Dear Grace Gathering Family

Dear Grace Gathering Family,

I officially was back in the office yesterday, July 1st. I had an
incredible time away on my two month sabbatical. I am looking very
forward to being back and re-connecting with all of you. This Sunday,
July 5th, we will hear some testimonies from the Mexico Missions Trip,
and I also will be sharing some of the things God has revealed to me
while I was away. I am excited to share some of these thoughts with
you.

Hope you have a great Fourth.

God bless!

Chris

Monthly Book Study Discussions

hey gang,

a quick (depending on your attention span and speed-reading ability) note about this season's book study:

the information in this next book, The Freedom of Simplicity, has been extremely influential (in a good way) in the internal and external transformation of my own life, since I picked it up a little over a year ago - just ask my family...as a result of some the  changes in my life, i have had more spiritual conversations with people (believers and not) over the last year than any year prior...i believe this "living simpler" concept is compelling, very timely and universally important to all, especially believers...i also believe that dealing with it prayerfully, intently and sincerely can transform our lives (and the lives of those we lead) and thus, our worship...the content of The Freedom of Simplicity may spark the most important discussions we will have together this year...

i strongly desire that we discuss and evaluate this book together (for individual/group application)... I encourage all of you to stay up on the reading and jot down questions, "ah-has," "no ways," etc. to share with everyone...also talk about this stuff throughout the day with those around you...

this month we will discuss chapter one, "the complexity of simplicity"... i do not wan't to miss any of the forthcoming discussions...

our recent rehearsals have been shuffled around in many ways (and most likely will continue to be)...thus, i think a new plan for book study is necessary (that is, as opposed to trying to do it every saturday, which hasn't happened yet)...

so, on the LAST saturday of each month, let's plan on gathering everyone for food, discussion and prayer after rehearsal at 10:30am until 1:00 pm...we'll begin on saturday, may 30 at 10:30 in the green room...please plan to attend...it would be great if everyone could bring a snack to share...i'll supply the high quality H2O...i will also attempt to resurrect the blog (you remember that don't you?), so we can discuss things 24-7, or as you come up with thoughts/questions...

here are a few questions to ask yourself (and others) from chapter one:

1. Which part of the "more is better" race to affluence culture concerns me most as it relates to my life (or the life of my family)? 

2. Where do i find myself subtly, or even not so subtly, drawn to desire affluence or status, etc?

3. What factors make a life of simplicity complex? Brainstorm those and then think about ways to combat the complexities.  

4. What complex aspect of your life is difficult for you to envision ever being simpler? Pray that God will show you the one small step you can make toward that impossible goal?

5. Foster's discussion on "tensions" is important. How is simplicity both a Grace and a Discipline? Easy and Difficult? Inward and Outward? Goodness vs Limitation (material possessions)?

6. What "things" own too much of me?  (In other words, what stuff do I THINK I cannot live without?)  

7. What things do I take for granted? Can I acknowledge it as a "good gift" from God and thank Him for it regularly? 

I feel the Holy Spirit loudly in the final paragraph of chapter one:

"Models of simplicity are desperately needed today. Our task is urgent and relevant. Our century thirsts for the authenticity of simplicity, the spirit of prayer, and the life of obedience. May we be the embodiment of that kind of authentic living."

this could be just me, but i am praying that it's His Spirit that makes my heart jump when i consider how the freedom in Christian simplicity lived out in each of you and then in the midst of the community of grace gathering can change our families and communities...i do believe the application of the content of the book will be unique in every individual and family, but if it is from the Spirit, it will change us for the better and His kingdom will expand as a result...

seeking FIRST His kingdom and His righteousness,

with you,

see you all saturday, May 30,

craig

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craig eakright

www.craigeakright.com

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"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks."

 

leadership / discipleship Part 2

hey gang,

a few weeks ago i sent you a question to which i wanted you to consider/respond about yourself:

"am i consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that i am better than i am? in other words, in what ways am i a hypocrite?"

i have heard from several of you (by email, phone call and even one lunch meeting), but not all...that is ok..but i want to give everyone an opportunity to respond...

these questions are meant to do several things...

1) to let you know that i feel the weight of being your leader... it is vitally important that we are growing as disciples of Christ more than we are technically (though that is important too, given that one avenue through which we serve the church)...

