NEW LIFE TEMPLE CHURCH!
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
GOT LIFE Celebrating the Family Creating Photographic Memories
Giving Back For many of us, November brings with it the excitement of the holiday season. We anticipate the Thanksgiving Dinner with our family and friends and the shopping that also mark the season of giving. But for too many people, this is not a joyous time of the year. They are reminded of those dear ones who are no longer here, the reality of limited financial resources, and other factors of life.
There is nothing that says holiday season like family, food and photos. This holiday season we want to celebrate the families of New Life Temple.
whether during studying the Bible together, meal time, hanging out at the mall, at a local festival, volunteering or wherever it may be. And there is no limit to how many pictures you can submit.
Now before we go any further, we don’t want to exclude singles in This is a great project to anyway. You are just as much a part involve your children and youth in. of this project. They love taking mobile photos. During the month of November and December, we would want to see how many pictures we can collect of people spending time with their immediate, extended or NLTC family. We want you to be as creative as you can. Captures those moments that are special to you,
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You can submit them via Twitter @NLTC, Instagram @nltchouston, or Facebook.com/ NLTCHouston. Please use the #CelebrateFamily.
However, I would encourage each of us, whether experiencing abundance of blessings or life’s hardship, to consider finding ways or places where we can give back to others. Giving back has a way of lifting up even the most faintest of hearts. -Pastor Mel
Each Sunday we will show the most creative ones during offering. So let’s get snapping...
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NEW LIFE TEMPLE CHURCH! Israelites, the Jewish people, believe that this land was given to them through Father Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the twelve Patriarchs. Reading Genesis 12 Bishop Brenda K. through Exodus you can read how Perry, God unfolded the promise of this Sr. Pastor of land to His chosen people.
MY TRIP TO THE HOLY LAND
NLTC
What is the nation of Israel all about? Why do people all around the world want to come to this place? A strip of land that measures 263 miles (424km) from north to south, and its widest point 71 miles or less east to west. The narrowest point is about 9 miles (15km), which is near Jordon and the West Bank. The mass of water west of Israel is the Mediterranean Sea, and south is the Red Sea. Inland you have the Sea of Galilee, which is the best of water for most of the country, the theJordon River that flows into the Dead Sea. The countries that surround Israel today are Lebanon to the north; Syria to the north east; Jordan to the south east; West Bank which is Judea and Samaria and to the south is Egypt. Israel is surrounded by three Continents which are Africa, Europe, and Asia. So you can see how the Apostle Paul and the believers affected so many countries.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 time and I was happy that I had gone.
However, the Lord had more for me to learn about Israel, and the New and Old Covenant, which we call Old and New Testament. God has not changed His plan about Israel nor mankind. Much When I came into the of our understanding about the Apostolic Faith in 1974, I heard Word of God is Westernize so teaching and preaching about much, starting as far back as Jesus returning soon and the New 325AD Nicias Counsels. This is Jerusalem. I had no desire to go where we see man began to get in to Israel. I said, “I’m waiting on the practice of saying “God said” the new one”. Well this year, when God has not said. I can see starting in January, I took a tour why the Apostle John, the beloved with some friends who asked me and writer of the three Epistle and to go with them in July of 2012. I the Gospel of John, writes so that agreed reluctantly, and about we can be aware of the twisting of thirteen of us left from New Jersey scripture. flying to Israel. Many of the forefathers that
today Bible Teachers and Theologians look up to, had only bits and pieces and studied the Word of God for their culture and time. Many did not go back or inquire about how Israel, or the Jewish people, fit into God’s plan so they cut off the Jews in receiving salvation because of Romans 11. God has not finished dealing with His people today. Many are excepting Christ as the Messiah and God’s time table of His return has much to do with Israel today. We understand that salvation for mankind is mostly in the hands of us Genitals, and not the Jews. Thank God, by His Holy Spirit He has used Europe, Israel is one of the safest You said, “You asked a places to be because the military is the United States, Canada and some other countries to help question at first”. That’s true, so equipped to fight anybody. We spread this glorious Gospel. So let’s turn to Genesis 12:1-4 and traveled to the Dead Sea, what am I saying? I, along with Acts 7:2-4 to begin our answer, and Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and other begin to see God’s divine purpose great places. We toured the sight and will, and His sovereignty. of the remains of the Temple, and Continue on page 3 prayed at the West Wall (aka the Base on the Torah, the first Wailing Wall). We had a great five books of Moses, here the
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We flew into Ben Gurion International Airport, in the city of Tel Aviv near the West Bank. Here we boarded the bus to the Sea of Galilee. We knew this body of water was in the days of Jesus and the disciples. Many things occurred around this water, as well as Jesus walking on the water, and Peter too. We traveled to Dan, which is north and close to Lebanon and Syria. We traveled to the boarder of Syria, and here you could see that a war was fought on this ground. The next day the authorities had to close off this area because a disturbance had broken out.
