May 2019 Worship Schedule:
Milt Warkentien, Music Ministry Coordinator and Lightshine Youth Choir Director
Sunday, May 5 Band Led with communion
8:30 a.m. Worship Team 10:45 a.m. Lightshine Youth Choir
May 12th Traditional – Mother’s Day Men’s Chorus at both services
May 19th Volunteer Sunday with communion & lots of music
All music groups (Sunday School Choir at 10:45 only)
May 26th One Service at 10:00 – Outdoors if weather permitting
Cheri Sykes and her quartet
June 2nd Traditional with communion
Summer service times: 8:30 & 10 a.m.
Bjorn Christ singing at both services
May is always an interesting time of year for me as I’m usually playing in pit orchestras for plays; Easter has come and gone; the end of the school year is soon at hand; and I know instrument repair will soon be at its peak season.
All of this brings a different busyness in my schedule; there’s the excitement of new shows; the beginning of some sadness, as the reality sets in that our various choirs will soon be done until next fall; and knowing that as the weather really starts to get nice, and the BWCA is calling, the horns will begin to pile up at work. This time of year can build tension in my everyday existence.
Some days music and worship can be very emotional for me; and then at other times I’ll feel almost nothing. This can be extremely frustrating as I take pride in keeping worship alive for the congregation. It can be hard to do when you can hardly keep it alive for yourself. This is probably my biggest challenge as a music coordinator. I feel it is vital to relate to people and be accessible to questions and suggestions all year long; and to be honest, there are many days when that’s very hard.
I do have an amazing support group of friends and family, which helps me keep things in perspective and keeps me laughing and smiling. Without this support group I think I’d be up a creek without a paddle. However, it still irks me when I’m going thru a stage like this, as I know and believe the Christmas to Easter story. How can that not be enough at times? What am I missing? I know many people struggle throughout the year, so I know I’m not alone, but it is still mystifying that having Christ in your life doesn’t ease the ups and downs.
I suppose that’s one of the reasons the Footprints poem is so important to my faith. I love the image of Jesus walking beside me and having a good time when things are going well, but carrying me through the tough times. When push comes to shove, that’s the image of Jesus that I see–an unbelievable friend that will never leave you alone, that knows when you just need to have someone in your life, and knows when you need to be carried for a while. I hope all of you know the Jesus of the Footprints poem and have others in your life to help carry you, or just walk with you.
I’ve used ELW 581 “You Are Mine” many times to end my Vine article, but David Haas’ words seem so appropriate for this article and it’s one of my favorite hymns:
“I will come to you in the silence, I will lift you from all your fear.
You will hear my voice, I claim you as my choice. Be still and know I am here.
I am hope for all who are hopeless, I am eyes for all who long to see.
In the shadows of the night, I will be your light.
Come and rest in me. Do not be afraid, I am with you.
I have called you each by name.
Come and follow me, I will bring you home; I love you and you are mine.
I am strength for all the despairing, healing for the ones who dwell in shame.
All the blind will see, the lame will all run free, and all will know my name.
Do not be afraid, I am with you. I have called you each by name.
Come and follow me, I will bring you home; I love you and you are mine.
I am the Word that leads all to freedom, I am the peace the world cannot give.
I will call your name, embracing all your pain.
Stand up, now walk and live! Do not be afraid, I am with you.
I have called you each by name. Come and follow me, I will bring you home;
I love you and you are mine.”
The most important phrases in this hymn, for me, are:
- “I will come to you in the silence” (A reminder that I need to take time for myself and let God in)
- “Do not be afraid, I am with you” (I will never be alone) and
- “Stand up, now walk and live!” (Make sure I don’t dwell in the negatives, but get out and enjoy life and serve the Lord).
My prayer for all of us is that we remember that Jesus is walking beside us or carrying us, so we must STAND UP, WALK AND LIVE!
–Milty