.church.

What can I say besides WOW! Literally this is all that comes to mind when I even try to think about how much of a blessing it has been to be at Covenant Church of Pittsburgh.  
I visited the church during each of my 3 visits to Pittsburgh prior to moving here and I had decided months ago that this was going to become my new church home.  I have been attending since July and I became a member of the church (officially)  and began singing in the choir in August.  I just completed my New Members workshop 2 weeks ago so now I am really officially official.....lol.  
Let me give you a bit of background about the church - the purpose statement of the church is as follows, 

"Covenant Church of Pittsburgh is a multi-cultural congregation that exists to exalt God the Father, and to know Him as revealed in His Son Jesus Christ. We are called to be a house of prayer, to bring reconciliation and healing to every individual, to equip them to extend God's love to our city and the nations." 

For those of you blog followers that are a part of the HFCN family, this should sound very familiar.  It is simply a longer way to say: Know God. Grow Together. Go Serve.  I knew from the beginning that God was saying that this was the new church home for me.  The preaching is wonderful and the music is amazing.  For those of you who are not musicians, this is the point at which you can turn away.......
As for the music, this is one of the first churches that I have found that has been able to really blend what is known as a "multicultural music" sound.  We sing all kinds of music: top 40 CCM, gospel, hymns and everything in between.  On any given Sunday, you may hear songs by David Crowder, Hillsongs, Israel Houghton and Kirk Franklin.  And it isn't forced - we just worship and the songs seem to flow one to the next.  Speaking of worship, it is like going to church with 100 Ms. Agnes' - no joke.  Everyone is so free - raising hands, clapping, yelling and dancing.  I cannot wait for you all to come and visit.  For those who may have never attended a Pentecostal service, never fear - we don't get too far out of hand! :)
Starting this Tuesday, we begin the yearly Presence Conference.  This years theme is: Designed to Worship II.  Speakers include: Apostle Joel Brooks, Bishop Tutor Bismark, Dr. Mark Chironna, Pastor Cheryl Brady and Bishop Joseph Garlington.  Musical guests include: Ashmont Hill, Brian and Ramey Whalen, Wayne and Libby and wait for it.....Israel Houghton and New Breed.  I am so excited.  Israel and New Breed are on tour right now (check out their new CD, Love God: Love People) so they are bringing the whole tour bus and all of their people.  They are like transforming our whole church to fir their staging.  Can you tell I'm excited?  The best part?  Our choir and worship team will be performing with each guest every night.  Yes, I am going to be singing on stage WITH Israel and New Breed!!!!! :)
This is like a worship leader's dream come true.....
Speaking of the worship team, for those of you who have been following my Facebook, you see that I have been asked to join the worship team.  At CCOP, they are called BGVs (Background Vocalists) but it is all the same.  Tonight was my first rehearsal and I have earned a spot on the mikes for two services during the conference.  They are day sessions, so I am not sure if they will be recorded, but if they are, I will bring copies home for all of you over the holidays! :)

Let me close this post by saying that my CCOP church family will NEVER replace my HFCN family.  You all are my home base, my family church - I love and miss all of you and can't wait to worship with you soon.....my dream is to have both choirs sing together - that would ROCK!

Go out and buy the new Israel CD, it is great.  Let me know if you want the DVDs of the conference, I can get some for you.........check out LIVE webcasts of our church services at CCOP.org!