A Little Bit of This and That

1. Happy birthday to my mother-in-law, Lorena, who turned 83 a couple days ago. Family from North Carolina came to see her this past week, and more will be coming from Delaware this Memorial Day weekend. Nancy Reagan once described Alzheimer’s Disease as “a long goodbye.” I might add, “a long and sad goodbye.” Lorena is most like herself when she prays. That’s why we secretly hope she never says, “Amen.” Alas, all prayers conclude at some point, and the mundane tasks of life resume. Those tasks are now exceedingly difficult for her, but she can still experience the love and joy of family, even inside the fog of a mind devoid of all short-term memory. 

2. National Conference was inspirational this year, in large measure because of the Grace Community Church (Willow Street, PA) worship team, led by David Julian and Alyssa Mayersky. This pair is Southeastern Pennyslvania’s answer to Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes. I’m so glad they use their incredible gifts for the glory of God. Note to Dave and Alyssa: When you sing Goodness of God and The Blessing back to back, it just leads to some “ugly crying” on the part of us delegates! 🙂 Keep up the great work; we appreciate it! (Thankfully, Alyssa has a YouTube channel.) Dr. Doug Buckwalter’s devotionals were also insightful, inspirational, and uplifting. What a blessing to be his student many years ago, and now his colleague on the seminary faculty. And, as always, Bishop Bruce Hill was the picture of competency, joy, and common sense.

3. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” So said the esteemed poet Maya Angelou. This week marks the anniversary of her death in 2014. Thankfully, Amanda Gorman is well on her way to reaching a similar stature that Angelou enjoyed. Political quibbles aside, I love her ability to capture a moment with energy, flair, and creativity.

4. I’m loving the meat smoker I got for Christmas in 2019. Applewood chips are the best for smoking chicken, which I think I’ve nailed—if I may so myself. Ha! 🙂 With my brother-in-law’s rub recipe, it’s the best way to prepare it by far. Alas, I’m still learning the best techniques for pork and beef. Those meats are a little harder to get just right. I guess I’ll just have to keep trying!

5. Life has apparently come full circle. I’m heading out soon to a dance recital for my daughter, who first tapped in public many years ago as Minnie Mouse. Today she’ll be a grown-up “Momma Mouse” of sorts. I’m hoping her flair for dance will help the little guy (or gal) inside her to inherit much better rhythm than I have. 🙂

6. Today’s weather reminded me that Enya sings a lot of songs about rain. One of these days I may compile them all into a single post. “Echoes in Rain” from Dark Sky Island is the one pulsating through my head right now. One reviewer describes the piece as featuring “a buoyant optimism due to the marching rhythmic ostinatos and pizzicato strings.” That’s an apt description—which is really saying something since most critics give us little more than piffle and perfidy when they’re deconstructing other people’s art.

7. Here’s a song that’s new to our congregation, based on a question from the Heidelberg Catechism of 1563. It’s called “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death” by Keith and Kristyn Getty, and Matt Papa. I’m loving it!

What is our hope in life and death?
Christ alone, Christ alone
What is our only confidence?
That our souls to Him belong 
Who holds our days within His hand?
What comes, apart from His command?
And what will keep us to the end?
The love of Christ, in which we stand 

O sing Hallelujah!
Our hope springs eternal
O sing Hallelujah!
Now and ever we confess
Christ our hope in life and death

What truth can calm the troubled soul? 
God is good, God is good
Where is His grace and goodness known?
In our great Redeemer’s blood 
Who holds our faith when fears arise?
Who stands above the stormy trial?
Who sends the waves that bring us nigh
Unto the shore, the rock of Christ 

O sing Hallelujah!
Our hope springs eternal
O sing Hallelujah!
Now and ever we confess
Christ our hope in life and death

Unto the grave, what shall we sing?
“Christ, He lives; Christ, He lives!”
And what reward will heaven bring?
Everlasting life with Him 
There we will rise to meet the Lord
Then sin and death will be destroyed 
And we will feast in endless joy
When Christ is ours forevermore

O sing Hallelujah!
Our hope springs eternal
O sing Hallelujah!
Now and ever we confess
Christ our hope in life and death

O sing Hallelujah!
Our hope springs eternal
O sing Hallelujah!
Now and ever we confess
Christ our hope in life and death

Have a blessed holiday weekend!


UPDATE: Bethany’s group did a tap dance routine to Aretha Franklin’s “Think.” It was a marvelous performance, even though it looked exhausting. The choreography called for heel clicks but no wings, which she really wanted to do. Watching her on stage brought back memories of past recitals, not to mention the emotions that go with them. (“Is this the little girl I carried? Sunrise, sunset….” Ha!) Anyway, the song is another example of why Aretha is the real Queen of Soul.

You need me (need me) 
And I need you (don’t you know?)
Without each other there ain’t nothing either can do
Yeah!