2) to give you an opportunity to look deep inside where you may not be looking regularly (not to beat yourself up, (because HE came so that we can experience "life to the full") but to always be striving towards holiness and obedience)...

3) so we, as followers of Christ, can come to know each other more authentically and thus be striving towards biblical community...i will not share our conversations with anyone, but encourage you to be having these same conversations with other people whom you trust and where mutual encouragement and accountability can take place...i really don't like that word accountability, but use it for lack of a better word (it's really more of a loving challenge, since you and the Lord are the only ones who can truly hold you accountable)...

so for what it's worth, here's a new question for you to consider:

It what ways have you been a testimony in the recent past to the greatness of Jesus Christ with both your words and actions? In other words, look back over the last few weeks, and describe how you have been (uncharacteristically) more like Jesus than your have been prior.

again, spend some time the next few days, praying about this...if you see nothing, ask someone close to you to respond...just like the last question was not meant to tear you down, this one is not meant to puff you up, but rather to encourage us to reach towards that "life to the full" together...

look forward to sharing with you,

love you all,

trying more and more to be unselfish (failing more than succeeding most times),

craig

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craig eakright ::::: www.craigeakright.com

worship GUY :::: grace gathering :::: 3157 minnich road :::: new haven :::: indiana :::: 46774 :::: 260.749.5165 ::::

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"do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." phil 2.3

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craig@eakright.com

leadership / discipleship

hey gang,

i've been thinking much lately about how to be a better leader/disciple of leaders/disciples...

to that extent, today, i just ask you one thing...

please respond openly and honestly to the following question (you can email me, call me, or set up a time we chat):

"am i consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that i am better than i am? in other words, in what ways am i a hypocrite?"

i know it cuts to the heart...and so, before responding please pray for God to speak clearly to you about this...

and then let's confess to one another...

 

chief of the hypocrites,

craig

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craig eakright ::::: www.craigeakright.com

worship GUY :::: grace gathering :::: 3157 minnich road :::: new haven :::: indiana :::: 46774 :::: 260.749.5165 ::::

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"do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." phil 2.3

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craig@eakright.com

title i haveth not...

...wanted to say hi.  miss you guys!  seems like this summer has passed so quickly, yet i feel like it has been forever since i have seen many of you.  anyway, just showin' some love

OK my turn. So i just finished chapter 8. Labberton talked all about exodus and exile, but i wasn't completely getting it at first. not until the last 2 pages.

EXODUS
So, if we are living in exodus, we praise God because of His grace and mercy He has on us and because He has saved us from eternal death. We are ensured a spot in heaven and that is our joy. If we do anything good, our motive is probably our promised reward in heaven. We'll just view ourselves as foreigners on the Earth, awaiting to go to our real home and be with Christ. What's wrong with that?

EXILE
If we're living in exile, of course we know we're saved and have eternal life. But while we are on this Earth, we're gonna live our lives to the full. We're gonna live Micah 6:8 lives. We don't just love other's as a religious duty to God, but because we truly care for them and are compassionate for them. We want to make a difference in the world while we are here and have a chance, and showing others that there is no object or person worthy of praise other than our Heavenly Father and Savior.

This really was a good reminder and eye-opener to me because I definitely used to live in Exodus and have that mindset. But I would say that is a selfish perspective to be living from our whole lives, as opposed to truly picking up our cross and loving God and loving others self-sacrificially.
It would be great to see this team leading our church by living in exile. Let's do it!

~Thanks for reading, and if you would like to give your input on the subject please post a blog on it so Craig's not the only one blogging!! : )

Focus on Projecting Lyrics

"...the person handling the projection of lyrics plays a crucial role in enabling people to engage with truth about God. If they're frequently late in putting up lyrics, show the wrong verse, leave a blank screen, or project misspelled words, that can counteract whatever good leadership you might be exercising. That's why I want that person to be humble, trained, and faithful. It also helps when they attend rehearsals."

Bob Kauflin - Worship Matters

Leading Worship by Example

Hopefully people aren't watching me the entire time they're praising God, but I never know when they'll happen to glance in my direction. When they do, I want my example to inspire them to look to the Lord as well.

