Ministries
NLT Praise & Worship
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Singing for the Glory of God
Note from the Worship Team
After facing challenging situations with my family a couple of weeks ago, the following Sunday was difficult for me. As praise and worship leader, I was faced with a tough decision to make. Was I going to let my hurt and heart ache affect my worship or was I going to press on? Another question that kept running through my mind was “would I be able to do what I was called to do, usher in the presence of God?” My husband, Shawn, and Missy, another praise team member, were leading the solos for our songs that morning but I was still afraid. I was in front of the entire church who knew exactly what my family was facing. I was worried people could see the hurt in my face and through my actions. I didn’t know what to expect out of this worship service.
You may be wondering what this has to do with the music ministry. Well, sometimes we are too focused on the problems were facing, instead of giving thanks and praise to God for handling these situations according to His will. No matter what each of us are facing, we have to press on through trials and tribulations. God desires the praises of His people. When we call out to Jesus, He hears our desperate cries and will show mercy.
Praise and worship is more powerful than many people realize. II Chronicles 20:21 states, “After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying, Give thanks to the Lord for his love endures forever.” Singers and musicians were placed on the front line of battle because God in habits the praises of his people.
To finish the story, as the music began to play, I realized God didn’t deserve being cheated out of his praise. The focus on my problems was pushed aside and I turned my attention to the heavenly father. As I got lost in his presence, his warming embrace began to erase my doubts and fears. I was no longer sitting in self-pity but worshiping the kings of kings for carrying me and my family through this difficult time.
So I leave this thought with you, cry out to God in your time of need. Give thanks for the things he has already brought you out of. Be like David, he writes in Psalm 9, “I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart. I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Lord.”
Praise Team:
Our full Praise Team, along with the Choir and Band, sings Sunday mornings and during evening services as well as special events. We usually practice Sunday afternoons at 5:00 pm. Praise Team members are chosen upon faithfulness, ability to harmonize, and are required to attend NLT faithfully for 3 months. Any questions please feel free to email at the address listed below.
Special Singing/Drama’s:
Most of our special singing and drama’s are presented on night services. If you wish to participate in special singing or drama, please feel free to contact me via email at
Here is a link to a new song we have been working on:
Here In Your Presence
Members Include:
Sopranos: Missy Essary ,Sandy Essary
Altos: Lynnette McBratney (Choir Director), Charity Kaempfer
Tenors: Shawn Jones, John Hernandez
Others include: Leisa Morace (Alto), Brandon Plaster and Joe Compton (Tenor)
Band
Piano - Robert Morace (Joanna Jones)
Bass - Associate Pastor Kris Essary
Drums - Nehemiah Jones
Chris Kaempfer
Organ - Merlene Haynes