a flooded home

Well, this past week we had very heavy rains early in the morning. I couldn't tell it was raining that bad but the fire alarm went off. So, I promtly left my apt. and went out into the hallway. As I came out I could hear the water very well and it was then that I got worried there may actually be a fire. At that moment I simply assumed I was hearing the sprinkler system's water. As I got down to the first floor I saw water just pouring out of the ceiling directly in front of one of the apts. so I thought the fire had been there. However, when the fire dept. got here they investigated and told us that it was rain water. I was amazed at how much water was coming down. Soon half of the 1st floor hallway was full of water. Fortunately the rain did not last too long and the building mangers could get to work by removing the carpet and search for the source of the leak. The next day they brought in big loud fans to dry the floors. They've been on since that day and it isn't until today that they're taking them down. Anyhow, I thought a bit about my everyday life would be a nice break from my questions to you.
An interesting thing came out of this whole event. There was a person downstairs from me who loved to play music really loud. So loud that it made my floors vibrate. Now, I wouldn't mind it if it weren't for the fact that this person did it at 6am! So the game was me asking her to turn it down and she listening for almost a week then doing it again. But, since the "flooding" I haven't heard any music. So, now I have a dilema, I'm happy because I don't have a vibrating bed at 6am. While at the same time I'm feeling bad at the thought that the reason for it may be that the water coming in ruined her sound system. And if the sound system's ruined what about the rest of her furniture?

Sweet music

Well, a new school year has begun and even the stubborn heat seems to be starting to give way. I too have gone back to school but not as a student. I've just started working with Eastern's wind ensemble in their low brass section. I'm really looking forward to playing as well in the concerts that are coming up. These days it seems like my tuba is getting almost as much as a workout as it did when I was in school still. I'll be playing on Sunday morning at church too! It's good, I really have missed playing my tuba and now I don't have to force myself to practice as I actually have responsibilities that depend on my practicing. It's always great to have an exterior motivating influence.
There was a time when going to church had something that functioned just as my getting ready for a concert does to my tuba playing. I wonder what has happened that has made us lose that motivation. So, I'm curious, what motivates you to come to church? Is it to get something? To give? A combination? Please, let me know.

Do we Baptist demean Communion?

Baptism and Communion have been points of contention between us Baptist and most other mainline denominations through our history. A common misconception is that we Baptist refuse value or honor the importance of this Sacramental act, mainly due to our intentionality about keeping the human aspect of church as part of the focus. Heck, we don't even call it a Sacrament!
Well, I am a Baptist and have nothing but the outmost respect and awe for this very Sacramental event. There is something very special about the act. Some friends of mine say that there is a special presence of God in the event and as such it is very Sacramental and much, much more than a simple remembrance. In other words, something happens through this communal act that elevates it above just remembering Jesus by drinking juice and bread squares. I agree with most of what I've just written down. I may even go as far as to say that one would be hard press to find a Baptist who feels that Communion does not deserve the outmost respect, reverence and humble approach. I think that what's gotten us in trouble with our Christian family is our constant reminder of the human side of the church. They are not Sacraments but ordinances for us precisely because they are so incredibly important and beyond our humanity. Yes, it was a reactionary measure by our ancestors but only out of witnessing excess. It was some in church thinking that they had the right, and authority to channel the grace of God. "The right Sacraments rightly administered". The ordinances of Baptism and Communion were and are Sacramental to me a Baptist. I/we just hesitate in saying that our church has a monopoly on how the grace of God is dispensed.
Fortunately for the whole of the Christian community we have all shifted our focus away from arguing which extreme is right. As such then this little rant of mine is not to pick an argument. This is simply me working out the importance of these Sacraments as I take part in them in my church. This isn't a worked out opinion on my part, it simply is my brainstorming here in cyberspace with you catching a small glimpse of my free thought. As always, feel free to respond through any medium you choose.

A very happy Birthday

Well my birthday was this past weekend. It was great being in church and seeing my family walk in right before the start of the service! I had no idea they were coming at all! It was a fantastic time. It was also Meghan's first time at the church. All in all a great day. It was my first time doing the whole service myself and I think I was even nervous. Of course now I know most of it takes care of itself. All I had to do was make sure I helped with a shove here and there and it was all fine.
I never like my sermons and this past Sunday's was particularly hard for me. So, lots of prayer went into that sermon and I was very glad the Spirit took care of carrying the message. The only other thing I have to say about my sermons is that I pray I never lose the humbling feeling that comes to me everytime I preach. It really brings to mind how I am nothing more than a vessel and a weak one at that.
Now, the afternoon was fantastic. I went to lunch with my family and it was a great time! Then after spending time with them Meghan and I went to an outdoor concert. We got to see Norristown's Verdi band. It was a wind ensemble, I thought it was going to be a Jazz big band. However, it was still an awesome experience. There were Italian marches, arias, and all kinds of great music. I was very glad we got to go. All in all, my birthday was a great day.