The issue of example also applies to other musicians on the team. When they appear uninvolved or only concerned with music , they miss an opportunity to encourage the congregation. That's why I ask instrumentalists to sing as often as possible. It's helps them remember who we are focusing on.
The issue here isn't exuberance as much as authenticity. D.A. Carson put it like this:
"Some who publicly lead the corporate meetings of the people of God merely perform; others are engrossed in the worship of God. Some merely sing; some put on a great show of being involved; but others transparently worship God.

Which describes you? Are you simply mouthing lyrics? Do you only pretend to be engaged, moving your hands and bowing your head at the right moments to look "worshipful?" Or are you seeking to be a transparent worshiper - naturally, genuinely, and obviously demonstrating a desire to exalt Christ? If we want the church to be inspired by our leadership, we have to begin with an authentic example.

Bob Kauflin - Worship Matters

June Worship Gathering Part Two

OK...

So here's the skinny:

Who: Worship Team and families
What: Worship Team Family Gathering
When: Saturday, June 28 - 11:00am - 2:00 or whenever
Where: Franke Park outside the Zoo
Why: Cause it's nice outside and we need to get together
How: Bring a dish to share and eating gear/drinks for your fam...

Carry in lunch at Franke Park. Bring a side dish to share, drinks and eating gear for your family. I will bring a cold meat assortment, bread and my guitar and we can eat & sing a bit and then just hang out and have fun - maybe even walk through the zoo.

Oh yeah, anyone have outdoor games (frisbees, football, soccer, whiffle ball/bat/bases, jarts, etc)?

If it's raining downtown, stay home and we'll schedule a rain date later.

craig

Adjust Your Musical Arrangements and Volume

Came across these words as I was reading my latest book, "Worship Matters":

Most play-by-ear musicians think that being up front means you should always be playing. Wrong. Varying when we play, how loudly we play, and what we play affects how people hear the words.

The larger the team of musicians, the more each member should be listening to and making room for what others are doing. Believe me, this takes practice. Lots of it. If this a new concept, try having one instrument accompany an entire verse alone. It could be an acoustic guitar, pianist, percussionist, or synthesizer player. It may seem unsettling at first, but the effect is often dramatic.

Try combinations of instruments in rehearsal. Be clear in your direction, and insist at times that people not play. Help them see that your silence makes someone else's contribution more significant.

...the sound of the musician's shouldn't dominate or overpower the congregation. In the New Testament, the predominant sound throughout the meeting is the singing of the congregation. They are the real worship team.

I know we've discussed this before, and we are growing in this area. I'd really like us to focus through the summer on this as a musical team.

I hope you realize how much I love serving with you all. Your hearts and desire to lead people in humility is seriously attractive. I hear many comments about how people appreciate the transparency in what we do - no one of us is looking for personal glory. I am proud of you all.

This concept from the book is right up the Philipians 2 alley.

Be humble. Consider others as better than yourselves.

Congregational singing takes precedence over any one of us being heard. This concept refined will only increase our leadership abilities with the people.

Let's work ourselves toward being invisible in their eyes and visible in His only.

June Worship Gathering

hey gang,

how about this time around we get out of the building all together?

i'm thinking with family, thus the early contact...

we can cook out (hot dogs/brats/burgers), play some flag football (anybody get us some flags and stuff for that?),  frisbee golf (could use gear for this as well), swim, etc...

ok, next. 

anyone have a good place to do all the above...i used to use a place east of new haven called stillwater camp...does anyone know where that is or if it still exists?

finally, mark your calendars for saturday, june 28, 10am - afternoon-ish...the mexico team is just getting home the previous saturday (the date on which the gathering would normally fall)...

that's it for now, UNLESS - you want to grab some grub with me in the near future and plan this baby...then, let me know,

thanks,

craig

ps...i am going to set up an email subscription to the "GraceNotes" blog and need everyone to register so i can post these things in the future and be sure you all get the posts...there are still a couple of posts that need some attention - specifically the one about moving rehearsal day/time...thanks

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craig eakright

www.craigeakright.com

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"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks."

 

Aubrey Anderson in Motorcycle Accident

Hey gang,

Please pray for Aubrey Anderson. Kent called me today and tells me that he was in a terrible accident while returning from Indianapolis. Kent was on his way to see him when he called. I will fill you all in as I discover details.

