The movie Drumline (20th-Century Fox, 2002; rated PG-13, written by Tina Gordon Chism, directed by Charles Stone) explores the maturation of a talented percussionist from Harlem who receives a full-ride scholarship to Atlanta A&T University to play in the marching band. Early on Devon Miles (played by Nick Cannon) discovers that making the transition from hip-hop street drumming to the drumline of a university's celebrated marching band is more challenging than he expected.
     Devon consistently deviates from the protocol outlined by Dr. Lee, the band director. He fails to read the band rulebook; he provokes a fight on the field at halftime, and he violates the philosophy of band unity by showing off.
     One morning, before sunrise, the incoming freshmen band members are lined up like Army recruits on the University's football field. The returning band members observe from the sidelines. The freshmen are all wearing white t-shirts except for Devon who is in a black one. Dr. Lee addresses them like a boot camp sergeant. When a few stragglers arrive tardy, the director asks one of them to identify his roommate. The embarrassed latecomer points to Devon.
     Dr. Lee approaches Devon and asks him why his roommate was late. He responds that his roommate likely overslept. When the band director inquires why he didn't wake him, Devon flippantly answers, "I'm not his mother."
     Dr. Lee, put off by Devon's smart mouth, repeats the dialogue he and Devon have just had loud enough for the entire band to hear. Then in military fashion he barks out, "Section leaders. What is our concept?"
     The section leaders answer loudly in unison, "One band, one sound!"
Dr. Lee repeats the slogan: "One band, one sound!" and then continues to address the newcomers. "When one of us is late, we are all late. When one of us looks or sounds bad, we all look and sound bad."
     Staring at the freshmen, he asks, "So, what's the concept?"
The freshman musicians reply, "One band, one sound."
     Dr. Lee continues, "Now I want ten laps from all those who are 'not their roommate's mama.'"
     *Dr. Lee and the Apostle Paul are on the “same page”:  the church at its best puts a high priority on unity in the midst of diversity, on claiming a common mission and unifying all ages, experiences and gifts toward working together day by day, accomplishment by accomplishment.
 
Based on 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
     For the body does not consist of one member but of many…As it is, there are many parts, yet one body…Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it..  (v.14,20,27)

A Prayer to Pray: 
     Lord Jesus, thank you for your indescribable gifts of grace, love, forgiveness and salvation.  You sacrificed so I might be atoned (at-one), that I might be unified with The Father, my Creator.  Give me the wisdom, discernment and strength to do likewise in using my gifts, in concert with others within my church, to bring others closer to my Heavenly Father.  In Your Bold and Beautiful Name, I pray.  Amen. 

Remember in Prayer:
Sunday School Teachers & Students as they prepare for another year of spiritual growth.
Tanner & Rachel (Rohlfing) Kertz – married 9/5 here at NLC
PVT Tucker, Ian  13m, 19-15, A-Btry 1st PLt, 1-78 FA-BN, 4401 Blair Rd, Fort Sill, OK
Isabella Rose Balducci – born 9/11/15, 8lb, 19.5” Parents: Nick & Brittany; Grandparents: Jason & Temme Sides.

Daybreak Women’s Conference – “Unquenchable” – Sept. 18-19 @ Harvester Christian Church.  Carol Kent is the speaker, guest musician is Jenny Simmons.  Register online at http://daybreak.harvesterchristian.org/home/daybreak-2015
   See lobby clipboard to communicate interest, transportation & hotel sharing.  Contact Catie Monzyk for more info.

Finding Your ‘Labor of Love’
This past Sunday, we looked at “Your Labor of Love Reveals…”  
To listen to this message or download a “Growing Deeper” Guide, click here:
www.newlifechurchmo.org/sermons