Through the Storms

Through the Storms Screen

Such a heavy, beautiful way to worship today.  It was honest, authentic worship.  We started a 2-week series today entitled “Through the Storms.”  Ken Petrus, Executive Pastor at North Side, preached this first week.

4 months ago today, Ken’s youngest child, Eric, went to be with Jesus after an 11-year fight with cancer. Eric had asked Ken to preach his funeral.  At that funeral, I witnessed one of the most beautiful expressions of faith, hope, and the peace surpasses all comprehension that I have ever seen.  When Jeff and I were planning out the remainder of the messages for 2013, 2 weeks at the end of May were vacant.  I asked Ken if he would want to address the congregation that had prayed so much for his family.  With tears in his eyes, he said he would love to.

He did an incredible job.  He shared the story but kept pointing us back to the Word as the source of our hope.  He had also asked for some specific songs in today’s service.  He asked Stacy Wideman to sing “It Is Well” as she lost her son a few years ago and can sing that song with more meaning than most.  He asked for Ted to sing “How Great Thou Art” which he sang at Eric’s funeral.  And “Amazing Grace” meant so much to the family to know that Eric’s chains are truly gone and he is finally free.

Today, we worshiped to:

  • Always – Kristian Stanfill
  • Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) – Chris Tomlin
  • How Great Thou Art – North Side Worship
  • It Is Well – North Side Worship
  • Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) – North Side Worship
  • Powerful time.  Genuine time.  It was what I call “ugly worship.”  It’s kinda like an “ugly cry.”  You just let it all out there.  And I can’t think of a more beautiful expression to give to Jesus.

    I’ve been tapped to preach next week, and I felt a different direction during Ken’s message today.  It was a clear call, it will be a little different, but you can’t go wrong following the Holy Spirit.  Hope to see you there!