What great singing echoed the halls of the Falls Church building this weekend!  The congregational harmony, was stunning with over 28 congregations represented from around the Washington, D.C. area.

Hymnologist, Dr. Jerry Rushford brought fresh life to well-known hymns as he revealed the backgrounds of these treasures in his superlative, story-telling style. One day, we hope to join him on one of his hymns tours to Scotland and England.  What an interesting trip that would be!  (Maybe Madison will send us on our 10th anniversary with the church - it doesn't hurt to dream.)

Jerry has directed the Pepperdine Lectureships for 25 years.  Not only does he seek the best lecturers for this annual event, but assembles many singing groups and worship leaders for stirring praise and worship.  You preachers, teachers and leaders should consider Pepperdine as one of your renewal resource events.  (The scenery isn't too shabby either.) 

I'll have to admit that I have become so accustomed to using screens that it was unusual to be in a setting where the song numbers are normally announced before each song.  We used projection and a screen for the Mid-Atlantic Fellowship, but not on Sunday morning.  (Of course, I managed to slip in some medleys.)

This church spoiled us with their hospitality, including the fellowship of Brother Pigg (originally from West Tennessee) who is a retired commander of the Navy - yet continues to work as hard as ever with his current international organization and his service as an elder. (Next month the Piggs will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary!)

Sharon and I enjoyed sweet fellowship with longtime friends (30 years) Mike and Monica Tune who serve the Falls Church church.  Monica is still a great cook and also gave me some great pointers for my worship leading seminars!  It was delightful to visit with their son, Michael, who really loves living/working in the Washington D.C. area.  Mike served in the ministry at the East Wood Church in Paris, TN and has also worked with churches in Monroe, LA and Lebanon, TN.

Again, we were blessed with opportunities for amazing visits.  Mike led us on a tour of Mount Vernon and gave us a night tour of Washington, D.C. (pictures forthcoming.)  Jim Shoenhard, a member at Falls Church gave us a personalized tour of the Pentagon where he works with 22,000 others (and who was also present when the plane struck on 9-11.)

Mike is an outstanding teacher of the Word.  He offers a Bible Study through USA Today in the Thursday editions.  One of his gifts, far from "spoon-feeding" his congregation, he equips them with study skills in order to discover the richness of the Text themselves.  We need more Mike Tunes in the church to help Christians grow in their knowledge and dedication to the Lord.