New Worship Song for This Sunday: ‘Way Maker’

Corporate worship for Christ Community Church continues this Sunday, February 28 at 10:30 a.m. in Dech Memorial Chapel (Myerstown, PA) and online. We will be singing “Way Maker,” a song that is new to our fellowship. All may preview it here to help prepare for worship:

WAY MAKER

Verse 1

You are here
Moving in our midst
I worship You
I worship You

You are here
Working in this place
I worship You
I worship You

Verse 1

You are here
Moving in our midst
I worship You
I worship You

You are here
Working in this place
I worship You
I worship You

Chorus

Way Maker
Miracle Worker
Promise Keeper
Light in the darkness
My God
That is who You are

Way Maker
Miracle Worker
Promise Keeper
Light in the darkness
My God
That is who You are

Verse 2

You are here
Touching every heart
I worship You
I worship You

You are here
Healing every heart
I worship You
I worship You

Verse 3

You are here
Turning lives around
I worship You
I worship You

You are here
Mending every heart
I worship You
I worship You

Chorus

Way Maker
Miracle Worker
Promise Keeper
Light in the darkness
My God
That is who You are

Way Maker
Miracle Worker
Promise Keeper
Light in the darkness
My God
That is who You are

Bridge

You wipe away all tears
You mend the broken heart
You’re the answer to it all
Jesus

You wipe away all tears
You mend the broken heart
You’re the answer to it all
To it all
Jesus, Yeah

Chorus

Way Maker
Miracle Worker
Promise Keeper
Light in the darkness
My God
That is who You are

Way Maker
Miracle Worker
Promise Keeper
Light in the darkness
My God
That is who You are

Verse 4

You are here
Touching every life
I worship You
I worship You

You are here
Meeting every need
I worship You
I worship You

Word and Music by Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu
© 2016 Integrity Music Europe
CCLI Song No. 7115744

New Worship Song for This Sunday: ‘All I Have Is Christ’

Corporate worship continues at Christ Community Church this Sunday, February 14 at 10:30 a.m. in Dech Memorial Chapel, located in Evangelical Seminary (Myerstown, PA) and also online. We will be singing “All I Have Is Christ,” a song that is new to our fellowship. All may preview it here to help prepare for worship:

ALL I HAVE IS CHRIST

Verse 1
I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave
I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still

Verse 2
But as I ran my hell-bound race
Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross
And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace

Chorus
Hallelujah!
All I have is Christ
Hallelujah!
Jesus is my life

Verse 3
Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me
Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You

Chorus
Hallelujah!
All I have is Christ
Hallelujah!
Jesus is my life

Words and Music by Jordan Kauflin
© 2009 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)
CCLI: 5174122

New Worship Song for This Sunday: ‘Who You Say I Am’

Corporate worship continues this Sunday, January 24 at 10:30 a.m. in Dech Memorial Chapel (Myerstown, PA) and online. We will be singing “Who You Say I Am,” a song that is new to our fellowship. All may preview it here to help prepare for worship:

WHO YOU SAY I AM 

Verse 1

Who am I that the highest King
Would welcome me?
I was lost but He brought me in 
Oh, His love for me 
Oh, His love for me

Chorus 1

Who the Son sets free 
Oh, is free indeed
I’m a child of God
Yes I am

Verse 2

Free at last, He has ransomed me
His grace runs deep 
While I was a slave to sin 
Jesus died for me
Yes, He died for me 

Chorus 2

Who the Son sets free 
Oh, is free indeed
I’m a child of God
Yes I am
In my Father’s house 
There’s a place for me 
I’m a child of God
Yes I am 

Bridge

I am chosen
Not forsaken
I am who You say I am 
You are for me
Not against me
I am who You say I am 

Words and Music by Ben Fielding & Reuben Morgan
© 2017 Hillsong Music Publishing 
CCLI: 7102401 

The Blood of Jesus Speaks for Me

These lyrics by Travis Cottrell and David Moffitt hit all the right marks. While preparing for worship this morning, they found a place of lodging deep within me, igniting a sense of gratitude that should never wane. As I listened again, the first stanza set the vital theme, the second crushed my heart, and the third put my soul to flight. For the rest of the song, I was undone. Thank you, Jesus.

The Blood of Jesus Speaks for Me

The blood of Jesus speaks for me
Be still my soul, redeeming love
Out of the dust of Calvary
Is rising to the throne above

There is no vengeance in His cry
While “It is finished” fills the sky
Forgiveness is the final plea
The blood of Jesus speaks for me

My heart can barely take it in
He pardons all my guilty stains
Surrender all my shame to Him
He breaks the curse of every chain

My sin is great, but greater still
The boundless grace His heart reveals
A mercy deeper than the sea
The blood of Jesus speaks for me

When my accuser makes the claim
That I should die for my offense
I point him too that rugged frame
Where I found life at Christ’s expense

See from His hands, His feet, His side
The fountain flowing deep and wide
Oh, He did shout the victory
The blood of Jesus speaks for me

Worthy is the Lamb
Lamb for sinners slain
Jesus, Lord of all
Glory to His name

Heaven crying out
Let the earth proclaim
Power in the blood
Glory to His name

Worthy is the Lamb
Lamb for sinners slain
Jesus, Lord of all
Glory to His name

Heaven crying out
Let the earth proclaim
Power in the blood
Glory to His name
Jesus!

