Easter was exciting. We had quite a few more people than usual. A normal Sunday brings in around 75 people, and I think we had roughly 200 over that. If you compare it as a percentage to any other church, we look amazing! You could tell that these people weren’t used to Twelve Oaks worship.
    Our worship service went great. Dwayne Stuber, of Tremont fame, gave the message on–big surprise here…the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ! He hasn’t preached at Twelve Oaks for a few years, so it was nice to see him again and hear him speak. The music also went really well. We were definitely in a zone. The djembe, the bass, the keyboards… great mix, great sound, great intensity…it was just great.

Here’s the set list for the service…

Unchanging (opener)
Holy is the Lord

:: Announcements ::

The Wonderful Cross
Arise
Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble

[special music]

:: sermon :: Dwayne Stuber

You Are I Am

    The sound quality was there, the energy from the band was there… but the congregation just didn’t really get into it. Okay, well, first I have to confess that the visitor count I mentioned earlier was a bit inaccurate. At least in regards to unchurched/first-time visitors. Many were from our sister church in Tremont, Northfield Christian Fellowship, to hear Dwayne preach. And we also had some visitors/relatives from Bethany Baptist Church. Being much more conservative churches, they were less inclined to stand, clap, raise their hands or do anything that required some sort of visible motion. So, it was definitely a humbling learning experience for me.
    I doubt there was anything I could have done differently to get a more positive response. I am still learning to flow with the congregation and lead them, instead of beating them onto the path I want them to follow. At least I know that God is still working on me.

One of my favorites quotes of all time has been sticking out to me lately…

    "Greatness is not determined by where we stand, but in what direction we are heading. Sometimes we must sail with the wind, and sometimes against it. But sail we must and not drift, nor lie at anchor."

~Oliver Wendell Holmes