Music News

What is worship and when does it happen?  Certainly not only on Sunday.  Worship can happen any time or place…at the sight of a beautiful sunset or crisp October blue-sky day; through the message of an anthem or hymn; reflection on a meaningful scripture passage…many, many ways.  Worship begins with God, not us.  He seeks more than the praise of our lips – He expects us to worship Him through obedience to His commands.  We worship a holy God who calls us to holiness.  Pray and be thankful every day, asking God for a new visitation among us.  "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”  Numbers 6:24-26 NIV

 The combined voices of Chancel Choir and JOY Singers are slated to present Emmanuel, Celebrating Heaven’s Child on December 8 in our 11 am worship.  You are invited to join in the preparation and upcoming celebration of Christmas at AWBC.  But let’s keep in mind, Christmas is not about the things we bring to the celebration.  It’s about what Emmanuel brings.  Christmas is about a God in Heaven who loved us enough to send His only Son.  It’s about offering our hearts and lives to Him.

 There’s a great reunion ahead for every believer as Christ’s victory over sin and death gives us the assurance of an eternal home in heaven.  Charles Gabriel envisioned this reunion when he wrote the hymn, “O That Will Be Glory” – one of the most popular of his day:  When all my labors and trials are o'er / And I am safe on that beautiful shore / Just to be near the dear Lord I adore / Will through the ages be glory for me.  What a glorious celebration awaits us one day soon!

   Looking ahead …

• Nov 5 – JOY Outing to Woodlands
• Nov 19 – JOY Outing to Wisteria Gardens
• Dec 3 – JOY Outing to State VA Home
• Dec 4 – Christmas Dress Rehearsal
• Dec 8 – Season of Wonder Emmanuel, Celebrating Heaven’s Child; 11 am with Walt Grayson reprising his narration of 2004
• Dec 10 – JOY Outing to The Orchard; singing at 2 pm; Dutch treat lunch before hand