Dreaming in Technicolor

Several people asked via Facebook about how the show was last night, so after my work-out this morning I sat down to write a note to post about it to answer them all at once. I composed a nice, lengthy review of the whole evening, but when I left the page to find a picture to post with it, I didn't realize that it hadn't auto-saved, and I lost the entire thing. By then it was time to leave for staff meeting, so I came to the office, and I've been in meetings ever since. But now that I have few minutes before I need to prepare for church tonight, I'll try to remember some of what I wrote this morning and post it here on the blog.

First of all, anything at The Fox Theatre is pretty much a sure thing for me. It's always been one of my very favorite places, and continues to be so, even though I really think it's just a little too big for Broadway shows. The average house on the Great White Way in NYC is considerably more intimiate than the Fox, because Broadway shows are written and meant for smaller houses. So if you attend a play or a show at the Fox and are too far away from the stage, you generally miss a lot that you would otherwise experience in an actual Broadway theatre.

That being said, last night was, in a word, wonderful. It wasn't the best production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat that I've ever seen (and I've seen it a few times over the years), but it was pretty good. The show is a lot of fun...some would say silly (Pharaoh is an Elvis impersonator, for example)...but there are still moments in it that are movingly serious and quite profound. Basically, the show just has a lot of heart

Dreamcoat was Andrew Lloyd Webber's first published work. He wrote it in college, before Jesus Christ Superstar or some of his later, more sophisticated pieces, but it's enjoyable and family-friendly, and has held up well enough over the years. I have an original album soundtrack version of it somewhere that I bought when I was 12 or 13 and memorized, and even auditioned for a local production of it years ago and got the part, but couldn't work it out with my schedule.

That's all well and good, but it's the amazing story of Joseph, itself, that shines through and so resonates with me, regardless of the medium in which it's presented. It's probably my favorite Bible story...a story that is obviously about the power of dreams, but is also a saga of love and redemption, reconciliation in a dysfunctional family, and the mysteries of the prophetic. It's a story about survival and triumph...one that always inspires me, no matter how many times I hear it told (or sung or danced).

The tickets to the show were a Father's Day gift from Judah and Jonah, and of course I thoroughly enjoyed being treated by them to it. We had a lot of fun together last night. And I'm not the kind of dad you by a drill, golf-club, or weed-whacker for, so it's gratifying to me that my sons know me well enough to know what to get me. The best part of the evening for me was the conversation that the three of us had afterward about the Bible...about what it is and what it isn't...about the possibilities in the life of a man like Jospeh who had so many ups and downs in his life (mostly downs, actually), and how that his latter was greater than his former.

These days I really try to savor and enjoy every moment that I experience. I am grateful for my kids, for the wonderful time I had last night with two of them, for art and music and all that goes with it, for my beautiful Atlanta, and for the part of the Word that gives life, instead of the letter that kills. But today I am thinking particularly of Joseph...and about dreams...and about life...and about happy endings to stories of hardship. My favorite Scripture verses in the story are Genesis 50:19-21:

Joseph replied, "Don't be afraid. Do I act for God? Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people. Easy now, you have nothing to fear; I'll take care of you and your children." He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart.
- The Message

Wow. I love it. And I relate to it.

Gotta go get ready for church...

Hold on to you dreams...

Something's Coming/Tonight In Midtown

Happy Thursday!

As I told the congregation at CHURCH IN THE NOW EAST last evening, we have some direction and good news to share with you about the future of our presence in the Conyers/Covington area, which I will talk about more this coming Sunday. We really do believe that the best days of this ministry are ahead of us, and we are committed to seeing much of that unfold in the community we have invested in over the last 26 years.

By the way, if you couldn't be there last night, or weren't able to stream, you might want to get a copy of the teaching "It Seemed Good to the Holy Spirit, and to Us" (order at www.churchintenow.org). It was a continuation of the subject from the previous week about the real meaning of "binding and loosing", and there's some good stuff in there.

Tonight is our second meeting at CHURCH IN THE NOW MIDTOWN, and I am really looking forward to seeing even more new faces in the audience there. Last week's premier service exceeded expectations, but many people come to the opening night of something just because it's an event. Tonight will be another beginning of sorts, because it will show more acurately who is really interested in becoming a part of the Midtown congregation.

CITNM is currently meeting every Thursday at 7 PM in the Imperial Ballroom of the historic Biltmore House, 30 5th street NE in Atlanta (corner of W. Peachtree and 5th). There is FREE COVERED PARKING, and no childcare provided.

