A Sacred Gathering

Last Friday evening Edgar and I celebrated what might be my favorite birthday to date. We went to my favorite eatery--Sweet Tomatoes, then we went to Northpoint Community Church for what was called a Sacred Gathering--wow.

This event was not widely publicized, in fact most of my friends up at Brown's Bridge (where we attend) were unaware of it. I think with 3 campuses and multiple services, the number of people now attending on a regular basis, over 27,000 total, it is unreasonable to open the invitation to all three campuses, but I am so glad we heard about it. It was a service, not a ticketed event, and it was amazing.

We arrived a little early and the auditorium doors were not yet opened. (I still think is so cool to attend a church where people line up outside the doors at each service waiting to go in). When we did enter, we noticed several "stations" of tables with candles, white linens, and the Lord's Supper juice trays and round loaves of bread. Since it was my birthday, Edgar conceded to let us sit near the front--I don't see too well when we are in the back. The light's were low and Bill was playing lovely music on the piano. As the room filled, Edgar commented how happy people here are. It is true, there was a sense of peaceful joy in the room.

Promptly at 8:00 three ladies came with stools and the singing began. First a solo, then a couple of duets and a trio. All hymns about the cross including one of my favorites, In Christ Alone. Next the ladies left the stage and we began congregational singing with Todd Fields on guitar, two other instrumentalists--one on cello, and one using snare sticks on the bongos. One of the ladies also joined Todd in singing. The tempo picked up a little and the songs still focused on the cross.

In the center of the stage was a large metal, back lighted cross suspended about 10" off the ground. The sacred part of the evening was unfolding with each song as we collectively and musically meditated on the loving sacrifice of our Savior. Most of the time events at the Northpoint Ministries campuses are termed "foyer" events. They are designed for regulars to bring guests to a safe and comfortable environment to just see what it is all about. This was definitely different. This Gathering was designed for believers who have a relationship with their Heavenly Father.

When Andy got up to speak, he drew attention to the scriptures where the angels first announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds and reminded us that the 'Good News' was to all people. He then challenged us to really focus on the all for whom Jesus came. He reminded us that while it is 'a really cool way to spend a Friday evening' and it is important to spend time intimately communing with the Father around the table we have come to know as the Lord's Supper, it is also critical that we never lose sight of the all. He then asked us if there was a least one person we know who is not a believer. Then he asked the really uncomfortable question: are we actively petitioning God for the salvation of that individual? I immediately thought of one of our neighbors. We have come to know the father and are beginning to know the rest of the family. They are good people, but they do not know the Lord and we have been inviting them to church. I look forward to the day when they connect with our Heavenly Father; I am trusting God for that day to come soon.

We spent sometime praying aloud in small groups and then in a very orderly and respectful fashion stood and each row was guided to one of the tables where we could take a cup and piece of bread. As we came back to our seats to meditate and individually partake of the elements there was a hush in the room exceptt for the piano music.

Once everyone finished the music began to pick up tempo and become more celebratory. The next 30 to 40 minutes over 2500 worshippers filled the room and I'm sure the heavens with praise and adoration unparalleled. Kristian Stanfill, Steve Fee, Eddie Kirkland, Todd Fields, and several other musicians led a time of music and worship that honored God and inspired His people. It was truly a Sacred Gathering, and an awesome birthday date!