Saturday, December 2, 2017

What To Know About the Christmas Carol, O Holy Night

The Christmas Carol, “O Holy Night” has a rich and powerful history.  The lyrics were penned in 1847 by Frenchman poet, Placide Cappeau, in response to a request by a priest for a Christmas service.  Feeling inadequate to the task, he read the Gospel of Luke for inspiration. He envisioned what it might have been like to have been in Bethlehem to witness the birth of Jesus.  From there, he penned the now famous words to “Cantique de Noel”, or O Holy Night.  

Cappeau determined that “Cantique de Noel” would be even more powerful if set to music.  For help, he turned to well known composer Adolphe Charles Adams.  At first, Adams was reluctant to participate.  As a Jew, the celebration of the Christian savior did not appeal to him.  Still, something about the words of the poem inspired him, and thus he endeavored to compose an original score unlike anything that had been heard before.  It only took Adams three weeks to complete the work, and it was immediately performed at a Christmas Eve mass.

The carol was embraced quickly and was a popular song that was sung by church choirs in Europe at Christmastime…until a scandal hit.  Word had spread that Cappeau had left the church and that Adams was an unbeliever so, as a result, the beautiful song was banned from being sung in churches.  However, the song had found a place in the hearts of the people and it continued to be sung in homes and on the streets.

One interesting wartime story is often shared about this song. A French soldier fighting in the Franco-Prussian War in 1871 on Christmas Eve, stepped out of his trench and sang the three verses of “Cantique de Noel” while his fellow soldiers stared in amazement.  Upon completion of the song, a German soldier boldly emerged from hiding, approached the Frenchman and began to sing the Martin Luther written carol, “From Heaven above to Earth I come.”  It is said that for the next 24 hours, in honor of Christmas day, both sides ceased fighting.

While the song was banished by the Church in France, “Cantique de Noel” found its way to the ears of an obscure American minister, named John Sullivan Dwight.  He was instantly drawn to its inspiring words and beautiful musical score. As an ardent abolitionist, he was particularly drawn to the third verse.  He translated the song into English and its current set of lyrics.

Here is one more interesting piece of trivia about this beautiful carol.  It is the first song to be heard live over the radio!  In 1906, Canadian Reginald Fessenden (a former assistant to Thomas Edison), read the Luke 2 passage and finished with singing this carol.

Take a fresh look at this song and think of whom you can share these words who may be:

·         struggling with an addiction or habitual sin – He has appeared and given our lives worth
·         worn down with a weary soul – He breaks into our day with hope
·         going through lonely trials – He was born to be our constant friend
·         shackled with a sense of inferiority – He has brought freedom and brotherhood



O Holy Night!
The stars are brightly shining; It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining; Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices; For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees; Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine; Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine; Oh night divine

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming; With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming; Here come the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger; In all our trials born to be our friend

Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother; And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we; Let all within us praise His holy name

Merry Christmas from the Edfeldt household to yours and to ALL mankind!



THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR EDUCATION STAFF: GBACE on January 18, 2018, keynote speaker, Dr. Alvin Reid - http://www.gbace.org/

FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP: On Track Conference, March 9 & 10, 2018, Hendersonville, TN - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/OnTrack?type=events

FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP: Create a bookmark on your device for the online LifeWay Church Resources 2017-18 catalog - http://www.lifeway.com/LifeWay-Christian-Resources/Y/c/N-1z141jlZ1z10gjr

FOR SMALL GROUP LEADERS: “To Text or Not to Text” – sharpen your use of texting your group members - http://www.lifeway.com/groupministry/2017/10/30/to-text-or-not-to-text-the-question-of-staying-in-touch/?ecid=131937522&bid=1156617088

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: The Balanced Discipleship Plan: A Catalog of Studies to Develop Disciples - http://ministry-group.s3.amazonaws.com/groupministry/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2017/05/74038_At_A_Glance_FINAL.pdf