In light of all that's happening, I want to share today's affirmations from A Year In The Now:

SOMETHING’S COMING!

"And then God answered, ‘Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what's coming – it can hardly wait! And it doesn't lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It's on the way. It will come right on time.'" (Habakkuk 2:2, 3 – The Message)


Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because I have a vision, and a vision from God doesn't lie. It lets me know that something good is on the way, and that I must make room for it in my life.

Today I will have faith in my goals and in my ability to reach them. I will write a petition, which will give my faith a focal point, and I will find a word on which to stand to make that petition come to pass.

Today I will have a positive outlook, anticipating the arrival of a long-awaited answer to a prayer. I will not be weary in well doing, knowing that I will reap in due season if I do not faint.

Today I will run with the vision, because the vision is alive and growing – mobile and evolving – and running to keep up with it will be good and healthy for me. I will abandon my comfort zone, and stretch toward the bigger and better breakthrough that is bound to become mine!

Today I will be appreciative of the little things that are a blessing to my life, as I increase my capacity for accepting even greater outpourings of God's love and affection for me. God wants me to be blessed even more than I want to be blessed, and He has written a vision on my heart to make sure that I receive all that He has in store for me!

Today I will not be moved when it looks like I am having a setback. All things are working together for my good, and God's timing will ultimately be perfect – so I will walk in the faith and patience that enables me to obtain the promises! I will not become discouraged, because I will keep my eyes on the big picture.

Today I will keep hope alive by believing for the impossible, seeing the invisible, and feeling the intangible. I will speak of the non-existent things as though they already existed, because the vision in my mind is increasing with the faith in my heart. Something's coming, and it could be here any minute — I will be ready for it today, and today I will live in the now!

Father, write Your vision on my heart today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Just wanted to check in and tell you all that I love you, that I appreciate all of you who are in covenant with us more than you know, that I'm extremently excited about tonight, and that the best is yet to come!

CITN MIDTOWN PREMIER SERVICE REVIEWS

It was beautiful...perfect, really...to all of you who helped make the evening such a success I say thankyou, thankyou, thankyou...I love you!

"Bish, tonight was perfect and felt so complete, so right! The ballroom...ahhh I loved it. So happy to see you truly happy deep within. Midtown just does not even know...they better get ready, bc they're about to find out. I love you. xoxo"
- Lindsey Pettite

"You were great and AWESOME! We felt your happiness and peace. We are so excited for you, us, our new family. It was the most beautiful room of peeps I've ever seen. Much love to you sir. So proud to call you my pastor."
- Sheri Travis

"My divine Bishop, "there's a sweet sweet spirit in THAT place...and I know that it's the spirit of the LORD" A very humble thank you for a beautiful service."
- Javalyn Hall-Johnson

"The New Date Night: Thursdays - 7pm at The Biltmore (CITN - Midtown). It was awesome, it's going to be awesome - what a great night!!! We loved it!"
- Rowena Silvera

"Awesome, awesome, awesome!! Bishop I loved it! everything about it was blessed just like I said it would be! Oh...my "new" spot now on Thursday nites! So glad to be part of it!!!! Love you much!!!"
- Ethel Higgins

"Wow what a wonderful place, and people and message!! The whole evening was a beautiful begining for CITN Midtown!! Thank you for letting us have a part in it!!"
- Linda Green-Richardson

"CITN Midtown had a prosperous turnout!! It was a wonderful experience Jeff and I were a part of tonight!! Thank you again Bishop Jim Swilley for getting the word out!!"
- Bryce Hardin

"It was electrifying tonight at the Biltmore - it was so cool too from where I was sitting I could see the Peachtree St sign - it was like Atlanta was soaking up everything - from our music to your words Bishop - even my fortune cookie was right on the money tonight - great evening - thanks Bishop - many more to come."
- Pamela Holbrook

"I never miss a service..even if not ITB...So wish I could have been there...got goosebumbs looking at the pics and seeing you standing there...very confirming..and feeling/seeing the support from all that love you was beautiful!!!"
- Debra Murphy

"Jim, your dedication and commitment to the people you come into contact with is simply amazing. I wish you the best and hope that you continue to inspire and lead by the example of honesty and compassion you extoll every single day. You are amazing. Atlanta is a better place with you here and working in the capacity you do."
- Rich Sullivan

