24-7 PRAYER MOVEMENT AND THE UPPER ROOM

Being a part of worship ministries means we are in tune to worshiping in alternative ways: music, art, dance, drama, poetry and so much more. We worship in creative ways with the gifts God has given us and He relishes in the beauty we lovingly create. But over the last few months I have discovered that not only can we use these gifts in worship, but also in how we experience prayer.
Reading about the 24-7 Prayer Movement and learning how to create a prayer room for GEBC was only the beginning. Through the process of actually building the prayer room and determining what was placed within the four walls, we discovered many creative ways to engage all senses and inspire prayer. And when the Upper Room began to come to life, we saw first hand the different ways to experiment with prayer through painting, drawing, writing poetry, journaling, listening or playing music, reading, being still in the quiet to hear God’s voice or just resting in His presence. It was an entirely new way to think about prayer, communing with our Heavenly Father and taking time to grow in that relationship.
We had our first continuous prayer session during Holy Week. It was an amazing experience to witness people coming and going, up the stairs to the Upper Room to pray and then hear the different ways people met with God. I knew what the room looked like, but nothing could prepare me for what I would actually encounter when it was my turn to go up those stairs.
When you first walk through the curtain to enter the Upper Room, you are overwhelmed and it was hard to know what to focus on. All the lights and candles drew my attention first to the cross, surrounded by stations for confessing your sins, taking communion and watching a video of the crucifixion. I started to move forward, but writing on the wall caught my eye. All the different prayer requests with so many different writings from so many different people....heart breaking prayer requests and powerful praises written all over the wall. I knelt down to echo the prayers that I was reading and added one of my own. I stood up and began to notice the amazing artwork hanging from the ceiling and then the maps hanging on the other wall. The wall with global prayers was covered with so many prayers for missionaries and countries hit with disaster. My heart felt like it was going to explode with emotion, so I decided to play the Holy Week CD and slowly moved toward the cross.
The chimes rang too quickly, my time was over and the next person came through the curtain. Just as the book predicted, an hour in the prayer room felt like ten minutes. I am a fairly new Christian and new to prayer as well. Over the last 2 years I have made it a priority to pray, read from my bible and spend time with God every day. The 24-7 Prayer Movement has introduced me to the power of prayer as a community and the power of prayer when done creatively in new and different ways. If you have not yet experienced the Upper Room, I hope you sign up for an hour during the next session and experience prayer in a whole new way!

--Amy Kohley

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WORSHIP IN THE PARK 2010

We all have a story. Some of our stories are long, some exciting, some filled with sadness and regret. But when you encounter Jesus, your life script changes and the story unfolds in a new and exciting way. Join us to hear stories of changed lives as a result of an encounter with the living God!

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MEET KARA SMITH

As a part of GEBC worship team we are all very familiar with Scott and Jason, but who is this other person sending us emails? Chances are you have had several correspondences with Kara Smith, but have you actually had a chance to get to know her? Kara lives in Carol Stream with her husband Nick. Kara and Nick met at Indiana Wesleyan University where Kara graduated with a degree in photography. Kara has been working at GEBC for two years and has filled the shoes of the Communications Coordinator, Worship Ministries Assistant and as well as the Receptionist. When not at GEBC, she works as a freelance photographer. Nick is a full time graduate student at Trinity International University, working toward a masters in mental health counseling as well as working at Wheaton Bible Church.

What were you doing prior to working at GEBC? Prior to GEBC I was completing my senior year in college, planning my wedding, showing my photography in various galleries, as well as working as the curator for an art gallery.

What are your actual responsibilities and what is the best part about working at GEBC? Oh goodness! The responsibilities spread far and wide when you have three titles; they include the bulletin, weekly e-newsletter, getting music together for rehearsals, arranging communion servers, the website, among many other things. I would have to say my favorite part of my job would be the relationships I have built since being at GEBC.

What is your connection with the arts? I am a visual artist, to the core of my being. As far back as I can remember I’ve been involved with something creative. Whether it’s photography, drawing, making jewelry, I love all visual and hands on types of art. But, don’t ask me to sing because I am surely not gifted in that area of the arts!

When you are out of the office, what are your favorite things to do? I would say my top six favorite things to do out of the office are (in no specific order): cooking/baking, playing hostess, writing my blog, shopping, date days with my husband, and various new and creative endeavors.

Where are you currently attending church and how are you involved there? Nick and I attend Wheaton Bible Church (I’ve been attending for 15 years). This past year we started to help lead a college-aged class called Essentials. We enjoy connecting with leadership as well as being involved in the students’ weekly lives.

Glen Ellyn Bible Church | 501 Hillside Avenue | Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 | 630.469.2964