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NEW LIFE TEMPLE CHURCH! others, can step back and see what God is saying and wanting us to understand about the two Covenants as of today.
Tabernacle was first set up in Shiloh. Here David Rubin, our guide, gave us the history of Samaria, as well as his testimony in coming to Israel and being born a Jew in the United States.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 and many thank us for being there. I truly can go on and on. We had a great time, and stayed focus on the reason we came to Israel. The Lord truly blessed and refreshed us.
Now, to answer the second We also, in this area, had the question, “Why do people come opportunity to cut grapes on to Jerusalem?” People come to Blessed Mountain. We Jerusalem because we are a part of Nevertheless, traveled to Arad, and viewed God’s divine plan to bring light I was invited a great presentation of “The and truth to His people, and most again by a of all provoking them to jealousy. friend, along with her husband and Fountain of Tears”, a Canadian structural which shows the last How we provoke them is by many others, to travel to Israel. saying of Christ on the Cross, and knowing their God the way they This trip had a purpose and Holocaust suffering as a message know Him, and about the Feast assignment. We had much more for today Jews. It was something that God commanded them to hands on with Jewish believers, to behold. keep. One person’s testimony, and hearing their purpose and when she was in the elevator, a assignment why God brought Yes, we traveled the Sea of Jewish person, as to why she was them back to their homeland, as Galilee in two boats singing and there, thanks are to her Pastor’s well as others that were not Jewish praising God. Also we teaching she was well and their assignment to the Jews. travel to the Israel able to give an answer. Army Base, “Givati One of the reasons we were They were very much Brigade” there in September was for the surprised at her Feast of Tabernacles, Sukkoth, and headquarters, answer that was meeting with older Sound of Triumphs, the three big provoking. It is General and soldiers Biblical Feast the Lord God amazing to see a small that help to give commanded that His people, portion of land that Israel, must keep. The others are light on Israel house 6 to 8 million Passover and Pentecost. This Feast becoming a nation Jews, along with other again in 1948, with is the feast of rejoicing, rejoicing nationalities, that is the help of the over the Law of God that was causing the world so Lord. We also given to Moses. Here they take many dilemmas. the time to read the five books as traveled to Jordan where baptism services were held. We know during the a family and they continue to rejoice doing this time, which was Our journey continued to Hebron millennium the Kingdom of our where King David was first Lord and Savior will rule the world commanded by God. anointed King. It is also here from here. Well, it is time for me We joined together with where the Patriarchs were burial, to pray more and dig deeper in His believers from all over the world. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Lela Word. We had night services all over and Sarah. Lastly, we had an Jerusalem. Some of the services were held in Hinnom Valley, which unbelievable one to two mile Shalom my friends! march. The street was lined up holds a lot of history. We had with Jewish people and us beautiful services there. We did believers. People from all over the travel in some dangerous areas, world were marching and passing like Samaria. Here is where Abraham traveled into the land of out flags of the countries, buttons, and candy. The Jewish people Canaan, also the area where the were very reaccepting of all of us;
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NEW LIFE TEMPLE CHURCH!
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
Looking Ahead Birthdays & Anniversaries
Please mark your calendars for the upcoming events for November & December
NOVEMBER 10 Honoring Veterans Day 10 Evening Service 11 Leadership Prayer 21 -23 Annual Staff Meeting 24 Mission Sunday 24 Evening Service 28 Thanksgiving Day (Office closed - 29)
Nov 4! !
Ray Dod
Nov 12! !
Marissa Davila
Nov 14! !
Kija Colemon
Nov 17! !
Dell Powell
Nov 19! !
Gwen Williams
Nov 20! !
LaNeail Alexander
Nov 21! !
Steve Stephens
Nov 23! ! Jaisa Smith DECEMBER 7 Annual Staff Follow up Nov 30! ! Thomas Clark 8 Evening Service 16 Leadership Prayer Anniversaries 22 Children With Purpose LaNeil & Delesa Alexander Christmas Program Nov 3 25 Christmas (Church office closed) 29 Outreach Sunday at Star of Hope Raymond & Capricious Wright 31 New Year Eve Nov4 Samuel & Margaret Darden Nov 17 Darnell & Gladys Simmons Nov 20
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Dec 4!