Thanks,
craig

Worship Gathering Agenda Items

This past Saturday some of us gathered to discuss the next two chapters in Dangerous Act and a few other things:

1) Rehearsal day change (see post below).

2) Brief service review post Edge. Immediately following the Edge service we will meet for 5-10 minutes in the "green" room to touch base about whatever is on our minds from the morning. Thus far we've laughed more than talked, because I am so professional. I just don't want a week or more to go by and we not discuss things that need to be discussed. Basically it's a chance to help you discuss how I can make things for a win, win... win for all of us.

Additionally, we ate some very good pizza, that my system didn't care to contain past the two hour mark - more on that in person, if you wish...

Lastly, at this point the gatherings have not been mandatory and I understand when you have an occasional conflict, but please try to make these gatherings, especially since they are scheduled every fourth Saturday each month. Thanks.

FYI, I see these gatherings as important for several reasons:

1) I place tremendous value on the entire team getting together socially (as some of you have also noted).

2) Many times I would like to relay certain information to the whole team in person for a variety of reasons.

3) This is a time for us to focus on the growth and development of our souls through discussion and interaction with Scripture and other God - focused material. Having these discussions ensures that we are coming before God and the people He's entrusted us to lead, knowing who we are serving beside. It's important that each of us are open, honest, and authentic in these settings. We do not always have to agree, but we do need to have an honest thought. It is a great opportunity for confession and accountability.

4) This is our team, not "my" team. This is a chance for other members to step into a leading role in a very safe atmosphere.

Thanks,
craig

Rehearsal Day Change: Part 2

Ok...

I've heard from 8 of you here and a few of you in real world conversations, so let's discuss the following:

What are the pros and cons of moving rehearsal to Sunday morning from 6:00am - 8:30am (summer hours)? 6:00am - 8:15am (fall - spring)?

Rehearsal Day Change?

here's the deal...I am desiring the moving of rehearsal to a week night soon...

choices right now are:

Wednesday night- 7-9pm

Thursday night 7-9pm

Please place your vote and/or speak your mind here. thx

craig

how...

   do you handle a situation with 100% grace and 100% truth?  is that even possible?  i don't think so.  i'm not GOD.  so then, what does being full of grace and full of truth look like?  is truth at all measured by worldly standards? laws, justice, social mores etc.   ...or is the truth strictly biblical truth? then is it new testament truth not bound by o.t. law?  

can you tell i'm struggling with this? :/  

i probably shouldn't blog when i am in such a state of questioning....

Here's Your Sign...or is it?

So lately I've been asking God to show my husband and I what His plan is for our lives...in jobs, house vs. apartment, location, family, etc. However, I don't feel like I'm hearing anything. David's been looking for a job now since about November because his is supposed to end in June, which means we'll lose our insurance also. And with a baby on the way, this is not good. He has sent resumes out everywhere, and he hasn't received even as much as a call...until lately.

He is now in the top 40 to make it into the newest class of the fire department. The class started out with over 630 applicants, and now there is 40-some, of which they'll pick 20-30. And my questions lately have been this...is the reason we haven't heard as much as a call because God's plan is the fire department? Does God work like that? Or is this just a way that women get their hopes up for their husbands futures only to find out that things don't work out as we want them to? And are there times when our desires and God's plan match up? It says in Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the LORD;And He will give you the desires of your heart." Now I know our desires won't always line up with His, but how do we pray to Him then...when we know our desire is one thing but we know His might be different? And should we expect Him to answer us when we pray, or how should we expect Him to answer us?

what

...what is your favorite ice cream?

Do We Really Treat People the Way We Should?

While at the church planting conference last week i was listening to an innovative church planter (who denies being a church planter at all) say the following:

"We treat our people (visitors, guests, friends, neighbors, strangers) like they are Christians until they realize they are not."

Help me unpack the wisdom (or folly) in this statement, will you?

to break the silence

So because not much is going on with this blog, I thought I would come in and add some deep thoughts for you all. All I'm going to do is pose a question.

With the weather getting warmer each and every day, ( thank goodness) what's something that you enjoy doing outside in the warm weather?

I told you it was deep.

I know that this has nothing to do with worship, but I wanted to post something on here and I really didn't have any deep thoughts at the moment. The deepest thought I have right now is, 'what am I going to have for lunch'

But anyway, I hope you are all enjoying the beautiful day outside.
alexis