Is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete” (James 1:2–4 LB).

Blessings, Dave

It's still Monday!

Good evening Team,
Yes it's still Monday. It's been a busy day and I'm just finding the time to get to my blog.

Did you notice Dan Eash on bass in the second worship celebration yesterday? What a great surprise when Neil text ed me that his brother was in town and willing to play with the band! Thanks for adding to our worship experience guys!

Didn't you love the kids yesterday as they sang and did the motions for the Crocodile Dock program. It was a great time at Summer Bible Adventure and the best part is that 25 kids gave their hearts to Jesus. Woohoo!


CHRISTMAS! If you haven't picked up your CD of Rejoice!, our Christmas musical, they are on the front pew...still wrapped in Christmas paper. Start listening and enjoy.


Next week, I will be taking a few days away to get with God and plan for the year. My enthusiasm is growing as I get ready to see what's in store for the Owego Naz Worship Team. I would like to meet with our Worship Arts Team (Liam, Suzanne, Sue, Denise, Andy, Bob) at our house on Monday, Aug 10 and share! Lets meet at 6:30pm.

REMINDER! The OwegoNaz Worship Choir will be singing with Sweet Aroma next Monday night (Aug 3) at Muldoon Park in Waverly at 6PM. Let's meet at the church and take the van at 5:30pm.


We've been talking about getting real with God in our prayers. We talked about using normal language and pausing to concentrate on Him when we pray. Then we start our prayers with PRAISE. The next step in our getting real with God deals with giving Him our worries.

Philippians 4:6 says: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (NIV).

Hmmm...do we really believe this? When we pray, trustingly, He hears our petitions. And notice the attitude we need when we petition the Lord...thanksgiving. Yeah baby! That's the ticket! Gratitude before the Lord is powerful. Keep that attitude at all times and see how many good things come your way!

Blessings,
Dave

It's Monday!

Good morning Team,
What a fun time we had Saturday at our OwegoNaz Worship Team Christmas Appreciation Brunch. Thanks to Coleen, Wayne and Darlene Cobler and Crystal Rutan for the awesome food...oh, yeah... and thanks to Sams Club for the pastries :)

We honored some of our team members:


Kyle Schreiner - Rookie of the Year

Bob Rutan - Techie of the Year
Sue Camin - Servant Heart Award

Suzanna Miller - Spirit Award



Our Christmas musical is here!! CD's are available now, so you can get an early start on Christmas. If you didn't get one on Saturday, you can pick one up at the church... they are on the front pew in the sanctuary...still wrapped in Christmas paper :)


Pastor Dennis continued his series on "Getting real with God" by sharing that we begin our prayers with Adoration for God. Praise is one of the best parts of being a worship team! Keeping our eyes wide open to the wonders around us is a great plan! Another idea is to pray the names of God. The names of God deal with His attributes. Rick Warren lists these:

• God is present with me.
• God is my Shepherd.
• God is my Provider.
• God is my Healer.
• God is my Peace.
• God is my victory in conflict.

Want more? Google "names of God" and see how many come up.

Have an awesome week with your
eyes wide open!

Dave

It's Tuesday!

Good morning Team,
Guilty! I let yesterday get away from me and got caught up in the Monday crunch of stuff I had to do. And I didn't get everything that I needed to get done accomplished...like my blog. Oh well...it's OK. There are more important things than the stuff we think is so important...

It was an emotionally draining week as we said, "good-bye" to Crystal Paris and did our best to comfort Thad and the children...and dealt with the tuff question of "Why?" Thank you, Pastor Dennis, for helping us with that on Sunday. Thank you, Owego Naz Worship Choir, for stepping up and helping our people to heal. Ethan Paris is continuing to recover and you can encourage him and the family by sharing a note at Caring Bridge... http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ethanparis

Saturday, (yes, this Saturday) is our Owego Naz Worship Team Appreciation Christmas Brunch. If you haven't signed up...call or email me by Wednesday, tomorrow! Meet in the mini-hall at 10am.

"Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world" (Psalm 46:10 NLT)

Last week I talked about being real with God when we pray. Not the flashy, churchy, wordy stuff...the "it's me God...can we talk?" stuff. Another part of being real with God is one I have trouble with. I am a multi-tasker. You all know what that means. I don't like to do just one thing at a time and I like to get things done...NOW! That's a problem when it comes to talking with God. He's a jealous God and He wants all my attention when I talk with Him. That's tuff. I proved that at the openning of this blog. Guilty! Rick Warren says that when he prays, before he starts, he takes a deep breath and just lets the tension flow out of his body and then he can talk to God. Sounds like a plan. Next week we'll talk about "the quiet place."

Blessings,

Dave

It's Monday!

Good Morning Team,
It crept up on me after the morning worship service yesterday. It was not very noticeable for most of the day, but by midnight it was here with all its vengance...a COLD! Dr. Coleen diagnosed it as a result of flying back from Orlando last week. I don't know about that, but its got me real good. I will do my best to not pass it on to anyone, but I'm still going to Karen's tonight for our rehearsal with Sweet Aroma.

Let's continue with our thoughts about being real with God. Last week, your staff from Owego Naz was in Orlando, FL with 25,000 other Nazarenes at our quadrennial General Assembly. We worshiped with people from all over this globe and we were one in the Spirit of God. Some people wore suits and dresses, some wore jeans and T-shirts. Some wore native dress of their country. Here's a video I took in the Exhibit Hall from one of the Missions booths...

It didn't matter what we looked like on the outside...we were united by the Spirit of God. That's what matters to God, not our outward appearance, but what is in our heart.

Matthew 6 teaches us that God is not interested in the flowery speech that we associate with great prayers. Rick Warren puts it like this:

Imagine I walked in the door one evening and my kids said: "O, almighty procreator of our family. How wonderful thou art, who sovereignly deposits our allowance to us. Oh, the majesty of thy wonderful self! We beseech thee to come eat dinner with us." I'd check their temperatures to see if they were sick! I don't want to hear that. I want them to say, "Hey! Dad's home. Good to see you, Pop!"

One of our focal points at Little Church has been on being authentic with our prayer time...not flowery speech, but simple sentence prayers in normal language. Now some are admittedly very "smooth" pray-ers. Again, God is not interested in how we are able to connect our thoughts and words together in a flowing manner...He wants to hear our hearts. So when you pray, don't think about the next line you are going to pray...just tell God whats on your mind...that's what He wants :)

If you haven't signed up or emailed me that you are going to attend our Christmas Brunch on Saturday, July 18 at 10am...do it now! This is for all choir members, band members and tech members. Basically, if you are reading this, you're invited. We need to have the number by this Sunday so please let me know. Gracias!

Have an awesome week!

Blessings,

Dave

Good morning Team,
What a wonderful day of worship we had yesterday! I felt a unity of spirit that focused on God and His work in our world. Pastor Jesus Bernat's sharing and Bob Prescott's interpreting (or interrupting) highlighted a very successful Faith Promise campaign and kicked off a fantastic week for your church staff as we head to Orlando, FL tomorrow to attend the General Assembly of the Nazarene church. We will be gathered together with thousands of Nazarene believers from 125+ countries. I'll send you reports about the worship times!

I have been following Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life teachings for many years and I subscribe to his daily devotional. This past few have been excellent and I will be sharing some of these with you. The emphasis is on being real with God. Question... How much does the approval of men effect who you are? Ponder that for a minute... what motivates you to dress the way you do... groom yourself the way you do... talk the way you do... go places where you go... pray the way you pray? This is going to be fun to explore.

This Sunday, Jim Halton will be leading the first service and Scott Senko will lead the second service. Regular praise teams plan to rehearse at the normal times before each service. I will be emailing the service orders and songs today before I leave.

Don't forget to email me with your registration for the July 18, 10am,

Worship Team Appreciation Christmas Brunch

We want to let you know how much we love an appreciate all the time and effort you give to make our worship team so special. This is open to all choir members, band members, tech team members. Your spouses or a guest are welcome.

Blessings,
Dave

It's Monday!