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: The Forgotten Jesus by Robbie Gallaty - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Forgotten-Jesus?cmpid=RDR-forgottenjesus




FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: She Reads Truth Bible - http://www.lifeway.com/Keyword/she+reads+truth



FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Audio CD Devotions for Men on the move - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/devotions-for-men-audio-cds-P005632528

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: The Main Event, Mobile, AL, February 23 & 24, 2018 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/mens-event-the-main-event-2018-mobile-al

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Temptation: Standing Strong Against Temptation by Kenny Luck - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/temptation-standing-strong-against-temptation-dvd-leader-kit-P005469694


FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: D’Now resources - http://www.lifeway.com/Keyword/D'Now


FOR PRETEEN MINISTRY: FLYTE, a curriculum for preteens and recommended by preteens - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/FLYTE?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-FlytePreteen-20151001



FOR KIDS MINISTRY: ZIP for Kids, an adaptable curriculum for Wednesdays, Day Camps, retreats, anytime! - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Zip-For-Kids?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-ZipForKids-20151001

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: TeamKID for Kids in Discipleship, a year’s curriculum for discipling kids - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/TeamKID?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-TeamKid-20151001


FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Kids Ministry 101 Podcasts -  buff.ly/2kPNDFV

Friday, November 3, 2017

Noteworthy Thanks

During the dark days of the United States depression a group of pastors had gathered together in a restaurant. Among them was the evangelist William Stidger.  They were talking about the detrimental effects that the depression was having in their church and community. 

A minister in the group said, "I have to preach a sermon on Thanksgiving Day. I want to say something affirmative, but what can I say at a time like this?" 

As the minister spoke, Stidger said it was like the Spirit of God spoke to him: "Why don't you give thanks to those people who have been a blessing in your life and affirm them during this terrible time?" He thought about a schoolteacher very dear to him, who had gone out of her way to put a great love of literature and verse in him. It affected all his writings and his preaching.  So he sat down and wrote to her.

It was only days until he got a reply in a feeble scrawl. "My Dear Willy" -- Stidger says at that time he was 50, and no one had called him Willy for a long time, so just the opening sentence warmed his heart.  Here's the letter:

"My Dear Willy: I can't tell you how much your note meant to me. I am in my eighties, living alone in a small room, cooking my own meals, lonely, and like the last leaf of autumn lingering behind." Listen to this sentence, will you? "You'll be interested to know that I taught in school for more than fifty years, and yours is the first note of appreciation I ever received. It came on a blue, cold morning, and it cheered me as nothing has done in many years."

 Stidger says, "I'm not sentimental, but I found myself weeping over that note." Then he thought of a kindly bishop, who had recently retired and who had recently faced the death of his wife.  He was now was all alone. This bishop had given him advice and counsel and love when he first began his ministry. So he sat down and wrote the old bishop. In two days a reply came back.

"My Dear Will: Your letter was so beautiful, so real, that as I sat reading it in my study, tears fell from my eyes, tears of gratitude. Before I realized what I was doing, I rose from my chair and I called her name to share it with her, forgetting she was gone. You'll never know how much your letter has warmed my spirit. I have been walking around in the glow of your letter all day long."


   We can never under estimate what a simple thought of kindness can do in the life of someone who has touched our lives or we care about.  In these days leading up to Thanksgiving, think of someone who has impacted your life and write them a note expressing your gratitude for the imprint their life has had on you.

