Blessings Harmonized

As you probably know, we hosted the Moody Bible Institute Chorale on Wednesday evening for a concert.

The event had been rescheduled three times in the last year and a half due to covid concerns.

Admittedly, I was skeptical that it was going to happen even as close as a couple of weeks ago. It happened…and it was fantastic.

Here’s the link to the performance https://fb.watch/d7AuOJ0kaN/

I wouldn’t describe myself as a chorale enthusiast, but I appreciate music, singing and a variety of art forms, especially when linked with our faith in Jesus.

Allow me to share some pastoral perspectives on the event:

Hospitality was shared.

Many servants in our church helped organize the event logistics, the sanctuary (sound and sights) and perhaps best of all… the food. These students are traveling for a couple of weeks, eating a variety of meals…after a semester of dorm food. The looks on their faces when they saw the spread said it all. Complete joy, enjoyment and satisfaction.

And I’m probably not exaggerating when I say that the dessert table was even more colorful and abundant. The students at my table were so happy to have a variety of choices, especially with food allergies/limitations. They felt free to eat AS MUCH as they wanted. The best part of the meal was the fellowship around the tables.

The students spread out and engaged our church family in lively, interesting conversations. Their after meal song of “thanks” was clever, appropriate and a perfect ending to the meal. We could have all gone home after that, it was so well done. Thank you church for showing hospitality!

Generosity was shown.

Their performance was a gift to us. They’ve practiced, traveled and gave their best collective effort to us in their concert.

Their testimonies, readings and even their facial expressions were a great compliment to their trained voices. The audience responded with applause and smiles throughout the evening.

Blessings were traded.

The performance was concluded with their singing the blessing found in Numbers 6 (Aaronic blessing) over the congregation. It was heartfelt and received.

We called them back in to return the favor…they spread out throughout the room to be prayed for and blessed by members of the audience…staring them right in the eyes.

These simple acts proved to be heartfelt, meaningful and even a glimpse of heaven.

That night was a joy to be a part of as strangers became known to one another through our bond in Christ and acts of generosity towards one another.

Let’s continue being “that kind of church” towards one another and to our community.