Oh let my soul arise and sing
My confidence is not in vain
The One who fights for me is King
His hope, His covenant remain

No condemnation now I dread
Eternal hope is mine instead
His word will stand, I stand redeemed
The blood of Jesus speaks for me

Amazing love, how can it be?
The blood of Jesus speaks for me
For me!

Words and Music by Travis Cottrell and David Moffitt
© 2016 Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing / Great Revelation Music / TimeChange Music (ASCAP) 

New Worship Song for This Sunday: ‘Made Me Glad’

Corporate worship continues this Sunday, November 1 at 10:30 a.m. in Dech Memorial Chapel in Myerstown, PA. Local folks will be singing “Made Me Glad”—a song that is new to our fellowship (selected because of its covenant imagery). You can preview it here to help prepare for worship:

MADE ME GLAD

Verse 1

I will bless the Lord forever
And I will trust Him at all times
He has delivered me from all fear 
And He has set my feet upon a rock 
And I will not be moved
And I’ll say of the Lord 

Chorus

You are my shield, my strength
My portion, deliverer
My shelter, strong tower
My very present help in time of need 

Verse 2

Whom have I in heaven but You? 
There’s none I desire beside You 
You have made me glad
And I’ll say of the Lord 

Chorus

You are my shield, my strength
My portion, deliverer
My shelter, strong tower
My very present help 

You are my shield, my strength
My portion, deliverer
My shelter, strong tower
My very present help in time of need

Words and Music by Merriam Webster
© 2001 Meriam Webster and Hillsong Publishing

New Worship Song for This Sunday: ‘Covenant of Grace’

Corporate worship continues this Sunday, September 27 at 10:30 a.m. in Dech Memorial Chapel in Myerstown, PA. Local folks will be singing “Covenant of Grace”—a song that is new to our fellowship. You can preview it here to help prepare for worship:


COVENANT OF GRACE

Chorus

The wonder of Your mercy Lord 
The beauty of Your grace 
That You would even pardon me 
And bring me to this place 
I stand before Your holiness 
I can only stand amazed 
The sinless Savior died to make 
A covenant of grace 

Verse 1

I only want to serve you 
Bring honor to Your name 
And though I’ve often failed You 
Your faithfulness remains 
I’ll glory in my weakness 
That I might know Your strength 
I will live my life at the Cross of Christ 
And raise a banner to proclaim 

Verse 2

You welcome us before You 
Into this holy place 
The brilliance of Your glory 
Demands our endless praise 
The One, the only Savior 
Has opened heaven’s doors
We can enter in free from all our sin 
By Your cleansing sacrifice

Words and Music by Don Wallace 
© 1997 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)

New Worship Song for This Sunday: ‘The Blood of Jesus Speaks for Me’

Corporate worship continues this Sunday, September 20 at 10:30 a.m. in Dech Memorial Chapel in Myerstown, PA. Local folks will be singing “The Blood of Jesus Speaks for Me”—a song that is new to our fellowship. You can preview it here to help prepare for worship:

THE BLOOD OF JESUS SPEAKS FOR ME

The blood of Jesus speaks for me
Be still my soul, redeeming love
Out of the dust of Calvary
Is rising to the throne above

There is no vengeance in His cry
While “It is finished” fills the sky
Forgiveness is the final plea
The blood of Jesus speaks for me

My heart can barely take it in
He pardons all my guilty stains
Surrender all my shame to Him
He breaks the curse of every chain

My sin is great, but greater still
The boundless grace His heart reveals
A mercy deeper than the sea
The blood of Jesus speaks for me

When my accuser makes the claim
That I should die for my offense
I point him too that rugged frame
Where I found life at Christ expense

See from His hands, His feet, His side
The fountain flowing deep and wide
Oh, He did shout the victory
The blood of Jesus speaks for me

Worthy is the Lamb
Lamb for sinners slain
Jesus, Lord of all
Glory to His name

Heaven crying out
Let the earth proclaim
Power in the blood
Glory to His name

Worthy is the Lamb
Lamb for sinners slain
Jesus, Lord of all
Glory to His name

Heaven crying out
Let the earth proclaim
Power in the blood
Glory to His name
Jesus!

Oh let my soul arise and sing
My confidence is not in vain
The one who fights for me is King
His hope, His covenant remain

No condemnation now I dread
Eternal hope is mine instead
His word will stand, I stand redeemed
The blood of Jesus speaks for me

Amazing love, how can it be?
The blood of Jesus speaks for me
For me!

Words and Music by Travis Cottrell and David Moffitt
© 2016 Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing / Great Revelation Music / TimeChange Music (ASCAP)