The Role of Music In Worship

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The Role of Music In Worship. Music has an important role to play in the worship experience  of any church. It is the major chord in the total ministry of the church. It provides the atmosphere for worship, setting the stage for celebration or contemplation. It brings the members of the congregation into one body as they sing; and it touches the hearts of those who may be untouched by the spoken word. Music is also an avenue of communication with God. It ‘is one of the most effective means of impressing the heart with spiritual truth’ (Ed 168). Accordingly, it is an important and integral part of the worship experience. 

Through singing and instrumental music, we want to bring glory to God as we worship Him. Music is intended to create an uplifting atmosphere, to ennoble and purify our thoughts, to foster our commitment to the Lord, and to effectively influence the development of Christ-like characters in us.

The role of music in worship is biblical. After escaping from the Egyptians and crossing the Red Sea, the children of Israel sang a song to the Lord (Exod. 15). Singing was part of Israel’s formal worship in both the tabernacle and the temple (1 Chron 6:31-32, 16:42).

In the past, the Worship Service was mostly aimed toward the spoken Word which is called the Sermon; but now, it is realized that different parts of the Worship Service also speak to worshippers. This means that emphasis must be placed on all aspects of the Worship Service.  That is the Prayer, the Scripture, the Sermon, and the Music.  We cannot underestimate the power of music in our Services as a dynamic and powerful link to God the Father, just as prayer or the spoken word.

Church musicians ought to be cognizant of the important role music play in preparing the saints for “a Word from God.”  The music chosen for the worship service should inspire, uplift, and focus attention on Christ. It should communicate the love of God and enrich the spoken Word.

Therefore, it should be of good taste and express a sense of awe and wonder and lead our thoughts to God.  Finally, music chosen should be appropriate for the occasion, complement the spoken word, inspire the worshippers, and glorify our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

--Mrs. Annette Lavern Dorsett, Music Coordinator, South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists


ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES 
Passing of Dr. Hugh A. Roach
We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Dr. Hugh A. Roach, last evening.  Pastor Roach served as Conference President, Departmental Director, Principal of Bahamas Academy, and Chaplain of the House of Assembly.  Please keep in your prayers, Sis. Olga, Opal, Hubert and the extended family, that the God of Heaven will sustain them and provide comfort at this difficult time.

Joint Prayer Service
On Friday, September 4, 2020 the Atlantic Caribbean Union, including the North and the South Bahamas Conference held a time of prayer and praise for the Bahamas where members, ‘Thanking God for His Favor in Past Disasters’. Together we sought God’s intervention during the Covid-19 Pandemic and the rest of 2020 Hurricane Season. May we all seek God for comfort and strength during our challenging times.

--Administration


CALENDAR OF EVENTS 
September 2020
5 – 26 Youth Evangelistic Campaigns
6 Launch of CHAM 25th Anniversary
Talent Competition
13 – 19 Health Week
19 Pathfinder Day
26 Sabbath School Guest Day
 Launch of Ingathering


BIBLE CLASS
The South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists continues its Bible Class on Sunday September 6, 2020 with Pastor Lynden Williams. The session will begin at 6:30p.m. to 7:30p.m. For further information please contact Pastor Lynden Williams via email at lwilliams@sbcadventist.org.bs

-- Pastor Lynden Williams, Bible Studies & Spirit of Prophecy Coordinator


CHILDREN & ADOLESCENT MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
Celebrating 25th Anniversary
Talent Competition
In conjunction with the General Conference’s Children’s Ministries Department we are celebrating 25 years of ministry to children and adolescents! To commemorate this event, we are calling all children and teens to join us in showcasing their talents and gifts in a competition called Kids Talents for Jesus. The theme is, ‘Jesus is My Best Friend’. We would love to see the talent of your children, please send in their best piece of art, or poetry, or media production emphasizing this theme. The deadline for submissions is October 16, 2020 (please submit to your CHAM leader). For more information please contact your local leader. Details, including rules and criteria for the competition can also be found on the Conference Website via the CHAM page.

Upcoming CHAM Events
October 25-31 – CHAM Week of Prayer
November 21 – Children’s Day (Joint)A.M.
November 21 – Agape Praise (Joint) P.M.

