FredMcKinnon.Com

Hey Everyone -

Once again, Carlos @ RagamuffinSoul has pioneered a new blogging idea … this one is called “Creative Chaos”. He invites bloggers to take Thursdays to blog about “creative elements” they’ve used in their worship services, etc. Check out his site for the concept and rules.

I thought this was a cool idea, so I’m going to jump in with what I’d call “The Candle Moment” at SSCC.

As most of you who read this blog already know, we transitioned into our new facility this past weekend. It was a special time for us, yet at the same time, it was a “goodbye” to the old facility – multiple rooms, offices, and shops in a strip mall.

Two weeks ago in our final service in the “Shops at Demere”, we ended our final service with a single flame – a candle, burning. Larry, one of our elders, spoke about the transition – and how special our times in that facility had been. He ultimately presented the case that it’s not the building, the people, the staff, the music that really made the “changed lives” difference … ultimately, although those things were used .. it was God’s Presence with us. That’s what the single flame .. the candle represented. God’s ever-burning Presence with us. We closed that service with lights black and a single candle burning. As people reflected, we faded lights up and allowed them to be dismissed.

This past Sunday was our first Sunday in the new building. Once again Larry aluded to this special moment, and our need for Christ’s Presence. As he did, the lights begin to fade as Pastor David (the Senior Pastor) began walking from the back of the room to the stage, holding this candle. As he brought it to the stage and began to speak, all that could be seen was the candle. All that could be heard was David’s voice. Once again, reminding us of God’s Presence, with us.

The point was simply that the one thing we could bring from that old building to the new was God’s Presence. That’s what we need, that’s what we desire, and that’s what He offers.

It was simply, yet profound.

And that’s our creative moment from the halls of St. Simons Community Church.  How ’bout you?

For the Kingdom,
Fred