Communion of the Saints

The above video (click "play"--sorry about the heads, I was trying to be discrete) is a brief clip from the worship service we attended this morning. As you can tell, the flavor was a little different then what we may be used to at First. The team liked it, however, and thought that maybe we could take a few ideas back to Denver with us. Here's a list of possibilities:

• In order to spur all of us on to good stewardship/giving, have the entire congregation bring their offerings up front (instead of having the deacons bring the plates to the congregation), where the plates sit under the watchful eye of the Pastor and church leadership.
• Encourage your preacher. This would probably be the roll of the elders who could stand up front with me (it gets so lonely up there!). Phrases like: "Preach on, son!" "Communicate!'' "Work it out Preacher." Or just a good, ol' fashion "Amen!" would serve as a good start. Where words fail, a good pat on the back, clapping, or a whoop will do just fine. I'll talk to John B. about this when we get home and pass on any further tips.
• Have your pastor sing the conclusion of his sermon (what you see above).
• Have the organist punctuate important points in the sermon/communal prayer with a few blues/jazz riffs. Looks like I'll have to talk to Barb, too.
• A Sunday School pageant. Can any of our kids name Jobs friends?

In all seriousness, it was a good service, we were warmly welcomed, and it was good to be reminded of the diversity that is the Body of Christ.