"The service was awesome. The Spirit of God moved in a mighty way. You folks are real and real awesome. I look forward to being there again sometime. Peace and love, Namaste, jeff"
- Jeff Rust

"I could tell by the pics, it is the right place, the right time and the right season... I am thinking of the first message I sent to you several months ago"
- Claudia James Weaver

"Great turn out and awesome Premier Service at Church In The Now Midtown last night! Those who missed it, missed the start of something great. But no need to worry, next Thursday is just around the corner. Bishop, I am so proud for you!"
- Bobby Newsome

"It was bliss for us too. An absolute pleasure. Very excited about so many new people getting to know Church In The Now!"
- Eddie Brumlow

"Bish I'm soooo jealous, i wanted to there for the opening night....seem like it was a beautiful service based on the comments below. super happy...all smiles. Go Bish.
GO CITN."
- Renaldo C. Blocker Sr.

"O What a Night! The first of many...and already additional room is needed. It was a rockin' night filled with the fresh and new. CITN Midtown is THE Place to be on Thursday nights! Way to go, Bishop...you did it...I'm so very proud to have been present at this inaugural event and so proud of you. It's great to see you so happy and relaxed! Peace & Blessings!"
- Patti Cook

"Moving on up, moving on up...to that beautiful Imperial Ballroom on Peachtree. Loved the atmosphere. Loved the spirit. Loved the beautiful people that showed up tonight. So proud to be a part of CITN Midtown tonight. Look up and count the stars in the chandellier. CITN Midtown shines. In fact, the parking attendant ask us to say a prayer that she can attend a service some time. Already reaching out and touching..."
- Cheryl Tiedemann

Not sure how to even express what I felt last night. Not the music which -my God - Jon Scott , Dan - it had no choice but to be awesome. Not you - who are always life changing, but the feeling in the room. A mix between the overwhelming joy you feel when you watch someone marry, or even those Home makeover shows - always sob when they move that bus. Anyway, there was a tangible feeling of happiness, belonging, acceptance (maybe for the first time ever),someone finding their way home, and more than anythng else, peace...you know me i am not a visions, doves, gold dust, - yada yada, kinda person, but last night was something I have never felt, and a bunch that I have all rolled into one - I, as you, have been in services where blind see, etc, etc, but last night was an inside thing, hearts, wounded spirits...beautiful. God I hope that makes sense.I love you immensely, and am honored to be a part of any and everything you do.
- Soni Dailey Brumlow

"Church in the Now Midtown was the bees knees"
- Jonah Elijah Swilley

See you next Thursday night!

CHURCH IN THE NOW MIDTOWN PREMIER SERVICE TONIGHT!

Thanks for all the support and great words of encouragement that I've received about CITN MIDTOWN and its opening service this evening! I hope to see many of you tonight at the Biltmore House (Imperial Ballroom) at 7PM. Remember, there's no childcare provided...but the parking is free (and safe...and covered...and well-lit). Biltmore House is a historic Atlanta landmark, and very easy to find...it's beautiful, too...also, if I've never met you before, be sure to introduce yourself tonight...I'm looking forward to a wonderful time together...see you in a few...

"I have been waiting and hoping for a church like this in Midtown. Great location at the Biltmore...Let me know if I can help....signed John the Baptist."
- John R Morgan

"I love this area of town. It looks, feels so different than anything this way. It's like going out of town, somewhere different, on a trip without going very far. To think it's just around the corner. This is exciting news!"
- Cheryl Tiedemann

"If you build it, 'HE' WILL come."...If I weren't in DC, I would definitely come out to support. If possible, stream Live and I will definitely be there!!!!
Luvya Much!!!"
- ReNée Aiken

"...God is about to blow the roof off the building. He has called you to this work. And He will see it through to the end. One can put a thousand to flight and two can put ten thousand to flight. If only two show up, that is enough to move mountains. Go on with your bad self man of God. Be ready, if you can for what God is about to do. Namaste, yours in Christ..."
- Jeff Rust

"Jeff ~ you are 100% right! God IS about to blow the roof off this ministry! I agree with you! And Bishop is the man for such a time as this!!! How exciting that we get to be a part of it too! This is the dawning of the age of the Holy Spirit!!! :)

Bishop, go out there, and do what you are supposed to do! Only you can do it! I love you! :)"
- Jere Luck

"...keep the faith Bishop! Keep the service there for those seeking healng and restoration!!"
- Bryce Hardin

"my crystal ball tells me you'll be pleasantly surprised at the midtown attendance.... ♥ "
- Melissa Floyd Hall

