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“Worship with Elvis?" Part 1

Once a year we have our annual Beach Party Service where we dress casual and act a little crazy but the results are intended to be the same: worship and encouragement. This year, the Sunday bulletin had a picture of Elvis Presley on the cover and the title: “Elvis in Concert: A Rock & Roll Worship!“ One person entering the church looked at the bulletin and sniffed… “Larry has finally lost his mind.”

There is a reason for this particular madness however, so I told everyone: “Hang in and trust me!”

Charles Wade wrote: “Elvis had an abiding love of gospel music. For him it was not an affectation, nor a passing fancy. He returned to this part of his music over and over again – a music that helped define his style, his career and the complex personality that changed the face of American culture.”

Peter Guralnick, author of “The Unmaking of Elvis Presley: Careless Love” wrote, “This is a story of fame. It is a story of celebrity and its consequences. It is, I think, a tragedy. Elvis Presley may well be the most written-about figure of our time. He is also in many ways the most misunderstood. ‘It’s very hard,’ Elvis declared without facetiousness at a 1972 press conference, ‘to live up to an image.’”

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The worship service was designed to resemble an actual Elvis concert. There were various opening acts performed by our music ministry: “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” by our bell group, “Crying in the Chapel and “Precious Lord” by our choirs. We even had a young Elvis who sang several early hits. Everything was designed to lead toward the appearance of Elvis himself.

Periodically, someone would announce the whereabouts of the King of Rock and Roll, “Elvis has left the hotel. Elvis is in the limousine!” Several young girls shrieked. You could feel the anticipation! In addition, HBN-TV (Heavenly Broadcast Network) who sponsored “Elvis in Concert” was allowed to videotape the entire worship service. As part of the arrangement, Elvis agreed to a live interview.

Maintaining the concert atmosphere, we titled our prayer time, “Love Me Tender” but subtly changed the words to better reflect an offering of love and praise to God: “Love me tender, love me sweet; never let me go. You have made my life complete and I love you so. Love me tender, love me true, all my dreams fulfill. For my dear Lord, I love you and I always will.”

Our children’s story was based on the song… “Don’t Be Cruel.” As I told the children, “Sometimes we can all be cruel to each other: Brothers hit sisters. Sisters slap brothers. We tell lies about our friends. We make cruel and hurtful remarks. Do you think God meant for us to be cruel?”

The children quickly shouted… “No!” The Bible says, “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do.” (Philippians 4:4-5)

How can we be full of joy and more considerate in all that we do? Elvis sang a song describing how we should treat others: “I don’t want to be your tiger, cause tigers play too rough. I don’t want to be your lion ‘cause lions ain’t the kind you love enough. I Just wanna be your teddy bear.” There is something so loveable and huggable about a teddy bear. Maybe Elvis himself would say:

So, “Don’t be Cruel” to your friends or to your “Hound Dog” because you might get us “All Shook Up,” break our “Wooden Hearts” and send us “Crying in the Chapel” or to the “Heartbreak Hotel” where we’d be singing “Jailhouse Rock.” Instead, follow Jesus, read the Bible and learn to “Love Me Tender” in order to “Let me be your Teddy Bear.” Because when it comes to being nice: “It’s Now or Never” before someone gets mad and says to you… “Return to Sender.” (I know it’s corny but it was fun!)

As the kids went back to their seats, the announcer’s voice boomed: “The limousine has just pulled in!”

Then the long awaited word came, “Elvis is here. Elvis Presley has entered the building!” It’s been nearly thirty years but Elvis is back. What would he say? Or sing? More importantly, Larry… what does Elvis have to do with me and my relationship with God? Next Week… “Elvis and The Interview.”

You don't want to miss part 2 - click here

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I just wanted you to know I received a special blessing from the supportive emails. Things are actually looking good around here lately. I know the power of prayer and I praise the Lord for his intervention in my situation and thank you for the others who "prayed through" for me when I was unable to pray for myself. As a matter of fact after coming out of this slump I actually am happier and more at peace than I was before this round of frustration almost got me. Thanks! You have a wonderful ministry. Sherry

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Last modified July 3, 2003.

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