For the past two Sundays Pastor Brad has done a great job of preaching messages in our NEW series.  As I sat in worship and listened to the message this past Sunday, I realized that it was the first time I had not preached two Sundays in a row when I was actually present in the worship service of a church where I was serving in at least ten years, and most likely it has been twenty-one years.  That's a long time to have always been up front in worship delivering the message, week after week, with the only breaks being when I was a way on a missions trip or vacation, or a week every four to six weeks when another pastor preached.

I bring that up because my preparation for worship is quite different on the Sundays I'm not preaching.  For example, on Saturday evening, I am able to be more present with my family.  I'm not already thinking about Sunday morning's message.  (I do pray for the preacher of the day, in our current situation, Pastor Brad, that God will give him clear thoughts, and good rest, and a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit.)  Also, on Saturday as I think about worship when I'm not going to be preaching, I pray for the rest of the worship team, and those involved behind the scenes (which I do on the weeks I am preaching as well.)  In some ways, I'm more relaxed on the Saturdays when I'm not going to be preaching the next day.

As I thought about that, especially as I had the opportunity to be in that situation the past two Saturdays, I realized that's the situation most of you find yourselves in EVERY Saturday, unless you're part of the worship team, or part of the children's ministries or administrative staff.  You aren't going to be up front in worship, or leading a class for our children, or welcoming and guiding folks to where they need to be.  My point?  You still have a vital role to play in preparing for worship:  preparing your own heart and mind AND praying for those who will be leading.

I have appreciated the opportunity to sit with my family throughout most of the services the past two Sundays.  I have benefited from the biblical instruction and practical guidance in Pastor Brad's messages, and I have enjoyed being able to focus more on welcoming guests and following up with you "regulars" without having the distraction of another service coming up in which I'm "on."

Tomorrow I AM preaching.  My preparation today will be different than for the past two Sundays.  Frankly, I'm excited about that.  I would rather be leading worship and preaching God's words of hope, encouragement, challenge and salvation than taking any other role in worship.  But I'm grateful that we now have a second pastor who is of that same mind, and whose passion and skill in preaching makes me glad to be a part of worship whether I'm the preacher of the day or not!  I'll be waking with a little extra anticipation tomorrow, because I am already enthusiastic about the message of how we keep God's NEW life growing in our lives. It's titled "The Staying Power."  I hope you'll be praying for me and the rest of the worship team today, and that you'll awake with anticipation for being part of the New Life family's worship and praise of our God.  I look forward to seeing you there at 8:45 or 10:15 at the South Butler Primary School!

Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving each of us a vital role in the preparation for corporate worship.  Fill us with Your Holy Spirit today that our focus will be on You, and that we may invest time in preparation for worshiping You together tomorrow.  This we ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.