Thank God We're At Circle Of Friends

Give Thanks - It is Finished

(Proverbs 16:9 - A person’s heart plans their way but the Lord directs their steps.

A very loose “Jim-Translation”)

Well, Circle of Friends has wrapped up another season of worship, different from any other we’ve ever had. For that we give thanks. When Jesus completed His rescue of humanity He stated, “It is finished.” Or, something to that effect. I feel, on a very-very small scale, the same about this past year or so. COF does nothing but worship God and honor what He did for humanity, that we can never do for ourselves. We also enjoy time together. Even though we know we are not perfect, I’m thrilled with what COF has become in our celebration of our shared faith and I’m happy we’re done - for now.

When we met back in the early Fall of 2020 to start a virtual Circle Of Friends, not many knew what would happen. Would we get to be together before Summer? Would any of us get too sick? How would we continue? Would COF fold up and disappear as many churches have over the past year? With God’s help, I believe we may be set-up to be better than we were before everything shut down. Though, in the beginning of the season, as a group, in our hearts, we all (maybe) had a “loose” idea of a plan. (By-the-way, Just because you’ll see the word, “I,” a whole bunch throughout this passage doesn’t mean I really know anything. I watch God work and try to remember His promises.)

I do remember chatting with Kathy and Dave before we met back in September to record our first virtual COF. I knew what to do and saw in my heart and mind how our virtual year would be. This is because God asks us to simply worship Him. That's what I believe we needed to do, and share that praise with our friends as close as we could, like our Thursday nights together. Visually, I knew how to make that look and work, and Dave knew what to do with the music so things sounded like a “Circle Of Friends” night. So, we recorded with one (borrowed) camera and listened to a moving devotion from Kathy and Phil, about walking through a valley in life and trusting God. It was raw and a bit rough. Some were nervous about being together with what was happening in the world. Some not. But, when we were done recording that first episode for a September 17th opening night, it felt like a regular Thursday with a few of our Circle Of Friends.

So, we gathered every week and glorified God in spirit and truth, with our music, devotions, games and time together as we all thought of our friends who were not with us. As we continued, Debbie, Erin, Randy, Charlie, Dave, Rick, Dave, and Phil began to introduce new songs and different musical styles and guests so as not to be the same every week. Corin, Todd and Matt joined the band for a few numbers and it sounded “heavenly,” and "blessed," at times. Charlie switched from Bass to guitar and Teri joined the band, adding to our “Girl Power.” New games, like “Unmasked,” or “I Spy,” became silly favorites, and we began to search in our video history for some times we could share from our past together with you - to see your faces. Circle Of Friends even adjusted to “Full” and “Center” of Friends nights so we could record every other week. This would protect us if someone was exposed to the virus. We would all have two weeks to be sure we weren’t getting sick before we met to record again. As time moved, some were getting more comfortable being together and out of their homes, and more importantly, God was adored.

As the year wore on, our little circle of friends all began to personally become very close. I remember someone telling me that in the beginning of the season they thought that Circle Of Friends wouldn’t make it and would close up for good. They then followed up by saying that this time together made them believe that this year was actually better than before. Hearing that, I choked up and got goosebumps. I knew that when you would all get to join us again, it would be even more fantastic. Our band members stretched themselves to learn new songs and improve their playing to further honor God. Anna, Sarah, and others were sharing inspiring devotions. Ruth, Richie and Callista were adding new views as we got to a point where we now had four cameras, and (hopefully) each week got better to watch and worship with us. Sara, Heather and Roy supported our efforts anywhere needed and “showed up.” Showing up in life is important - in my heart and mind - when you’re a friend. Our hearts’ plan was joyously (thankfully) becoming what I saw in my head back in the Fall.

One of the things I remember from reading the Bible is to give thanks, in everything. I believe, in all our hearts at Circle Of Friends’ that is everyone’s desire as well. We worship God for the good and the bad in our lives, because we who believe are slowly becoming more like Jesus - when we first look to Him. That is why I give thanks. In my heart I want to know, be close to, and worship God - to be more like Jesus. Our hearts have that plan, but the Lord directs our steps on how we get there. He did that (on a small scale) this season with Circle of Friends. Everyone worshipped together with pals. We all didn’t know how that might end up. But, God did. He walked us through a Circle of Friends season like no other. Just like in our own individual lives, none like another but, together as friends. And, when we, in our lives, really do finally get to be with Him, we can truly say, “Thanks be to God, It is finished.” I happily also believe we can enjoy the steps along the way like this past year - good or bad - because God ordered them for us. Who better...