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Madell King
Dec 8!
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Larry White
Dec 10! !
Ruth Knox
Dec 10! !
Sonja Blouin
Dec 10! !
Phoebe Roquemore
Dec 11! !
Delesa Alexander
Dec 11! !
Kristina Chambers
Dec 12! !
Eldora Christian
Dec 18! !
Pam Clark
Dec 19! !
Danielle Hardiman
Dec 28! !
Marva Coney
Dec 30! !
Clara Britton
Dec 31! !
Katie Alimon Anniversaries
Elmer & Catherine Powell Dec 23
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NEW LIFE TEMPLE CHURCH!
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
New Life Temple Ministries Words from our ministries
LIVING SINGLE AND DISCOVERING WHO WE ARE IN GOD Evang. Sonja Blouin Singles’ Ministry
For whatever reason God has allowed you to be single, whether by choice, by divorce, or widow….God allowed it to be so. God want us, as singles, to go on a HOLY journey. God wants us to love Him with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength and mind. It is so much about Him that He wants us to tap into. We should set aside ourselves for the Master’s use.
opportunity to seize the moment and truly discover who we are in God. Let us use our time and wisely enjoy our single life and live it to the fullest. Let us not only focus on being married, but let us allow God to bring out the greatness in us.
I Love Thanksgiving!
Sis. Donna Stephens, Ladies’ of the Light Ministry Director
Today I can feel the change in the air. It is an over cast kind of rainy day. You see pumpkins everywhere, in people’s yards, in the stores….everywhere. It is time for pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice coffee, pumpkin coffee creamers, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin waffles and even pumpkin spice cake. When it gets to the end of the month, I don't think any of us will want to see a pumpkin or have anything to do with a pumpkin. Well, I have ran out of time, but I think I could go on and on about Thanksgiving! Have a wonderful time with your family and friends.
I love this time of year, spending time with family and friends. It also gives me time to reflect over the year’s experiences. The Lord has kept us through them all. I am sure every last one of us has something to reflect on, whether good or bad God has kept us.
2 Timothy 2:20-21 “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for I cannot wait for Thankshonor, sanctified and useful for the giving. I love to cook this one big Master, prepared for every good dinner and have my family and work.” friends over. We all get together We have a great opportunity and give thanks to God for all He for some of us to discover who we has done. are in Him. And we have an
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NEW LIFE TEMPLE CHURCH!
AN "UNTHANKFUL HEART” IS AN “UNHEALTHY CHRISTIAN” Elder Edna Johnson, Outreach Director
enjoyed so many blessings that they have to come expect them. We have reached a point where things such as food, clothing, and shelter are taken for granted. We live in a culture of “spoiled selfish brats”. No acknowledgement is given to our Lord for His goodness, for His blessings. Scientist would have us believe that we evolved from a monkey rather than be thankful to God for creating us.
That very special day that was set aside, as a As Christians we are called to national holiday, to give thanks is live contrary to our culture. 1 just 33 days away. Thanksgiving Thessalonians 5:18 reads, “in with its fields filled with pumpkins everything give thanks: for this is ready to be harvested. The trees showing those beautiful fall colors. the will of God in Christ Jesus Ahh….the smell of that butterball concerning you.” In other words, turkey; the monkey bread rising to Paul is telling us that having a thankful heart is not an option, be baked; dressing that will make you want to slap……well, you know but a requirement. We must realize that we are not entitled to the saying. Family and friends anything. What we have materially gathered around the table to eat. And then there is the highlight of are blessing from God. When we understand that God is indeed the the day. That cup of hot apple source of our blessings our natural cider, getting in that comfortable response should be gratitude. recliner in front of the television Learning to give thanks in to watch the football game. All of that is good. However everything means learning to trust God in everything. Even in the most important focus for those situations that are painful, Thanksgiving Day, and for a we can’t see our way out, and we Christian every day, is to give just don’t understand. Paul said thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We live in a thankless in all situations give thanks. Believers can be thankful because society. God, and what He has they have the confident hope that done, and is doing for us is not displayed in our culture. In fact, God will make even tragedy an occasion for later blessing. our culture feels that they are entitled to stuff, and if they can’t afford it, the government will pay for it. And should they succeed in an area, they contribute it to their hard work. They have
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
gratitude. Express our gratitude not just on Thanksgiving Day, but continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
SHARE YOUR MINISTRY.... Whether you are ministry leader or a member, if you have something you would like to share with the readers of Got Life, we would love to hear from you. This is a great opportunity to minister and encourage other believers in their Christian walk. To submit your article or inquire about articles, please email
melanne@me.com
God does not need us. Everything we have comes from Him. So can we give Him anything? Yes, and that is our
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NEW LIFE TEMPLE CHURCH!
