For some of our Lakeview Family, the summer has included travels home for the summer, family visits, vacations to near and far and other adventures. Soon our winter residents will be returning and the pace of life here at Lakeview will pick up again. If you are one of those who have been traveling, I hope you’ve stayed in touch by watching Lakeview Live on Sundays or later watching the worship recording. You can also share the experience if you are blessed by it, so “like, share, comment” when watching the worship. It helps us know you’ve been there and how it’s helping you experience worship from afar and it helps more people see us on the internet. You can also click the “subscribe” button and be notified when we have new video’s available.

Psalms 8:1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.

We have had some fun this summer with some special worship experiences at 9 and 10:30. We had a Hymn Sing with commentary on the writers of those hymns, Holy Humor Sunday where we focused on God as the author of joy and laughter. On August 4, the Dry Heat Band helped us get in the mood with a gospel music focus and many arrived in their western gear. The next week was Bible Stories for Grown Ups and we studied three stories together, revisiting some seldom used stories in adult worship. August 18 found us sharing in artworks from cars, rocks, photos, textiles, to fine art as we saw the connection between God as creator and the gift of human creativity reflecting God’s image. Rounding out the special weeks was a second Hymn Sing Sunday.

I hope you were blessed by some of these opportunities. We’re aware that not every setting is comfortable for every person, but sometimes going out of our comfort zone to experience worship a little differently can help us see God in a new light, renewing our faith and joy in worship.

Psalms 95:6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!

Alexander McClaren, A Baptist pastor from Scotland at the turn of the 20^th century said, “Fruitful and acceptable worship begins before it begins.” Worship is an action we engage intentionally. It is never meant to be strictly a spectator sport. When I rise on Sunday, I first greet God and ask, “What are you going to show me today of your character and grace?” From the beginning of the day, I am approaching worship from this position of anticipation. Not every message, not every song, not every prayer will resonate or bring meaning but there is something there for me and it’s up to me to find that something. That is what anticipation in worship should look like.

I enjoy a variety of music in worship from classics to contemporary and rock and roll. Each has a place in helping me draw closer to God, give him praise, and allow his glory to be seen and heard. I encourage you to approach every worship opportunity the same way; What is God going to reveal to you? How will God change you? What is said, sung, or written, that is for you? If you do, I believe you will always be blessed even if the music isn’t your style, when we gather to worship we gather together, bow down and give glory and praise to the One who loved us first, loved us when we were unlovable, and has made us whole and free from sin. See you in worship and around the town!

~ Pastor John