Directing I'M AMAZED!

Tonight, Saturday, I had the privilege of sitting up in the balcony control booth with my daughter, Lindsay, as she directed cameras for the services. All I can say is WOW. I believe I counted 8 cameras. The huge screens project whatever shot or angle she thinks artistically compliments the artists, speaker, or drama on stage. Each camera goes live with her command and the fade ins and outs are hers to determine. The action all of the cameras take like move right and fade are what she feels would be artistic transitions for the audience. From the beginning to the end, there are constant decisions about what is to be projected and recorded. The only break was during two media presentations at which Lindsay took the time to tell her crew how amazing they were and how well everyone was doing.

Christian volunteerism such as this is so different from regular volunteering in the way that the affirmation of ones talents, gifts, and contributions are noted and verbally thanked for. No wonder volunteers line up to serve. Where else can you give of yourself and come away feeling so blessed to have been a part. I felt like that as an onlooker.

Mark Beeson, our pastor, always sets the stage for thinking, reflecting, and growing as Christians each time he delivers a message. He really caught my attention when he revealed the results of a recent survey which asked people to name the most boring thing to do. The number one answer was Church. How can worshipping God and thanking him and praising him be boring? It is the stereotypical view of check marking that you attended but not really being present with God while you are at Church. Anyone visiting or attending Granger Community Church will attest that our services are anything but boring and judging by the numbers that are coming to Jesus and becoming Christians, their way of "getting out the message" must be anything but boring though other Churches ridicule us for being big, bold, honest, and innovative. Yet, when we are looking to grow once again, we are looking forward at the thousands of people that we will have the opportunity to open our doors to and help them take their next step to Jesus. Pretty amazing.

On a side note, isn't it true that when someone is doing things well, they are liked, and they try really hard that someone that can't see past themselves and their power has to find ways to tear them down. I see it everyday and you know, I just have to pray for those selfish, self-centered people that are bringing others down with their negativity and cynicism. Maybe they should attend GCC so they can find solitude within so that they don't have to spend their energy tearing others apart. So pray for those types of people that our message might change their hearts for the better. Possibly within the new spaces being prepared, they might find a spot for themselves.