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
October Events...Picture Review 15TH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY...
Sis. Leslie ministering in dance
Bishop Kevin Boyd singing
Bishop with her armorbearers
Children with Purpose/ Boys Group
Sis. Jenika reading a letter to Bishop
Bishop Titus Stewart preaching
Bishop Perry singing
AWARENESS SUNDAYS
Cancer Awareness
Domestic Violence Awareness
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NEW LIFE TEMPLE CHURCH!
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
my Mom, even running outside after her as she left. It’s sad to think those are just memories fading in the space in the back of SOLACE my mind, but I am very optimistic about the future and all that is promised to me there. Sometimes I try to wonder what it must be like to be a parent. Seeing your kids transform from children to young men and women. It seems I believe those directors and hard/sad, yet accomplishing. Since I have no way of understanding writers allow the movie to go in It’s amazing that now, I’ll just “patiently” wait how we try to that direction to tell the audience until it is my turn. We really do that if we could control time, we give and save would not know how to handle it. have to cherish every moment things that we have absolutely no This would make sense because we that life presents us with, and be control over. We try to save time did not create it. Believe it or not, grateful we have had the and give it. We try to give peace, opportunity to experience them. but fail because we can’t. We try to I can remember, vaguely, being in the hospital walking around with Peace. give joy, but also fail because we my Mom, and seeing these clowns. can’t. I often wonder if we ever They were there to make the sick catch ourselves trying to give these things to others that are just children feel better. However, I simply not ours to give. However, hated clowns. That being said, of course I cried hysterically, and there is one thing that we in fact even have a picture to prove it. I are able to give, control, and receive. Love. I think it is because can remember my graduation as love is a driving force for many. It clear as I can remember my first days starting school, clinging to
DERIVATIVES
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can drive you to and through any situation, or circumstance, or maybe to a person(s) or away from a person(s). Working with kids, it often makes me flashback to my childhood. I wonder if I really could have control over time, would I want to go back? Would I make spontaneous decisions, like in movies, and then soon regret them?
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NEW LIFE TEMPLE CHURCH!
The
Lite
Side
Are ries “Memo ” s s e l Price ry . Per Mel A
With Ella Fitzgerald singing “Have Your self A Merry Little Christmas” on my Mac, as I look out the window of this rustic coffee shop, taking in the view of the railroad tracks and the little cafe just across the tracks, my mind drifts back to my childhood.
We didn’t stay at the most lavish hotels or eat at the fanciest restaurants. In fact, it seemed like my dad had some kind of investment in Red Roof and McDonalds. But those trips left me with memories that surface around September when the Christmas music begins to play more frequently on my computers. There is one little AngloSaxon settlement in the midwest that will always hold dear to me. I can’t explain why I love to hear the name “Effingham” so much. But this little town in eastern Illinois was a sure stop over on every trip we took to Michigan. And as I look out of this coffee shop window and that little town cafe, I’m reminded of the cafe in Effingham my dad would always stop at. I don’t know if the fried chicken (my dietary staple during those years) was all that good. However, I do remember they knew what Christmas should look and sound like.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 they had Frank Sinatra or Bing Crosby playing on the speaker. And every now and then we would sing a brief line of the song, as singing was forbidden at the table when eating. Christmas music does allow for some exception, though. I guarantee my dad had no idea that at 39 years old I would still reflect so fondly of that small mid-western town that could have easily been the setting for “It’s A Wonderful Life”. I don’t think a Christmas trip would have been the same if he drove past Effingham, Illinois. As I got older I would look for the green highway sign that said how many miles away we were to my coco and ice cream. “Effingham 120 miles”.
