Jazz @ Emmanuel – September 14 – Always Hope
Always Hope. Why? Because there is always hope. Always.
It is so easy to jump to conclusions and false assumptions and exaggerated negative outcomes — even when we are not normally pessimistic. When we are threatened, panic and frantic swiftly move in to try to “organize” the situation and “prepare” us for the worst. Am I talking to myself here
Most of us are familiar with good ol’ Job from the Old Testament. Everything he worked for, everything he loved, was taken away. In the beginning of the story he spoke of hope:
“Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant what I hope for.” Job 6:8
But as his situation got worse and worse, he began to lose hope:
“He tears me down on every side till I am gone; he uproots my hope like a tree.” Job 19:10
And so it goes, back and forth, one minute he hopes and the next minute he laments that all his hope is gone.
Pretty familiar? Yes, it is. The thing is, whether we hope or not does not change God’s plan. God’s plan is always good. Having hope of course, does help us to be patient and it helps us to sometimes imagine progress or good outcomes, but God is always on our side whether we hope or not. He works EVERYTHING for our good. The hard part on our end is to hold on to hope because we know God loves us.
Always hope. Always. And even if we don’t, there IS always hope.
“No one who hopes will ever be put to shame.” Psalm 25:3
This week:
Dr. “J” – James Johnson, Jr.,
Benjamin May on Bass,
Lou Schreiber on Horns,
Pamela Johnson, Vocals,
James Johnson the Third on Drums
Join Us!
Jazz @ Emmanuel
2nd Sunday
September through May
5:00 PM in the Sanctuary.
Jazz @ Emmanuel is supported in part by Jazz Enthusiasts and Worshippers like YOU.
Thank you for your generous donations. 🙏🏻
A shout out to We thank WRCT 88.3 FM for their generous donation and publicity also!
Thank you
“No one who hopes will ever be put to shame.” Psalm 25:3
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Advent Study 2026
The Advent 2026 Study Booklets on “Practicing Patience with All of our Heart, Spirit, Body and Mind” to Love God and Our Neighbors are now available in the back of the Sanctuary. All are Welcome.
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A Tale of Three Saints
Three outstanding women of faith are representative of what God can do with a little faith and a lot of follow through from any of us.
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Jazz @ Emmanuel – Interlude – November 8, 2025
In jazz, an interlude is a short musical passage or transitional section that happens between larger parts of a song, arrangement, or performance.
“Jazz music has a lot of space in it. This is where you can find room to breath, reflect, and find a home in the music.” -
Out of Our Abundance
For several years now from September to November, our Emmanuel family has been collecting money to bless our neighbors with gift cards to local fast food restaurants and grocers during Thanksgiving week.
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Jazz @ Emmanuel – Playing the Changes – October 11, 2026
Playing the Changes is a time honored Jazz Improvisation technique with a rich history and influence that continues to make Jazz the captivating genre we all love and teaches us how to make beautiful music together from our hearts!
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Jazz @ Emmanuel – Rhythm – September 13
The whole of creation is full of rhythm.
