Citywide Service

"...I pray also for those who will believe in me because of their message.  Father, I pray that all of them will be one, just as you are in me and I am in you.  I want them also to be in us.  Then the world will believe that you have sent me."   John 17:21

The Message translates it... 'so they may be one heart and mind with us...as unified and together as we are, I in them and you in me.  Then they'll be mature in this oneness and give the godless world evidence that you've sent me and loved them in the same way that you've loved me.'

One heart and mind - as unified and together as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Amazing.   

Have you ever experienced it?  I believe we experienced it, to some degree, at this year's Citywide Good Friday Service. Allow me to share a little glimpse from 'backstage'

Consider this:

Photo compliments of:
Christian Anderson

The choir had representatives from 8 churches.  They had two rehearsals to meet one another, and SING.

Photo compliments of:
Christian Anderson

The band was comprised of representatives from 5 churches. Many of them had never met one another, let alone played together before.

It was a privilege to see these men pour themselves into rehearsal with hearts of service.  No upstaging, arguing, or awkward tension.  Serving, yielding - excellence.

Did you see the ALL THINGS video?    VIEW VIDEO
Edited by a student at West High (where the service was held)
Audio track from a local worship pastor
Scripture in languages from all but one of our planet's continents
Read by Anchorage residents representing several churches

The most repeated phrase from everyone involved: "Tell what you need."

The second most-repeated phrase:  "How can I help?  Anything.  Just name it."

From everyone - Senior Pastors to prayer partners to ushers and choir members.

Amazing hearts and talent offered in worship
      

Countless hours devoted to honoring Christ's work on the cross





2,000 people representing dozens of churches attended:

Photo Compliments of: Christian Anderson
It IS miraculous to behold believers coming together.

Something special happens when we gather together in unity to worship the King.

It's a slice of heaven.  A preview of a the greatest coming attraction.

An answer the prayer of Jesus.

Were you there?  Thank you!  Did you serve?  Thank you!
Are you ready to do it again?  Please pray.  We are working on plans for the next service, and we will need YOUR prayers and would love for you to be a part!

Consider this:  "God heard Jesus' prayers.  He will answer them all."  ~ Pastor Dick Strutz
I want to be a part of that answer.  Do you?  Really?  What will that look like in your world?

While it is a GREAT start, unity requires much more than citywide worship services.  Being 'mature in oneness' is no small thing.  It requires relationship and work.

Possible starting points:
1. Pray for your pastors and church leadership
2. Pray for the churches you pass on your way to work, the store...quick prayers - 'God, please meet their needs' for example
3. Take one Sunday this summer and worship at another church - introduce yourself to the Pastor and thank him (or her) for sharing God's Word faithfully in our city
4. Look at other church's websites.  Know what is going on and thank God for the diverse ministries in Anchorage

These 4 suggestions aren't the answer, either.  They are a start, though.

God knows who was sitting in each of the chairs (below) at the Good Friday service.
AND...He knows who will be in each one the next time we gather.
Pray for the 1,900 seats surrounding the one you will occupy.  I'll see you there!  
(Scroll down for links to full photo slide shows from the Good Friday Service)

Slideshow 1       Slideshow 2