– Mrs. Lavern Sturrup, Children & Adolescent Ministries Director


HEALTH MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
Health Week – September 12 – 17, 2020
September 12 - Health Emphasis Day under the theme: 'Health Leaders Pivoting for Ministry.' Speaker: Dr. Angeline David Brauer, Health Ministries Director, North American Division. Divine Worship at 11:00a.m via Hillview Church  Zoom, Meeting ID: 333819151

September 12 - Adventist Youth Hour at 6:00p.m. Topic: 'The Whole You' Panel Discussion with Dr. Joseph Evans, Urologist, Dr. Idamae Hanna, Nutritionist, Dr. Yashica Seymour, Pediatrician, Dr. Stephanie Hutchinson, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, and Dr. Vanessa Miller, Gynecologist. Come and get your health questions answered. Via Hillview Church Zoom. Meeting ID: 734017448

September 13 - Atlantic Caribbean Union (ATCU), Health Seminar. Topic: The True Foundation of Health.  Facilitators: Dr. Mark Sandoval, Medical Director and Ashwin Sukumaran Lifestyle Practitioner, Uchee Pines Institute, Seale, Alabama.

 October 4 - ‘Let’s Move to Live’ Virtual Fun Run Walk at 6:00a.m – 7:00p.m. Come join in the fun and get moving!  Walk in your yard, house or your neighborhood (if permitted).  Once you complete your walk/run take a screen shoot and upload it to Health Ministries Facebook Page. Churches are encouraged to wear their church colours when walking.  For more information, please contact your local Health Leader. Official opening via zoom. Meeting ID: TBA

--Mrs. Nathelyn LaCroix, Health Director

Health Tip
Hydration and Your Health
Hydration is vital for every living being. Since approximately 70% of our bodies is made up of water, water has to constantly be replaced to keep our bodies functioning properly and to prevent any health complications. Drinking sufficient water every day is crucial for many reasons including to: regulate body temperature, prevent infections, lubricate joints, deliver nutrients to cells and keep organs functioning properly. Every cell and organ in our bodies contain water. A reasonable goal is to drink 6 to 8, 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Hydration is important during physical activity; and even if you are sitting in the sun on a hot or humid day without exercising. Both can cause your body to need more water to prevent dehydration. We also lose water every day through breathing, sweating and urination. Remember, proper hydration is critical for maintaining overall health and bodily functions including preventing urinary tract infections. So, travel with a bottle of water to help you stay hydrated.

--Mrs. Jorjette Bain, Assistant Leader, Philadelphia Church


SABBATH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Special Training Continues – September 6, 2020
All Sabbath School officers and teachers are asked to attend a very special training that will be conducted via zoom for the next four (4) Sunday's at 10:00 in the morning. Pastor Samuel Telemaque & Sis. Jennifer Kerr along with Sabbath School directors from Atlantic Caribbean Union will lead in the training. Looking forward to your support.

--Pastor Leonardo Rahming, Sabbath School Director


WOMEN’S MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
Please note that due to this COVID-19 pandemic, our regular submission format has changed.

This week and every week thereafter, we will stay connected thorough our “Sisters for Sisters” words of empowerment and inspiration, coming from women across our Conference. The submission this week is by Sis. Stacy Wallace, WM Local Leader, Johnson Park Church.

Never Worthless
Suppose I told you that you are so loved. Suppose I said that there is someone who cares very deeply about you. Suppose I say no matter what you feel about yourself, no matter how hard you are on yourself, that there is someone who sees value in you. One who saw that you were "worth it", even before you were formed inside your mother's womb. You, yes you, the woman reading this…. Would you believe me? On the other hand, would you think that I must be a little out of my mind. You may think that because I don't know you that I couldn't possibly know these things about you.

Well in essence, that is what our God feels about each one of us. In fact, He says so in His word, "She is more precious than rubies; and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared to her." Proverbs 3:15. "But even the very hairs of your head are numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows" Luke 12:7

In the midst of this pandemic, it is easy to feel a little worthless. I know this because I have found myself feeling this way. During this period, I started to feel like I had somehow lost my worth. I had in some kind of a way been devalued. It may or may not be fair to say that all of us at some time or another struggle with these feelings.