Good morning Team,
Although more accurately it's afternoon. I have been unable to get into my blog editing page all morning and finally got through. Anyway, I want to give cudo's to Andy and the teens for an awesome job yesterday leading worship. Well planned, well executed and spirit filled. A big "Woohoo!" to you!

Summer schedules are at the Ministry Center for our concerts with Sweet Aroma. Pick one up!

Someone sent me this video...if you have had a tuff Monday...check it out:
http://www.mayyoubeblessedmovie.com

Blessings,
Dave

OwegoNaz Worship Team Christmas Appreciation Brunch

Saturday
July 18, 2009
10am
OwegoNaz mini hall

OwegoNaz Worship Team, you are invited to our first ever Christmas Appreciation Brunch! You and a guest will enjoy a wonderful brunch and a time of fellowship as we say, "Thanks!" for all the time and effort you give to make our worship team so special.

At 11am we will introduce our Christmas musical... Rejoice!

Reservations are required... so email me at

worship.pastor@owegonaz.com

or sign up at the Ministry Counter.

It's Monday!

Good morning Team,

¹⁷ Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
¹⁸ yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
¹⁹ The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,^e]">[e]
able to tread upon the heights.

(For the choir director: This prayer is to be accompanied by stringed instruments.)

I love this song from Habakkuk and the performance notes at the end :) When the world trembles at economic turmoil, we can rejoice in the Lord...our strength. We can stand strong in the face of tough times because we have a bigger, eternal picture than the world does. Our help comes from the Lord...BE JOYFUL TODAY!

A few notes:

...Welcome to Mark and Rachel Gabbidon, our newest worship team members. Mark played piano in the second service yesterday and Rachel will be joining the ONWC and praise team.

...Speaking of the ONWC...I have schedules printed up on the Ministry Center for this summer's Sweet Aroma concerts. Rehearsal is Monday, July 6 at 6:30pm at Karen's house.

...The Teens will be leading both services this Sunday so our regular praise teams and accompanists will have the morning to worship in the congregation.

...You're invited to Janel Lantz's graduation party! Saturday, June 27 starting at 3PM. 105 Henton Rd. Barton, NY.

MARK THIS DATE ON YOUR CALENDAR...

JULY 18, 2009...10AM!!!

I WILL GIVE YOU DETAILS TOMORROW....RIGHT HERE!

Have a child-like wonder full week!

Blessings,

Dave

It's Monday!

Good morning Team,
Psalm 132:15-16 says:
¹⁵ I will bless this city and make it prosperous;
I will satisfy its poor with food.
¹⁶ I will clothe its priests with godliness;
its faithful servants will sing for joy.

David was talking about Zion when he mentioned the city and today it refers to His church, the body of believers...YOU! You are, indeed, His faithful servants. I have been reflecting on all that we have done so far this year and I am amazed at the amount of work you have done for the Kingdom. Now it is time for a rest. We always take July and August off for the summer, but because of all the special events in June, I have decided to add June to our vacation time this year. You deserve it! So our summer break has officially begun and we will not be rehearsing on Wednesday this week.

We still will have some special opportunities to serve Jesus during the summer thanks to Sweet Aroma. Many of you signed up to participate in their concerts and here is the schedule:

Monday, July 6 - rehearsal at Karen's home (6:30)
Wednesday, July 8 - evening concert in Sayre
Sunday, July 11 - afternoon concert in Owego
Monday, August 3 - evening concert in Waverly

I will prepare maps and details for you soon. If you didn't sign up and would like to participate...you are welcome!

Watch your email in the next few days... I have a special announcement!

Blessings,
Dave

It's Tuesday!

Good morning Team,
I hope that you all had a wonderful Memorial Day! Coleen and I had a great day. It was very relaxing to lounge by our new pool! OK...its a blowup and the water was too cold...but it was luxurious and fun.

I am so looking forward to Wednesday night as we lead worship at the Tri-cities Holiness Crusade with Bay Forrest at Union Center Christian Church. Here's our schedule:

6:00PM - Band and Praise Team sound check.
NOTE: Come early enough to be on stage and ready at 6PM
6:15PM - Owego Naz Worship Choir sound check - see note above :)
6:47PM - Pre-service music starts with "Big Mighty God"

The Church is located north of Endicott at

950 Boswell Hill Rd, Endicott, NY 13760-6600

Take Hwy 26 north to Maple Rd and turn left to Boswell Hill Rd and turn left and the church is on the left.