   Have a Happy Thanksgiving! - RLE

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP: Create a bookmark on your device for the online LifeWay Church Resources 2017-18 catalog - http://www.lifeway.com/LifeWay-Christian-Resources/Y/c/N-1z141jlZ1z10gjr


FOR DISCIPLESHIP: The Balanced Discipleship Plan: A Catalog of Studies to Develop Disciples - http://ministry-group.s3.amazonaws.com/groupministry/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2017/05/74038_At_A_Glance_FINAL.pdf



FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: “10 Ways to Encourage Discussion in Bible Study” - http://www.lifeway.com/womensministry/2017/10/20/ten-ways-to-encourage-discussion-in-bible-study/

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: She Reads Truth - http://www.lifeway.com/Keyword/she+reads+truth


FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Audio CD Devotions for Men on the move - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/devotions-for-men-audio-cds-P005632528


FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Family: Leading a Family by Kenny Luck - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/family-leading-a-family-dvd-leader-kit-P005469698


FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: D’Now resources - http://www.lifeway.com/Keyword/D'Now

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: My 8: Embrace and Engage the Wonder of Evangelism by Ed Newton - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/my-8-embrace-and-engage-the-wonder-of-evangelism-leader-kit-P005737563

FOR PRETEEN MINISTRY: FLYTE, a curriculum for preteens and recommended by preteens - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/FLYTE?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-FlytePreteen-20151001

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: 2018 Georgia Kids Ministry Summit, February 1 – 2 - https://gabaptistgroups.org/2018-kids-ministry-summit/?utm_content=buffer4adf9&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: “5 Biggest Influencers on Your Child’s Spiritual Health” by Eric Geiger - https://ericgeiger.com/2017/10/research-reveals-the-5-biggest-influencers-on-your-childs-spiritual-health/

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: ZIP for Kids, an adaptable curriculum for Wednesdays, Day Camps, retreats, anytime! - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Zip-For-Kids?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-ZipForKids-20151001

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: TeamKID for Kids in Discipleship, a year’s curriculum for discipling kids - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/TeamKID?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-TeamKid-20151001

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Kids Ministry 101 Podcasts -  buff.ly/2kPNDFV



Wednesday, October 4, 2017

THE SEVEN WONDERS

-copied

     A group of geography students were studying the Seven Wonders of the World.   At the end of that section, the students were asked to list what they think were considered to be the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.  Though there was some disagreement, the following got the most votes:

      1.  Egypt's Great Pyramids
      2.  Taj Mahal
      3.  Machu Picchu
      4.  Panama Canal
      5.  Empire State Building
      6.  St. Peter's Basilica
      7.  China's Great Wall

While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student, a quiet girl, hadn't turned in her paper yet.  So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list.  The quiet girl replied, "Yes, a little.  I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many."

      The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help."

      The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the Seven Wonders of the World are:
      1.  to touch
      2.  to taste
      3.  to see
      4.  to hear
.....  She hesitated a little, and then....
      5.  to feel
      6.  to laugh
      7.  and to love

      Then there was the room so full of silence it was deafening!

 It is far too easy for us to look at the exploits of man and refer to them as "wonders" while we overlook all God has given us, regarding them as merely "ordinary". 


As you plan how and where you are to carry out your ministry today, reflect on the “wonders of God’s creation” that are you will be encountering.  Thank Him for being such a “wonder-full” Creator and the honor He has blessed you with being in ministry with Him to His people.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP: Sunday School Director’s Summit at Heatherwood Baptist/Newnan, October 27 & 28, 2017 - https://www.sbcworkspace.com/Pub/Event/Register/55227385

FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP: Create a bookmark on your device for the online LifeWay Church Resources 2017-18 catalog - http://www.lifeway.com/LifeWay-Christian-Resources/Y/c/N-1z141jlZ1z10gjr

FOR FAMILY MINISTRY: ETCH Conference, October 16-18, 2017 - http://etchconference.com/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Christ-Centered Parenting by Dr. Russell Moore and Phillip Bethancourt - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Christ-Centered-Parenting?emid=BSI-CCP-08012017&ecid=PDM51095&bid=954686231


FOR SMALL GROUP MINISTRY:  “What to do When You Hear Crickets: Dealing with that Awkward Silence in a Group - http://www.lifeway.com/groupministry/2017/09/28/i-could-hear-the-crickets-chirping-three-tips-for-dealing-with-awkward-silence-in-a-group/


FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: She Reads Truth - http://www.lifeway.com/Keyword/she+reads+truth

