Abram and Updates on Jacoby

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Wasn’t the “acoustic” set a joy to participate in on Sunday? I usually sit towards the front for obvious reasons. However, because our sound system isn’t engineered for that auditorium at Jacoby, I try to find a spot where it’s not so ‘hot.’ Sunday, we had great seats. I could hear Perry and Stan, and I could hear the congregation. It was amazing.

We have had lots of excellent input regarding the Jacoby experience, so let me chime in on several things that have been suggested:

We’re finding it virtually impossible to have the words on the screen line up for everyone. Because Jacoby’s seating is slanted and below the stage, if you are seated towards the back, the words on the screen are too high, and if you are sitting towards the front, the words are too low. We have tried to get all the words in the middle of the screen, but that doesn’t allow for much content. So, thanks for your patience, but we’re not sure there’s a great solution beyond what we’re doing.
The sound is hit-and-miss partially due to our system not being engineered for Jacoby. Some have asked about using Jacoby’s sound system, but their system is a bit antiquated, and it would not serve us very well. In the next year or so, UCC is considering a significant audio/visual upgrade that could help.
We’re unsure how to encourage, strongly suggest, or get folks to move toward the center to help them hear one another more. Our Sunday attendance has been steady, and we don’t feel like a ‘pea in a stadium.’ But we have heard from some who want to hear others sing around them. To do that, people will need to move closer together:). I know, I know…Roseburgians like their space.
Children’s Ministries has exploded, and we have quickly adjusted to add another class. This past Sunday was the first Sunday with the additional class. I haven’t heard yet how that went, and we will make more adjustments if needed.
There are a few server opportunities that are needed. Here’s a link to sign-up for those spots: https://clfroseburg.breezechms.com/form/bdd6dc228734.

Abram

Several things stuck with me on Sunday from Luis’ sermon about Abram. Here are just a few:

Abram was from a very wealthy, pagan family living in enemy territory. I love it when God plucks people out from wherever He desires. But Abram was willing to leave it all behind…because God spoke.
Be a blessing to all nations. I wondered how often our demonstration of the gospel and declaration of the gospel is a blessing to people. Do I think through complex situations well enough? Do I like ‘pat’ answers that don’t bless but are cute? Do I think of being a blessing as I parent, coach, go through the grocery store, or encounter people I disagree with?
Shechem…the dark place. Yet that is where God spoke to Abram, and it’s where Abram worshipped God. Doesn’t this word seem dark sometimes? And hasn’t God spoken? Isn’t He worthy of worship, even if it’s near the gates of hell? Yes!
I was provoked by Luis’ treatment of John 8 and the Jewish leaders’ interaction about being Abraham’s people. It is not those who are physical descendants of Abraham who are his people, but spiritual descendants by faith. But this also struck me as I raise my family and teach my church. Being a member of the York family does not make my kids Christian and being at CLF does not make people Christian. Faith and repentance are necessary to be considered members of God’s family.

Let me add another thing about Luis’ preaching. He’s such a gifted communicator, but his conscience is held captive by God’s word. I love that about him. Luis came to CLF several years ago, and he really is a ‘son of CLF.’ I find great delight when he breaks, and it’s another reminder of why 2 Timothy 2:2 is critical to the church’s life.

Upcoming

This Sunday, April 9th, we will have our Easter Service at 10:00 a.m. at Jacoby.

From the Cheap Seats

A 3-0 start for the Rangers. Sweeping the defending NL champs was a pleasant surprise. Now comes the running Orioles. They swiped ten bags over the weekend and weren’t caught once. They’re fast.
The NCAA Men’s Basketball tourney has revealed how much parity there is now in college sports. I’m wondering when football is going to have parity like this. Baseball is already there.
I love the new MLB pitch clock rules. I can listen to a game in under 3 hours or, on a Sunday night, enjoy it with my kids. And I don’t feel like I’ve spent all day or night waiting for the pitcher to pitch! It reminds me of the game I grew up watching.

To watch or listen to the sermon described in this post, please click here.