Hard copies of the map are at the church or you can check out the directions at Union Center's website: www.unioncenter.net

What a great week to be "the aroma of Jesus!"

Blessings,
Dave

It's Monday!

Yvonne J. Binkley
May 15, 1931 - April 29, 2009

It's Tuesday!

Good Afternoon Team,
I'm in Florida with Coleen and her mom and Dad. I left Owego at 1PM on Sunday afternoon and met my daughter Candice for dinner in Washington, DC. I left after a nice dinner and sharing time with Candice and headed for Florida around 7PM. I stopped several times during the night for a snooze and arrived in Englewood at 3PM yesterday. It was great to see Coleen after being separated for 6 weeks and we are now preparing for Yvonne's passing. She is now bedfast and hospice is providing wonderful care. Thank you all for your prayers for Coleen as she has cared for her mom and dad. It has been a blessing that she could be here to care for them at this most difficult time. Please pray that Yvonne continues to be comfortable.

I want to share my thoughts about the New Life Celebration. When this idea hatched, we hoped that it would be a time when we united together as a church body and shared the wonderful news that Jesus loves me and you. That message was shared to more than 135 kids at the New Life Easter Egg Hunt... a good start wouldn't you say?

Then the Owego Naz worship team showed up in a BIG way at the New Life Concert on Saturday, April 4. More than 200 participated in this extraordinary event and heard through song, the pastor's message and powerful cardboard testimonies, the story that Jesus can change our lives.

Then came Easter! We joined Christians all over the world to celebrate the ressurection of Jesus and His life changing power.

The New Life Revival with Stephen Manley added the closing punch as we were challenged to have Jesus in our eyeball and in total control of all we do.

The climax of the event was last Sunday as we gathered together as a church family for the The New Life Jesus Party and the first ever baptism in our sanctuary. We rejoiced with those who were baptized and the entire morning was filled with worship and love for our Lord.

I want to thank each of your for the sacrifice of your time and energy this past month. I know it was a struggle for some of you and you came through like true servants. God's blessings on all of you!

The choir will not rehearse this Wednesday (April 29), but will rehearse with Jordan Schreiner next Wednesday (May 1) at 6:15pm. I know that you will give Jordan the same level of support you have given me. It will be a great time as you prepare to sing "You Are" in the second service on May 10. I will provide Jordan with some other songs to run through as we prepare for the next BIG event...May 27th Holiness Revival opening night. We will be singing "New Hallelujah" and "East to West" for this special service.

I will be in touch as things develope here in Florida.

Blessings,

Dave

It's Monday!

Good morning Team,
The New Life Celebration has entered the final week. Let recap...

We started 4 weeks ago with the New Life Easter Egg Hunt that shared the Jesus story with over 135 kids and their families...

The next Saturday our sanctuary was filled for the New Life Concert and we saw new people added to the Kingdom and the choir and band ministered to all who attended...

Then came Easter. The most special day in all of Christianity was powerful as we gathered together and celebrated the living Christ...

Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 17-19 we were blessed with Jesus in our eye. Stephen Manley brought home the fundamental truth that its not about me or music or doctrine or church or power or influence or finances...its about Jesus. Our message to the world is that simple and that demanding. May it be so in my life...

That brings us to the finale...The New Life Jesus Party. This Sunday at 10:30am we will gather together and celebrate Jesus and have the first ever baptisms in our sanctuary at Owego Naz. It will be a time to allow Jesus to reign and His people to rejoice. Woohoo!

The OwegoNaz worship choir will sing and the combined praise teams will join the band to lead His people in worship. Choir rehearsal this Wednesday night at 6:15pm.

BTW...DVD's of the New Life Concert are available. Fill out a request envelope at the welcome center. DVD's are $2.

Bob Huffaker has a saying..."Have a great day...if you want to!" Go for it!

Blessings,

Dave