I have LOTS to give updates on: Graham is now 4 months old, our trip to the Zoe Conference in Nashville, my new tattoo, and a new Wednesday night instrumental service we are starting…and that is just the beginning! First, though, is an event that happened last night at our church called The Great Communion. Members from the Independent Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, and Churches of Christ came together for a historic worship gathering to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the writing of the Declaration and Address. This document aided in launching what is called the Restoration movement: the movement that the Churches of Christ came from.
This was also a unity worship gathering between our “tribal cousins” in both the Independent Christian Churches and the Disciples of Christ. Patrick Mead and a pastor from each of our tribes leading the evening. Pastor Steve Martin (I know, I know) from the ICC read a selection from the Declaration and Address and Sara Barton led us in a prayer of unity. Then, I led worship with our praise team. It was the first time many had ever worshipped in an a capella setting. We got an overwhelming about of feedback about how powerful and moving it was to hear so many voices sing in harmony.
We also had an a capella group called The Singing Preachers from the Disciples of Christ perform a few songs for us. They got the crowd swaying and clapping!
Next, the Meadowbrook Christian Church led more worship with their band and then we shared communion with each other, with an elder from each of the tribes presiding over the table. But my favorite part was the ending! Both praise teams and the Singing Preachers stood up at the end and led everyone in How Great Is Our God/How Great thou Art together as one. I even got to play my guitar! It was a powerful and moving event! May God continue to bring us closer together for we are one in Christ!
For more info: check out Patrick Mead’s blog. www patrickmead.net. Here’s a link: http://patrickmead.net/?p=929
Filed under: Church and theology, Worship
Hello Chris,
I’ve been going to Tulsa Workshop for at least 7ish years. I just don’t know why I didn’t go before. I’m one of the christian bikers at Tulsa. I am a Watershed fan, especially Tony Brown, He knows my face, I like his beat. I know all of yours. I was just wanting to listen to something inspirational so I looked up Patrick and Rodchester Hills CofC on the internet. I found a large online Audio file of Topics from the pulpet or classroom. I started listening to many topics including your Witness topic. I ran across the Identity of the CofC #1-11 VERY INSPIRRING!!!!!!
The BEST year ever @ Tulsa when we came BACK TOGETHER AGAIN! Thanks for ALL you do! GOD BLESS!!!!!