LIFT UP HOLY HANDS AND SING

In Sunday's worship service, our Pastor of Worship Arts had us put actions with our words. When we were told to "Lift up holy hands," we did. I know, so what? Many people in many churches do that regularly. But at our church, they are in the minority.

Then when the lyrics said peace, strength, and move, we made the peace sign, made a muscle, and did a little dance. It added to the music, got people out of the seats (and shells) and was a welcomed change.

In the Dali art work on the right, I'm not sure of the three dancers. Well, at least two are dancing, one praying, and one lifting up hands to the Father if she's not also dancing. If she is, then that's cool, too. Anything to focus on God and give Him the glory and praise.

Earlier this year, we focused on art and displayed paintings by church members in our foyer. In the Sunday service we also sang a song written by a 15 or 16 year old member of our Praise Team. We just try to make it about God.

We're getting ready to begin 50 days of Jubilee, which celebrate our 50th anniversary as a church. Special speakers, special service or community projects are being planned.

Forty of our women were in the mountains this weekend for a spiritual retreat. As I've written about before 35 men are being led by our pastor in a bible study about personal revival. A women's bible study will begin soon, if they haven't initiated it yet. Another bible study focuses on Thessalonians. We have ABF before our worship service. Awana for youth. A Prayer Works ministry thirty minutes prior to Adult Bible Fellowship. We have OWLS for Older Wiser Loving Servants of the Lord. We have a choir. We have children's church. We have Small Groups that meet in members' homes.

And I'm still missing several ministries that I haven't touched on. Well, anyway(s) I think I'm overlooking some of them. But if you're looking for a church in the area, if you're looking to be busy, to be around some great people, then please look us up. Or stop by for a visit when you're in the area. To find out more about us go to ScottsdaleBaptist.org. Yep, we even have a website.