"Perception"

I received this story in an e-mail and it struck a chord.  I love looking for ways that God is "hiding in plain sight" in my little world.  My dear friend and I are convinced that God is 'flirting' with us, wooing us to fall even more in love with Him.  

Be encouraged to look more intentionally for His Presence in 'your world' today.  You never know where or how He will choose to bless you!
THE SITUATION
In Washington , D.C ., at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, a man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes.  During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.  After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing.  He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.
About 4 minutes later:  The violinist received his first dollar.  A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
At 6 minutes:
 A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
 At 10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly.  The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time.  This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.
At 45 minutes:The musician played continuously.  Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while.  About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace.  The man collected a total of $32.
After 1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over.  No one noticed and no one applauded.  There was no recognition at all.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world.  He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.  Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $200 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.

This is a true story.  Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. 

More information on the Washington Post article and hear Joshua Bell play HERE.

Salvation Army - Church

Sunday School: 9:45 am

Service Time: 11:00 am

Address:  Corner of Old Seward & DeArmoun

www.salvationarmy.org/alaska

What do you think of when you hear ‘Salvation Army’?  Charity?  Social Service?  Bells?  Bands?  Red kettles?  OK…how about blue suits with red badges? 

Good answers.

How about…church?

Not everyone knows that the Salvation Army, in addition to serving the city day in and day out with remarkable charity and social service, the Corps also loves and serves Anchorage by providing a church to call home.  Many of the things traditionally associated with the Corps do play a major role in their service, as well.  (No, no ringing bells or red kettles…)

I entered the beautiful chapel to hear “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” being played by a brass band – instant smile and warm fuzzy Christmas glow.  I appreciated the bulletin which included the order of service – complete with the names of all those involved in various elements of the service AND where to find each song in the songbooks provided in each aisle. 

There was a time of prayer when heartfelt thanks was expressed to God for His provision of food, supplies and many volunteers who delivered meals on Thanksgiving Day.  Petitions were offered and reference was made to the needs listed on the back of the program.  (You may submit requests using a card in the weekly program.  If desired, those needs are listed to guide others in prayer.)

The worship band took over for the second half of the song service and they did a great job, too.  It was wonderful to see that so many people were involved in the Sunday service.  A family from the congregation assisted in the lighting of the first Advent candle and several others were involved in readings, worship, etc.  The greeting time actually shocked me – people circulated (yes…as in they left the comfort of their seats…) to be sure not to miss anyone.  I felt very welcome!

This church family offers classes for children and dismissed kids to join them after the lighting of the Advent Candle and part of the song service. 

Lieutenants Ryan and Marjorie Miller pastor this church and share the teaching responsibilities.  Marjorie shared on this particular Sunday and did a fantastic job! 

I was challenged by a couple of questions she posed:  When does Christmas start for you? and Do you celebrate Christmas the same way every year and expect a different (more worshipful, deep, sentimental, etc) result?” 

The message centered around something that we all know, but probably still struggle with from time to time – we must allow the head knowledge that Christmas is all about Jesus sink down and become heart knowledge.  How?  Worship Jesus.

Don’t worship at the mall.

Don’t try to win the affections of family or friends with gifts.

Don’t stay so busy that you miss the opportunity to sit at His feet.

These were timely reminders the Sunday after “Black Friday” and preceding “Cyber Monday”.

Following the message, Lieutenant Ryan Miller and the band leading us in “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”  We stopped and read verse 3 aloud together before finishing the song:

How silently, how silently


The wondrous gift is given!


So God imparts to human hearts


The blessings of His heaven.


No ear may his His coming,


But in this world of sin,


Where meek souls will receive him still,


The dear Christ enters in.

“If Christ can enter a manger, wherever we are we know that He is with us.”  Beautiful. 

The service ended with announcements about the week’s activities – and there were a lot to list!  Officers prayed with those who requested it after the service.

I found much of what I expected at this church…and was blessed with some surprises.

Stay tuned…a future blog post will outline the services Salvation Army offers in Anchorage with information about how you, your family, small group, or entire church may partner with them.

In the meantime, take time to drop some money in the kettles…you know the ones I’m referring to! 

Would you consider helping out?  2 hours on your choice of day in a location of your choosing will go a LONG way in providing services to countless in our city.  Just click the link and get involved:

http://anchoragesa.volunteerfirst.org/public/search_pro_all.asp

Thank you for a wonderful joy and love-filled visit, Salvation Army!