Church | Jendi's Journal

Getting Through The Introduction

October 5, 2009 By Jendi 5 Comments

Any of you piano players? I play piano for 90% of our church services and I still get nervous when it’s my turn to play the intro. It seems like the intro can make or break the whole song. Play tentatively and they’ll start singing tentatively. Play fast and they’ll start singing fast. Mess up and the whole room hears you.

One time the song leader said the wrong number and the organist corrected him. He replied, “That’s right. I was just checking to see if you were paying attention. Good job.” He announced the right number and I started the intro – BUT – by accident I played the intro to the song on the opposite page. The song leader gave me a funny look and said, “That’s not right.” I replied, “I was just checking to see if you were paying attention. Good job.”

The congregation roared with laughter. And I played the correct intro.

Filed Under: Daily Life Tagged With: church, piano

A Noisy Morning

July 11, 2009 By Jendi 3 Comments

Today was our monthly work day at church. Anyone is welcome to come, work, fellowship, and eat. What’s a fellowship without food? It’s one of our regularly scheduled times that I half dread till I actually go. After I’m there I enjoy it! Especially the chocolate dessert.

At one time today it seemed that everywhere I went it was noisy. All of these machines were running at the same time: push mower, riding mower, trimmer, welder, power washer, and vacuum. Even though it was noisy I’m glad that we had the use of all that equipment. It would have taken a lot longer without them!

Filed Under: Activities/Hobbies Tagged With: church

I’m All Ears…Sometimes

December 15, 2008 By Jendi Leave a Comment

Sometimes when I listen to a sermon I hear every word. I’m audibly glued to the message floating through the air waves.

Sometimes I’m totally in another place in my mind. Thinking about yesterday or what’s coming. Shame on me.

Most often I’m writing notes, settling the kids, and listening intermittently.

The Lord still has a way of bringing just what I need to my attention.

It happened again last Wednesday night.

The brief paragraph that was spoken as I focused on Pastor went straight through my brain and settled in my heart.

Thank you Heavenly Father for the encouragement!

Thank you too for the challenges you send.

May I be regularly in church and ready for the messages from the Spirit.

Filed Under: Musings Tagged With: church, listening, sermon

My Ministry That Ministers To Me

December 12, 2008 By Jendi 1 Comment

Last night we visited a rich/expensive nursing home that has a beautiful baby grand piano. It is beautiful and I want one. Technically I have no room for it, but I think I would give up my bed and sleep under the baby grand if one were offered to me.

Not every nursing home we visit has a nice piano. Some are perfectly fine spinets, and some are nasty old electronic keyboards.

The piano isn’t what matters in the long run. It’s the people that matter.

They enjoy us coming to sing for them. They enjoy simple hymns they can sing with us. They enjoy a simple visit.

P.S. This video was one I struggled with. Lots of tongue tripping over words and redos. Umm…and…sorry about the umms.

Filed Under: Activities/Hobbies Tagged With: church, ministry, nursing home