Sometimes, I Wish . . .

I am thrilled to be one of 28 bloggers participating in the Blog Hop, "Sometimes I Wish . . ."  Sending out a heartfelt thank you to Momme for her introduction and link to my post here.  You can visit her at Mommetime and show her some love!


My husband, Danny, and I help lead worship every Sunday at our contemporary praise service.  Sandwiched between two traditional services, we are so busy setting up equipment after 8:30 church and breaking it down as the 11:00 worshipers are filing in, there is, regrettably, no time to mingle and chat with the faithful members and visitors who attend our 9:45 offering.

Sometimes, I wish we had more time to meet and greet . . . 

Ours has never been a heavily populated service.  Methodists are, for the most part, still fairly old-fashioned when it comes to worship.  They want their songs from the hymnal.  They find comfort in ritual.  That's okay.  We realize our service is an alternative not everyone will like.  We joyfully offer it to those who do.

Sometimes, I wish there were more folks in the pews . . .

We have four band members, three of whom have hectic and, at times, unpredictable schedules.  This makes it difficult for us to get together for practice.  Danny is always learning new material and is anxious to bring new songs to  the congregation.  How is that possible when the four of us can't get together?

Sometimes, I wish we had more time for practice . . .

Pastor Wallace reminds us of all the lost and hurting souls in our community.  How do we reach them for Christ?  How do we let them know this contemporary service is one filled with warmth and welcome?  Overflowing with unconditional love?

Sometimes, I wish our music could be broadcast to the street as people drive by.  Offering the invitation to come.  To find healing.  To find peace.  To know joy . . .

Sometimes, I wish.  We wish.  But, wishing alone doesn't cut it.  Because wishes without action, without goals, remain unfulfilled pipe dreams.  We can wish until the cows come home, but if we're not willing to put our money where our mouths are, what can we expect to change for the better?

So, this summer, we stop wishing and start planning.  Danny brainstorms with the our clergy and music director.  These are some of the concrete ideas which transform wishes into reality.

Sometimes, I wish we had more time to meet and greet . . .

Service time is changed from 9:45 to 9:55.  Members are encouraged to arrive at the old time so we can share in conversation and refreshments.

Sometimes, I wish there were more folks in the pews . . .

We order a large banner which advertises our service, now renamed "The Way", to place near the street.  This will allow thousands of people to know about our service.  They just might decide to give us a try . . .

Sometimes, I wish we had more time for practice . . .

Danny sends Rob, our bass player, and David, our drummer, links to the new songs he wants them to learn along with chords and lyrics.  Everyone practices on his own time.  When we gather for warm-up on Sunday mornings, we give it a run-through, and we're ready to go!  It's simply amazing how well this works for us.  There's nothing like the professionalism of seasoned musicians!

Sometimes, I wish our music . . .

Well, no, we haven't taken it that far yet.  But, we are hopeful that the banner will draw in the lonely, the curious.  Those who have given up on traditional worship.

We hope they might find our path is the right one for them . . .

The right path.  The one where we stop wishing alone.  And, find hope in God's promise of a life fully and meaningfully lived.  The life He has chosen for us.

Sometimes, I wish we would wish less, and do more.

Do more for others.  Do more for the Lord.

And, should you wish to listen to our musical offering, you may do so at our site.  May it fill your heart, your mind, your soul, with joy!


I'm honored to pass this Blog Hop torch to Mary Hudak-Collins.  In her blog, "Living With Food Allergies and Celiac Disease", click here, Mary not only shares amazing and delicious gluten-free recipes, but also pearls of wisdom in how she and her family cope with the challenges of growing teens and how she is meeting their unique needs.  Hope you will tune into her blog tomorrow!