In the early stages of this "Rona Saga", as some of my friends refer to it, I went into a local office building to pick up an item that required me to use an elevator. I am not usually afraid of elevators but with this COVID thing, I was so uncertain, a large group of people in a tight space…um? I didn't quite know what to do but I got into the elevator anyway and as the doors were about to close, I settled in and breathed a sigh of relief. I would get to ride the elevator all by myself and more so, be able to pull down my facemask for a little bit. Just then, a woman and a little girl appeared in front of the closing elevator doors, my mind began to race.

"What should I do?" ("Man let them doors close, they can catch it when it comes back down)"...was what the first mind said….then I was convicted and had a second thought, "what would my Saviour do?"… I quickly pressed the button a few times and the doors flew open violently. They both stepped in with the woman thanking me profusely while tightly clutching the little girl's hand who looked to be about three years old.

Out of reflex, I straightened my mask, leaned my head against the back of the elevator and closed my eyes for the ride...just as the doors had closed again there was a loud scraping sound and the elevator came to a halt. Before I could formulate a thought of my own, the lady who had just got on with the child started screaming and beating her hands against the closed elevator doors shouting "we are all going to die", I know we are going to die".

Unhealthy thoughts were starting to formulate in my own mind. "Suppose we don't make it?" I then remembered my faith and I went into survival mode. Corona or no corona, I had to calm this lady down. I could also see giant puddles forming in the little girls eye.

"Hey, hey, hey"….I said grabbing her shoulders, "No we are not going to die, who told you that? The devil is a liar”.

Suddenly, my mind flashed back to a question my mother-in-law always asked before she was about to witness the gospel to a stranger. I then softly asked, "Do you know Jesus?"
….To be continued next week.

Upcoming Event
“Pandemic Panic births Prayer and Praise”. Stay tuned for more details on this Women’s Ministries event.

Pause and Pray Wednesday
Don’t forget our weekly Pause and Pray appointment on Wednesdays at noon.

Donation Request: Used, But In Good Condition Devotionals
Kindly donate to your local Women’s Ministries Leader for distribution during our community outreach projects this year.

--Mrs. Jacqueline Gibson, Women’s Ministries Director


YOUTH TIDBITS
The Youth Department wishes to thank Pastor Gibson LaCroix for speaking at Back2School Revival 2020. Commendations are also extended to the exceptional AY Leaders for their consistent programs, support of Conference initiatives and ministering to the needs of their local youth.

World Pathfinder Day
Sabbath, September 19, 2020
As we celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Pathfinders, on that morning local clubs will lead Divine services in their local churches. In the afternoon there will be a JOINT ATCU Virtual Pathfinder Congressoree with Pathfinders from across the 4 Conferences at 6:00p.m. Stay tune for live streaming details!

Cancellation – Youth Church
There will be no joint AY on September 26, 2020.


POWER OF TRUTH TELEVISION BROADCAST
On Sunday, September 27, 2020, the first episode of the Power of Truth broadcast will air on the Adventist Television Cable Channel 658 (Hope Channel) at 5:30p.m.- 6:00p.m. This half-hour weekly program will be dedicated to reaching atheists, agnostics, and persons categorized as having a secular mind. This will be done through the production and distribution of television and radio programs designed to awake interest in the study of the Bible, and the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The Power of Truth program will be repeated on Tuesday evenings at 8:00p.m.

If you have family members, friends, co-workers who do not believe in God; or if you know persons who no longer have an interest in attending church, studying the Bible or having a relationship with Jesus, this is the program for them. The Speaker/ Host for the program is Pastor T. Basil Sturrup.


BETHANY CHURCH
Bethany Family Ministries Department is conducting a series of virtual seminars entitled "Finding Paradise in Pandemic". Every Sunday in September at 6:00p.m join us via the Zoom link: 2420123456.


GOOD NEWS CHURCH
Backyard Farming will be the feature of the Monday ‘Healthy Wealthy Living’ Lecture Series hosted by the Community Services dept. of the Good News Church. The guest presenter will be Dr. Selima Hauber, Horticulturist and owner of Field to Fork. This informative zoom meeting will be held on September 7th, 2020 at 6:30p.m. See our Facebook and Instagram pages for log in information.


Please Email Weekly Announcements
To: sbclogos@gmail.com
Or logos@sbcadventist.org.bs
By Tuesday at 3:00p.m.

CALL 341-4021
SUN SETS NEXT SABBATH
September 12 2020 - 7:16p.m.

Happy Sabbath!