Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Garland of Praise

For the last few weeks leading up to Easter, our church collected slips of paper with notes of thanksgiving and praise on them. Just little proclamations of praise to God for the good things He is doing in our lives. There were quite a few by the time we got to Easter Sunday.

Laurie Ward, Robin Scruggs and the kids in the Children's Ministry took the long, multi-colored strips and made a very long paper chain from them. Ron Scruggs, our Director of Worship, wrote a song called "To The Praise of Your Glory" which the Worship Team played as the kids carried the Garland into the Sanctuary and draped it over a cross placed at the foot of the altar. Here are the lyrics to the song:

Our lives are a garland of praise,

You’ve blessed us in so many ways,

We thank You each day,

As we praise Your name,

We’re living a garland of praise.

Redeemed by the Son, Who was raised,

In Him, we’re forgiven by grace,

Adoption ordained,

Joint heirs in His name,

His love is a garland of grace.

Fill us with Your Spirit.

And fill us with Your Truth.

Faith comes when we hear it,

And worship flows to You.

To the praise of Your glory,

To the praise of Your glory,

To the praise of Your glory,

And Your grace.

His will and His purpose revealed,

In His Holy Spirit, we’re sealed,

Holy, without blame,

And chosen to be saved,

His love is a garland of grace.


The garland, combined with the great song of worship were poignant but vivid reminders of God's great love for each of us and quite a sight to behold! It was a powerful conclusion to a great time of worship which led right into our message for the morning, "For The Redemption of God's Own Possession, To the Praise of His Glory" from Eph 1:3-14.

Here are some photos of the service:



It really was an awesome morning! We are so blessed to have so many talented, gifted and willing folks to help prepare services like these. We are doubly blessed to have so many of our friends and new folks join us for worship on such a special day.

He is risen!

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