"...I will be there with friends....we will have C-H-U-R-C-H...You r soooooo needed there"
- Amy Hamrick

"Right down the street from faith memorial in the 70's...history repeating itself...great area where we grew up...you'll do well there..."
- Jon Mark Swilley

"wow...It has been a while since I have been to church...now you are in my back yard...I have no excuse...and I miss the word so...thank you Bishop....thank you so much...will see you on Thursday"
- Shareese B. Smith

"I'm so excited for CITN and The Bishop as the Word begins to flow in new locations. With God and Love good things will come. Stay Blessed!"
- Bobby Newsome

So exciting Bish. Looking forward!
- Eddie Brumlow

"‎1 Corinthians 2:9...Ephesians 3:20-21...His Holy Spirit Will Reveal to You exactly What He wants you to know as you move on through this Great and Mighty Transition.... New Beginnings are every day and You have answered His Call to live in them Bishop... You are Not alone! There are Many who are Waiting for you to bring the Light, Love and Word of Truth to them! Love you Much!!"
- Lynda Edwards

"Reach out and touch Faith. Movement, change is exciting. Allows us to TRUST God and watch him work his magic in all of HIS glory. Where there is no vision, the people perish. CITN is a group of visionaries. Visionaries never die. They just keep getting up and get up stronger each time. Visionaries move forward and never in reverse. I am proud to be a part of the vision of CITN. It's all good."
- Cheryl Tiedemann

CHURCH IN THE NOW MIDTOWN PREMIER SERVICE TOMORROW NIGHT!

"I have been waiting and hoping for a church like this in Midtown. Great location at the Biltmore...Let me know if I can help....signed John the Baptist."
- John R Morgan

"I love this area of town. It looks, feels so different than anything this way. It's like going out of town, somewhere different, on a trip without going very far. To think it's just around the corner. This is exciting news!"
- Cheryl Tiedemann

"If you build it, 'HE' WILL come."...If I weren't in DC, I would definitely come out to support. If possible, stream Live and I will definitely be there!!!!
Luvya Much!!!"
- ReNée Aiken

"...God is about to blow the roof off the building. He has called you to this work. And He will see it through to the end. One can put a thousand to flight and two can put ten thousand to flight. If only two show up, that is enough to move mountains. Go on with your bad self man of God. Be ready, if you can for what God is about to do. Namaste, yours in Christ..."
- Jeff Rust

"Jeff ~ you are 100% right! God IS about to blow the roof off this ministry! I agree with you! And Bishop is the man for such a time as this!!! How exciting that we get to be a part of it too! This is the dawning of the age of the Holy Spirit!!! :)

Bishop, go out there, and do what you are supposed to do! Only you can do it! I love you! :)"
- Jere Luck

"...keep the faith Bishop! Keep the service there for those seeking healng and restoration!!"
- Bryce Hardin

"my crystal ball tells me you'll be pleasantly surprised at the midtown attendance.... ♥ "
- Melissa Floyd Hall

"...I will be there with friends....we will have C-H-U-R-C-H...You r soooooo needed there"
- Amy Hamrick

"Right down the street from faith memorial in the 70's...history repeating itself...great area where we grew up...you'll do well there..."
- Jon Mark Swilley

"wow...It has been a while since I have been to church...now you are in my back yard...I have no excuse...and I miss the word so...thank you Bishop....thank you so much...will see you on Thursday"
- Shareese B. Smith

"I'm so excited for CITN and The Bishop as the Word begins to flow in new locations. With God and Love good things will come. Stay Blessed!"
- Bobby Newsome

So exciting Bish. Looking forward!
- Eddie Brumlow

"‎1 Corinthians 2:9...Ephesians 3:20-21...His Holy Spirit Will Reveal to You exactly What He wants you to know as you move on through this Great and Mighty Transition.... New Beginnings are every day and You have answered His Call to live in them Bishop... You are Not alone! There are Many who are Waiting for you to bring the Light, Love and Word of Truth to them! Love you Much!!"
- Lynda Edwards

"Reach out and touch Faith. Movement, change is exciting. Allows us to TRUST God and watch him work his magic in all of HIS glory. Where there is no vision, the people perish. CITN is a group of visionaries. Visionaries never die. They just keep getting up and get up stronger each time. Visionaries move forward and never in reverse. I am proud to be a part of the vision of CITN. It's all good."
- Cheryl Tiedemann