The time has come!

God has been at work here at the Church in the Falls in regards to an instrumental worship service for some time now.

After many years of conversation, it was nearly a decade ago that Rod and several others in our church family came up with the idea of the “Prelude Coffee House,” a Saturday night weekly event that was held in our FFLC. Prelude featured instrumental music groups both from inside our church and from other area churches. The hope of Prelude was that it could somehow be a stepping stone towards an instrumental service. There were times that it seemed it wouldn’t, but God had His own plan and His own timing. The seed had been firmly planted.

Prelude eventually came to an end, and for many it appeared that the hope of a second service with instrumental music had fizzled. There were brothers and sisters who felt very hurt about it, so much so that many chose to look for a church family elsewhere. In the history of the Church in the Falls, it was one of the most challenging times we had faced. But, God knew that it wasn’t time. Not yet.

New leaders in our church rose up. The conversation of an instrumental service continued. ARISE was born. An “I-Worship” campaign was had. An instrumental Christmas Eve service was enjoyed.

Meanwhile, the music language of people outside of our tribe continued to grow more and more towards instrumental music. First, there was Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Stephen Curtis Chapman, and Rich Mullins. Then, D. C. Talk, Jars of Clay, and Audio Adrenaline. Then, Third Day, Rend Collective, Chris Tomlin, and Bethel. Radio stations that played contemporary Christian music like The Fish and K-Love were becoming a part of the Christian culture. For those outside of our walls, this was the music that was relevant to them. Finally, God said…now is the time.

I am so thankful for the vision of the leaders in this church, both past and present, that has responsibly guided us to where we will be next Sunday, September 20, 2015. We are going on mission with an instrumental worship service, while preserving a beautiful tradition of our Church of Christ heritage with an a cappella service. Let’s SERVE and CELEBRATE together next Sunday. Let’s be ONE and go to class together in between services.

There are going to be bumps along the way still. Not every song will be of professional quality. Sometimes the music might get a little too loud, or the mix won’t quite be right. There’s going to be a wrong note played or sung sometimes. That’s what happens when we grow. Be patient with us, we’ll get things worked out.

The singers and instrumentalists for Arise have amazing hearts. None are doing this for personal attention. Not one. It has always been and will always be about glorifying God. They will be there to lead you closer to the throne room of God, not to their own personal satisfaction. I know their hearts. This is the truth.

I love the heart of this church. I have been here for the entirety of my 38 year life and there are things happening here now that I never dreamed could happen. But, God knew all along that we would get here. Trust in Him. He’s got a VERY good track record.

Love,

Jared