I heard you just ask about the ice cream. Yea, my mother had convinced us that ice cream always taste better up north and in the winter time. And it was in Effingham that I had my first taste The Christmas lights would be of my holiday favorite flavor, strung up, and there was always a Peppermint. Christmas tree there to greet you There was nothing special when you came in. And yes, the about that little town, or the As we drove through the back Christmas music would be playing. budget meal that we ate or the woods of Texas, crossed over into I can hear parents now calling very inexpensive hotel we stayed Arkansas, on to Missouri, up to us to wake up, as it was always in, but what was special is that my Indiana my mind created stories to dark when we arrived in parents took the time to create entertain me. Effeingham on our way to memories for two fussing little Michigan. That cold wind would Sometimes I would imagine girls who’s gratitude would not blow through the car as my dad what was going on in that small been known until many years later. opened the door. Once we walked house way out in that field just Parents you may not get a passed the watering hole, or what into that cafe the warmth would thank you now. But this year it would be like to run across that kiss us. remember, memories will outlast snow covered field layered with The hot chocolate with whip the expensive presents. So spare tall Evergreen trees. cream...oh, that was some of the no amount on the gift of best hot coco ever!.... Now as an adult I’ve come to memories. appreciate the innocence of a Man, I have such a big smile child’s mind. on my face right now thinking about that hot coco. I imagine I remember fondly those long road trips between Houston and Benton Harbor. My little sister spent much of the time arguing in the back seat who was taking up to much space or who wouldn’t share...but then as we watched the world go by we drifted into our own worlds.
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NEW LIFE TEMPLE CHURCH!
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
Mission Sunday Sunday, November 24 at 10am
• Special Presentations • Learn about the missionaries (domestic and International) and mission works NLTC supports • Hear from those who have done short term missions • Learn how you can get involved in missions Presented by NLTC & Global Reach
Ladies of the Light Sponsored Outreach This is the time of year we give to our love ones, friends and co-workers. Please join the Ladies’ Ministry, along with the Outreach team, as we give out toiletries to the homeless in the downtown area on December 21, 2013. For additional information, or if you wish to donate any toiletries, please contact Elder Carylen Terry (713-553-8334), or Sis. Donna Stephens (281-437-6674). Merry Christmas! Thank you, Sis. Donna Stephens, Ladies’ Ministry Director
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The purpose of New Life Temple Church is to instill the faith of Jesus Christ into the lives of all people, bringing them into spiritual perfection with a spirit of excellence.
Weekly Service Schedule
NLTC Ministry Leaders
Bishop Brenda K. Perry, Senior Pastor pastor@newlifetemplechurch.com
Mel A. Perry, Assistant Pastor & Global Relations Director
Statement of Faith
Sunday Sunday School! !
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9:00am
Sunday Worship !
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10:00am
global_relations@newlifetemplechurch.com
Wednesday Pastor Steve Stephens, Associate Pastor Pastoral Bible Study!
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10:30am
Pastoral Bible Study!
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7:30pm
Young People On Fire! !
7:30pm
Children With Purpose! !
7:30pm
Couples In Unity!
7:30pm
sstep72508@sbcglobal.net
Pastor Elmer Powell, Associate Pastor elmerpowell@sbcglobal.net
Donna Ross-Powell, Administrator donna.ross@newlifetemplechurch.com
Deacons Roy & Veronica Seivwright, Head Deacons rs5587@att.com
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(1st & 3rd Wednesday)
Pastor Elmer & Cathy Powell, Marriage Min. elmerpowell@sbcglobal.net
Music Ministry! !
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Donna Stephens, Ladies of the Light
Saturday!
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dmstep2003@yahoo.com
Intercessory Prayer!
Elder Roy & Min Pam Clark, Perfecting Light Ministry pamlarclark@yahoo.com Elder Edna Johnson, Outreach ednajohn1945@att.net
We believe this one true God, who revealed Himself as Father in Creation, as Son in redemption, and as Holy Ghost in regeneration. We believe that - in Him (Jesus) dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell. We believe in the death, burial and resurrection.
Thursday
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We believe in one eternal God; infinite in power, holy in nature, attributes and purpose, as well as omniscient and omnipresent.
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7:30pm
9:00am
*NLEC Senior Connection Monday - Friday 10:00am - 2:00pm for all seniors 60+
We believe in being born again of waterby immersion in the name of the Lord “Jesus� Christ for the remission of sins, and in Spirit baptism of the Holy Ghost speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. We believe in divine healing, communion and foot washing. We believe in presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God. We believe in expressions of praise with lifted hands, hand clapping, playing of musical instruments, voice of praise and dancing.