I'm excited for a number of reasons. First, Dr. David Crosby and the teaching he will bring. Second, because I am privileged to lead worship for these events. Third, it's yet another exciting time in the ever-changing life of our church.
But there is another reason. I am excited because I get to sing with two of my best friends in the world!
On Friday night, following the Fish Fry, we will have a very special worship service. It is special because we will have visiting with us, to help lead in worship, two people whose hearts I know well. And as God would have it, I was able to travel and sing with these two talented people in a music group called Sound of Joy in 1982-1983.
In 2008, in Nashville, Tennessee, we met again at a reunion of that Christian music group. We were thrilled to learn about where each of us was today, and that we could still carry a tune!
Since that weekend, the three of us have sung together at their home churches at First Baptist Church, Glen Allan, Mississippi, and at Meridian Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee.
Now, it is our turn to be blessed by the presence of these amazing Christian women! I am so pleased to welcome Susan (Higdon) Hopper, acting Registrar of one of our SBC jewels, Union University, in Jackson, TN. Susan is married to Don Hopper, an Optometrist in their hometown.
Susanne (Moore) McLendon is the wife of Jimmy McLendon, pastor of First Baptist Church in Glen Allan, MS, and Lighthouse, a mission of FBC Glen Allan, meeting in Greeneville, MS.
I know you will be blessed by their voices and their personalities. And for those of you who do not speak Southern, I will try to act as interpreter where needed.
We will be leading in worship Friday evening at 6:30, followed by Dr. Crosby's leading us in a time of reflection.
Among the songs you may hear Friday night:
Wonderful, Merciful Savior
Sweet Jesus
Spirit of the Living God
Breathe on Me
Glory (by Nicole Nordeman)
Be Thou Near to Me
Tell everyone you know about this weekend Lay Renewal event. I hope to see you there!
