today's numbers

I really like the date numbers today--8/8/8. A church musician has to think, too, that an "8" is a sign for infinity standing on its side. We sing about infinity a lot, calling it eternity.

back at work--yes

It's great to be back after a week of vacation in Kentucky. We met this Kentucky Cardinal right outside the window, along with egrets, green herons, chickadees, tufted titmouses and others birds I rarely see.

Nature is a great canvas of raw material. Now as I put my thoughts, prayers, and hands on worship, we are turning raw materials into art human hands have made. I really couldn't do without either kind of beauty.

marimbas in church

Young people play the marimba here on this photo I found on the net. Why this photo?

We have marimba music this Sunday at Zion. School kids from Chicago are coming through town.

That's not all. Victor and Warren will participate as the Eastern District officially recognizes Victor's ministry. See earlier newspaper blog about Victor and his ministry.

what you do

People tell me that they can't imagine what a church musician does during the week. Let me throw out a few things I did today. Gave music from the movie Schindler's List to a high school violinist to play in a August. Explained why we draw images sometimes from popular culture to bring into worship. Of course, had to start learning the piano part myself. Put photos in the brochure I've started--You and Zion Music Ministries. Conferred with Pastor Hunter about how to keep the service this Sunday from becoming too long. Checked in with Intern Nate about his participation last week and the week before. Drew up agenda for the Worship Planning Committee meeting in a few minutes. Drew up agenda for my meeting with Nancy and Gail T tomorrow. Practiced the organ ahead for Aug 10 when I'm on again. Talked to a high school student about playing the organ offertory later in August.

page one of MWR

Mennonite Weekly Review is a church paper. Here's a page one story in the July 14 issue. It gets Zion (see highlight) in the news.

It impinges worship next Sunday when the district will license Victor for his ministry.

"Heart and mind, possessions, Lord" is an Indian hymn. I'll see if we can use that in the worship.