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Women Reaching Women by Chris Adams, developing and strengthening a women’s ministry - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/women-reaching-women-p001293365


FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Transformed Lives: Taking Your Women’s Ministry to the Next Level by Chris Adams - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/transformed-lives-revised-and-expanded-P005371579?intcmp=LWB-WM-transformedlives

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Audio CD Devotions for Men on the move - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/devotions-for-men-audio-cds-P005632528


FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Family: Leading a Family by Kenny Luck - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/family-leading-a-family-dvd-leader-kit-P005469698


FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: The LIFT Tour for developing student leaders - http://www.slulead.com/lift-tour

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Youth Pastor Summit registration is now open - http://www.slulead.com/youth-pastor-summit

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Student Pastor Network, connect with Student Pastors around the country without leaving your office AND get $200 worth of 'stuff'. buff.ly/2lksLHS

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: My 8: Embrace and Engage the Wonder of Evangelism by Ed Newton - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/my-8-embrace-and-engage-the-wonder-of-evangelism-leader-kit-P005737563

FOR PRETEEN MINISTRY: FLYTE, a curriculum for preteens and recommended by preteens - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/FLYTE?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-FlytePreteen-20151001

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Five Pitfalls to Avoid in Choosing Kids Curriculum - http://www.lifeway.com/kidsministry/2017/10/02/5-pitfalls-when-choosing-curriculum/

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: ZIP for Kids, an adaptable curriculum for Wednesdays, Day Camps, retreats, anytime! - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Zip-For-Kids?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-ZipForKids-20151001

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: TeamKID for Kids in Discipleship, a year’s curriculum for discipling kids - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/TeamKID?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-TeamKid-20151001

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Kids Ministry 101 Podcasts -  buff.ly/2kPNDFV

Monday, September 4, 2017

Explore the Bible Relaunches with New Tools


LifeWay’s book-by-book ongoing curriculum, Explore the Bible, relaunches this fall with key improvements and new discipleship tools. Here’s an overview of what’s new for adults, students, and kids.

Adults


Daily Discipleship Guides: Content is rearranged to encourage daily Bible study, support mid-week disciple groups, and more. http://blog.lifeway.com/explorethebible/blog/introducing-the-daily-discipleship-guide-coming-fall-2017/

Revised study plan: Two-part studies of larger books of the Bible will now occur in consecutive quarters (e.g. the Gospel of Luke).  file:///C:/Users/redfeld/Downloads/ETB_2017studyplanallages_1_17%20(2).pdf

Students

Clear, easy-to-use design: The Leader Guide and Personal Study Guide have been redesigned to make leading and learning easier than ever before.

New Explore Options: These optional activities and object lessons will help leaders introduce the central truth of each session to students.

New middle school option: Leader Guides and Personal Study Guides are designed specifically with middle school students in mind. Unique activities and questions help younger students understand and apply God’s Word.

Discipleship Moments: This addition to the Leader Guide challenges leaders to get personal with their students by sharing stories from their own life and journey with Christ.

New Family Connection Guides: Updated One Conversations make Explore the Bible even more family-friendly. Busy parents are now equipped with As You Go questions to help them have conversations about Scripture with their teens. Also, Family Devotions review each week’s session in Explore the Bible and challenge parents and students to study the Bible together.

Kids

New study plan: Kids and preschoolers will now study all of the books of the Bible every three years. file:///C:/Users/redfeld/Downloads/ETB_2017studyplanallages_1_17%20(2).pdf

Biblical literacy: In every session, LifeWay’s Bible Skills for Kids provides kids with a specific Bible skill they can build upon for the rest of their lives. http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Bible-Skills-for-Kids?intcmp=BibleSkillsForKids-Search-Button-20170509

Explore the Bible At Home: This new digital resource helps parents make valuable connections about the stories their preschoolers and kids are studying. Explore the Bible At Home connects parent and kid content and gives helpful suggestions for leading a family devotion time.


