What is worship?
12:29-31 (NIV) “The most important [commandment],” answered Jesus “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Worship (as God intended it to be) is a giving of everything we are to Him and to each other. Not only is this a response to what He has done for us, it is our response to who He is! We can worship God in whatever we do, whether we’re working, going to school, hanging out with neighbors, spending time with family, whatever! If we seek to honor Christ as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1), then, all we do can be an act of worship.
Worship (as God intended it to be) is a giving of everything we are to Him and to each other. Not only is this a response to what He has done for us, it is our response to who He is! We can worship God in whatever we do, whether we’re working, going to school, hanging out with neighbors, spending time with family, whatever! If we seek to honor Christ as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1), then, all we do can be an act of worship.
What does worship look like at eBF?
We meet together weekly to worship and celebrate as God’s family through music and other art forms, through the study of God’s Word, and by loving and serving each other. Art, as and expression of worship, has a unique way of breaking through to our hearts and communicating Truth to the whole person, both intellectually and emotionally. With this in mind:
- We seek to provide an environment that is comfortable and inviting without diluting the Truth of God as He has given it to us in Scripture.
- We seek to present musical and artistic worship that is well crafted without being “slick” or self-indulgent.
- We seek to blend more modern expressions of worship with older, more established forms in a way that brings generations together.
- We seek participation by the Body of Christ in our worship together, moving away from a sort of concert to true involvement of everyone present.
|
Neil's Newest Release, Solitaire, is Now Available:
This collection of fifteen solo piano compositions reflects the spectrum of emotions we experience when alone, from the joys and inspiration of solitude, to the trials and darkness of isolation. These pieces are meant to celebrate those precious times away from the crowd, but also to encourage those who are in need of hope. For more information, check out Neil's site at www.neilpatton.net Check Out Pastor Neil's Award-Winning Release! Between Shadow and Light has been named "Album of the Year, 2015" at MainlyPiano.com Congratulations, Pastor Neil! Neil says of this album, "I feel this is my best musical work so far. I have opened my veins over the keys in the composing of this music. I hope and pray that it will speak to you where you are, and help you carry on with deep, abiding hope." Kathy Parsons of MainlyPiano.com writes, "There are a lot of really good pianists on the contemporary piano scene, but only a few are breath-taking, and Neil Patton is one of those...Between Shadow and Light is probably the most accessible of Patton’s three solo piano albums, but it is also his most dazzling with a fine array of musical moods and messages." |
|
Some great reading on worship
Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down
by Marva J. Dawn
Boomers vs. busters, clergy vs. laypeople, organists vs. guitarists---"worship wars" are tearing our churches apart! In this provocative book, Dawn calls us to more God-centered worship and away from the "entertain me" attitude. You'll learn practical ways to determine the best methods for deepening worship life, nurturing new and mature believers, and strengthening your ministry in the church and the world.
A Royal Waste of Time
by Marva J. Dawn
Learn how worshiping with appropriate adoration can liberate the hearts of jaded churchgoers who are trapped in today's postmodern, media-saturated culture. Based on solid theological and biblical foundations, Dawn offers experience-based insights to help you navigate beyond destructive worship wars and stimulate renewal in your congregation.
by Marva J. Dawn
Boomers vs. busters, clergy vs. laypeople, organists vs. guitarists---"worship wars" are tearing our churches apart! In this provocative book, Dawn calls us to more God-centered worship and away from the "entertain me" attitude. You'll learn practical ways to determine the best methods for deepening worship life, nurturing new and mature believers, and strengthening your ministry in the church and the world.
A Royal Waste of Time
by Marva J. Dawn
Learn how worshiping with appropriate adoration can liberate the hearts of jaded churchgoers who are trapped in today's postmodern, media-saturated culture. Based on solid theological and biblical foundations, Dawn offers experience-based insights to help you navigate beyond destructive worship wars and stimulate renewal in your congregation.