*note: this blog is a part of the Sunday SetList blog carnival going on at Fred McKinnon’s little corner of cyberspace.) 

This Sunday was our Communion service, where we observed the Lord’s Supper/Last Supper. Rather than the typical flow of things, we opened with baptism (the first in our new building!) and prayer time, followed by a video to help set the tone. The video was "Communion" (Vibe Video) with some great images underneath Jesus’ words out of Luke 22.  The band followed softly with Nothing But The Blood (Redman) and Stand in Awe (Riddle). 

As the pastor brought the message of The Last Supper, the band stayed in place. When the bread was passed, we did an original tune called ‘Lacrimosa’. The Latin title means ‘weeping’, and compares the betrayal of Judas, the denial of Peter, and the failings of Tom Cottar… followed by redemption for us all. It’s a simple, acoustic-and-violin tune. Maybe I can post lyrics and an mp3 soon.. 

As the cup was passed to the congregation, we did a bare-bones version of Jesus Messiah, emphasizing ‘his body the bread, his blood the wine, broken and poured out, all for love…’, followed by the invitation/response of Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) and God Of My Days.

Funny thing.

Just at the end of ‘God of My Days’ I glanced at the clock…straight up noon. If you weren’t raised Southern Baptist, it doesn’t mean much. However, if you were, you know there are three things you come to count on: fried chicken,  women with big hats, and the fact that church gets out at noon. (If you’re lucky, the preacher finishes early and you can beat the Methodists to Lubys…).

But when I gave our lead Pastor the ‘now, back-to-you’ head bob, no one was ready to leave just yet.

So we continued singing and worshipping. because of the significance of this sacrament, we wanted to emphasize God’s supremacy, his authority, and the freedom we have only because of Him. So we picked up with God of This City and Mighty to Save. 

We wanted to end in celebration (how else?), so as the congregation sang the last parts of Mighty To Save,  I felt like it was only fitting to end our time with Jon Egan’s ‘I Am Free’. (‘the blind will see, the mute will sing, the dead will rise, etc..)

Bottom line: Baptism. Communion. Scripture. Worship…..wow.