Minister of Music

  In the weeks ahead , several of our church members will be sharing  what our music ministry has meant to them through the years. I hope you enjoy.

The Joy of Choir Service

By: Archie Ritchie

     Steve asked me to share what being a choir member means to me. I became a member of McGill in 1955, shortly after Wanda and I were married and became a member of the Sanctuary Choir in 1956.

     In an evening service, all the men of the church had been asked to provide the special music. I stood beside L.C. “Pete” Kilpatrick and after the service he said, “You should be in the choir”. With his encouragement, I joined the Sanctuary Choir. Pete was a tenor and we sang side by side until Pete’s illness and death, many years later.

     I also had the opportunity to sing with “The Men of McGill”, a double quartet. We were invited to sing at the Baptist State Convention and at numerous community functions.

      I have always loved to sing. The music ministry of this church has given me the opportunity to learn and grow in music knowledge and appreciation. Singing, along with other members of the Sanctuary Choir, the wonderful words of scripture, from Handle’s Messiah and the scriptural account of Jesus’ death on the cross, from Dubois The Seven Last Words of Christ was a deep spiritual experience for me each time I participated.

     The hymn, Jesus is the Song, is my musical testimony. Some years ago, I was facing serious   surgery for cancer on my ear. On Sunday, before the surgery, our minister of music asked me to sing Jesus is the Song, as a solo. As I sang that day, the second stanza took on new meaning for me. “He calms my hurts and dries my tears, He gives me strength to face my fears, He sends his grace through all my years. He gives his song to me.” If you are not familiar with this hymn, you will find it on page 552 of The Baptist Hymnal.

     The last stanza of John Newton’s Amazing Grace reminds us ... “when we’ve been there ten thousand years, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we first begun.”

From the Pastor

  Another school year begins this week and another church year begins September 1.This past Sunday, the Diaconate had the joy of examining for ordination two people, Maria Arrowood and Keith Fitch. These examinations are always uplifting times. The candidates share their faith story and their understanding of what it means to be a deacon. What always strikes me is the influence of people. It may be a special Sunday School teacher, a mission education leader, a musician or just a friend. Almost always, someone brought them to church, invited them to church, made them welcome at church, or showed a special interest. We need to be reminded that others (especially young eyes) are watching to see how we are Christians. What joy it is to hear what a difference people make. What sadness it is to hear others say “if that is what it means to be Christian, I don’t want any part of it!” There are many people we need to show what faith and church can be.

        The Deacon Nominating Committee will present along with Maria and Kevin, the names of Chuck Broadway, Donna Duncan, Bob Fisher, Earnie Hatsell and Mark Plemmons for election to three year terms. Sam Mullis will be elected to fill the last year of Bruce Arrowwod’s term. Sunday, we will also have before us the new officers, committee members, and workers for 2010-11 that the Nominating Committee presents. Jody Edwards has done a wonderful job chairing this committee composed of Winfry Whicker, Sandy Sanders, Maria Arrowood, Dan Philbeck and Danny Kirkman. They have tried laboriously to get as many people as possible involved in as many ways in the work and life of the church. They deserve our deepest appreciation.

        It was a joy to have both Wayne Williams, chairman of the Cabarrus County Schools and Dr. Barry Shepherd, Superintendent of Cabarrus County Schools with us this past Sunday as we blessed the book bags of our children. We salute all those who help to make a better future for our children and I am thankful for all the educators we have in our congregation (and family!). Looking forward to having a great time Sunday at our End of Summer Bash!

Minister of Music

       This Sunday following morning worship will be our Back to School Bash! Having been back in the classroom for a week, I know the excitement of starting a new school year. We are also starting a new year of activities for the whole family.

     I believe everyone will enjoy the magic and entertainment from Bill Ragsdale. Bill is a retired Methodist Minister who has performed magic as part of his ministry through the years. He is looking forward to being with us on Sunday. Bill lives in my neighborhood and has spoken with me a number of times about coming to McGill this Sunday. He also told me about a “special guest” he’ll be bringing.

     All of this food, fun, and fellowship is to celebrate the beginning of choirs and mission groups for the new year. You will receive information about this year's activities and will be given the opportunity to register. Please spread the word about the exciting programs we have at McGill. This Sunday would be a good time to invite friends that might be interested in our church and it’s programs. I am looking forward to a great kick-off and the new opportunities that lie ahead.

                            Steve

Lindsay’s Notes

     I hope everyone has had a great week at school! It is almost time to resume our evening activities! This Sunday, August 29th, is our end-of-summer celebration. We will be meeting at 11am and food will be provided. At this time, you will be learning all about our Sunday and Wednesday evening activities and more!

ATTENTION YOUTH! This Thursday, August 26th, you will be meeting in the youth room to clean and prime. The following Saturday at 9am, you will come back to paint!

     On Wednesday, September 1st, we will be resuming our Wednesday night activities! The schedule is as follows:

 5:00-5:30pm - Fellowship Supper

 5:30-6:00pm - Chimers (For beginner handbells, K-2nd grade)

                    - Wee Musicians (Choir for ages 3 and 4)

                    - Missions (Grades 3-5)

 6:05-6:35pm - Half Notes (Handbell program for grades 3-5)

                    - Music Makers (Choir for grades K-2)

                    - Missions (Ages 3 and 4)

 6:40-7:10pm - Young Musicians (Choir for grades 3-5)

                    - Missions (Grades K-2)

    *The mission program includes monthly studies of people and their country, their culture, and the work that our Cooperative Baptist Fellowship missionaries are doing there. 

      I hope everyone is as excited as I am to get this year started! I am so blessed to be part of such an amazing music ministry!