Books of the Bible cards: Each card includes interesting facts about that book of the Bible, including its author, audience, and purpose.  http://www.lifeway.com/Product/explore-the-bible-books-of-the-bible-cards-P005797312

AND SOME THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP: REVIVE: An event for church revitalization and replanting, September 26, 2017, Prince Avenue Baptist Church, Bogart, GA - http://www.cvent.com/events/revive-september-26-2017/event-summary-1d6a78855fd549d6a46a67e0c3af802b.aspx

FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP: Sunday School Director’s Summit at Heatherwood Baptist/Newnan, October 27 & 28, 2017 - https://www.sbcworkspace.com/Pub/Event/Register/55227385

FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP: Leadership Pipeline: Succession at Every Level, October 11-13, 2017 - http://myleadershippipeline.com/

FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP: Create a bookmark on your device for the online LifeWay Church Resources 2017-18 catalog - http://www.lifeway.com/LifeWay-Christian-Resources/Y/c/N-1z141jlZ1z10gjr

FOR FAMILY MINISTRY: ETCH Conference, October 16-18, 2017 - http://etchconference.com/

FOR CHURCH & COMMUNITY – DevoHub, providing daily devotional material directly to your smart phone or tablet - http://devohub.com/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Christ-Centered Parenting by Dr. Russell Moore and Phillip Bethancourt - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Christ-Centered-Parenting?emid=BSI-CCP-08012017&ecid=PDM51095&bid=954686231

FOR SMALL GROUP MINISTRY:  New Studies Loaded onto smallgroup.com
-          Happily Ever After – Dr. James Merritt gives three steps you can take to create the kind of marriage that God wants you to have in this 3-session, video-enhanced series. 
-           Missional MotherhoodJoin Gloria Furman in this 6-session, video-enhanced series as she looks to Scripture for evidence of God’s mission for motherhood and His greater purpose for each and every woman.


FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Women Reaching Women by Chris Adams, developing and strengthening a women’s ministry - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/women-reaching-women-p001293365


FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Transformed Lives: Taking Your Women’s Ministry to the Next Level by Chris Adams - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/transformed-lives-revised-and-expanded-P005371579?intcmp=LWB-WM-transformedlives


FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Family: Leading a Family by Kenny Luck - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/family-leading-a-family-dvd-leader-kit-P005469698

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: ETCH (Equipping The Church & Home) Conference, October 16-18, Register Now: http://buff.ly/2nw9Wpc

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: The LIFT Tour for developing student leaders - http://www.slulead.com/lift-tour

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Youth Pastor Summit registration is now open - http://www.slulead.com/youth-pastor-summit

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Student Pastor Network, connect with Student Pastors around the country without leaving your office AND get $200 worth of 'stuff'. buff.ly/2lksLHS

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: My 8: Embrace and Engage the Wonder of Evangelism by Ed Newton - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/my-8-embrace-and-engage-the-wonder-of-evangelism-leader-kit-P005737563

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: True Love Project by Clayton King, an in-depth look at what the Bible has to say about sex, purity, and romance - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/true-love-project-leader-kit-P005558781

FOR PRETEEN MINISTRY: FLYTE, a curriculum for preteens and recommended by preteens - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/FLYTE?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-FlytePreteen-20151001

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: ZIP for Kids, an adaptable curriculum for Wednesdays, Day Camps, retreats, anytime! - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Zip-For-Kids?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-ZipForKids-20151001

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: TeamKID for Kids in Discipleship, a year’s curriculum for discipling kids - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/TeamKID?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-TeamKid-20151001

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: ETCH (Equipping The Church & Home) Conference, October 16-18, Register Now: http://buff.ly/2nw9Wpc

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Kids Ministry 101 Podcasts -  buff.ly/2kPNDFV

Final Blog, addendum

As one final joke among my teammates, I was somehow selected to give the devotional at our final Zoom meeting.  Among the 30 team members, I...