Worship Recap 10.30.11... "Reformation"

After a surprising October snow storm, we warmed things up this morning with an energetic effort that featured some really sweet vocal harmonies.

Reformation Sunday also represents our church's anniversary [55th] and the affirmation of some of our youth. It's always a festive day with visitors [and cake] and today was no different.

I introduced a new setting for A Mighty Fortress this week which turned into a beautiful quiet and reflective moment before our message.

Check out Chris Rice's Peace Like A River for some great acoustic treatments of some familiar hymns.

Music Plan
We Are The Body of Christ [Mann]
Prayer of Focus
You Are Good [Houghton]
We Stand In God's Grace [Mann]
Affirmation
A Mighty Fortress [Luther]
Message
Pass It On [Walker]

Sunday Setlists at theworshipcommunity.com
Pray on,
Eddy

Need vs Greed Musically Speaking

Recently I heard Rick Warren use the phrase need vs greed while delivering a message on contentment concerning our possessions. It wasn't until a day or so later that I used the term while speaking at a neighboring church's worship team rehearsal. In the past couple of weeks it's been a wonderful metaphor for teaching about musical space and how a song needs to breathe.

Does the song need every note I'm playing? Does playing all these notes help to deliver the lyrical message? Should I be content with my contribution as is or am I playing some greedy notes?

This past week, on a return visit,  I made the reference (after the first run though of a new song...), "Okay, lets take it from the top without the greedy notes." After a few sheepish grins, we ran the song down again and much to everyones agreement it really felt better and began to take life.

Using fresh terms and phrases to teach is not a novel idea, but one that definitely works. Repeating the same line over and over can sometimes diminish it's effect. A simple phrase can also sometimes help get a difficult or emotional point across without embarrassing anyone.

So let's get creative as we strive to inspire our teams to a deeper worship experience.

Worship Recap 10.23.11... "Inclusiveness"

Continuing with our Formed and Re-formed series, this morning we focused on inclusiveness. What it looks like to the church and to our lives. Preparing this week I spent some time evaluating my own life.

A week ago I participated in an event that had seven different artists on the bill. What impressed me the most was the wide variety of participants. There was southern gospel, contemporary christian rock, metal, worship and praise, R&B, traditional gospel and these were offered by young and old alike. I particularly enjoyed the diversity and the inclusive atmosphere. It was the perfect backdrop for me as prepared the music plan and entered the sanctuary this morning.

As a team we had a very smooth and seamless flow this morning. I noticed early on that our congregation was really connected and spiritually alive. I actually had to gain my composure at one point as I looked out and saw all those familiar faces giving glory and honoring God.

Music Plan
We Are The Body of Christ [Mann]
Prayer of Focus
Where The Spirit of The Lord is [Tomlin, Nockels, Nockels]
Glory To God Forever [Fee, Beeching]
Statement of Faith
Through His Life [Mann]
Message
Christ is The World's Redeemer [Hymn] / Let It Be [Mann]

Sunday Setlists at theworshipcommunity.com
Pray on,
Eddy

Recap: Night of Worship 10.15.11

This past Saturday night we held a night of worship that was at once both beautiful aesthetically and musically. There were many contributors that led to the evenings pleasant conclusion. Having many thoughts and helping hands made the preparation and worship especially enjoyable.

The first half of the evening was presented in an acoustic environment. During that section the focus was on creation and our musical past. To facilitate our crossover to a more progressive and electric setting for the second half we incorporated a spoken word video that was spun from Psalm 23. The second half focused on God's gracious and glorious love for his creation.

Stretching our worship palette is always on my mind so I was really excited about bringing in a very worshipful interpretive dancer. She brought an element that was certainly not common place in our worship experience, but was overwhelmingly appreciated not to mention inspiring.

It was a wonderful, spiritual, engaging night of worship that was followed by some home cooked sweets and fellowship. I've said this before, but it bears repeating, I'm surrounded by so much talent and love... I'm a blessed man!

Moving forward I'm intrigued as to how I can better live the worshipful life, breathe worshipful breath, speak with a worshipful tongue and serve with a worshipful body and mind (Romans 12:1-2). I pray that God strengthens us all as we pursue the disciple's life.

Pray on,
Eddy

Worship Recap 10.16.11... "When The Church is Church"

I thought we might be a little flat after last night's Night of Worship but that wasn't the case. Nine hours later we were ready to go. We rebounded with a strong effort that included some fine group vocal moments.

Continuing with our Formed and Re-formed series, the focus of our message was on the church as a community of people. It must really bring a smile to God's face when we get it, and live it.

It was my plan for this season to expand the size of our team and so far it's been wonderful. We've experienced richer vocals, added percussion and another layer of keyboards. The most enjoyable part for me, though it's still a teaching point, is the growth in the need vs. greed question. Do I need to play this note or do I just want to play it?

Music Plan
All Are Welcome [Mann]
Prayer of Focus
A New Hallelujah [Baloche, Smith]
I Am Yours [Mann]
Installation of Teachers
Statement of Faith
We Are One In The Spirit [Hymn]
Message
We Stand In God's Grace [Mann]

Sunday Setlists at theworshipcommunity.com
Pray on,
Eddy

Worship Recap 10.09.11... "We Stand In God's Grace"

All things were visibly intertwined this morning. On a day when our focus was on standing in and living God's grace, there were so many opportunities to be graceful. I love when that happens.

Once again we got a very late start to rehearsal, but we were able to overcome it because we had had such a great rehearsal Thursday night.

As a worship leader there are weeks when it's hard to find applicable songs to enhance the focus of the word... that was not the case this week.

Music Plan
Fields of Grace [Evans]
Prayer of Focus
Your Grace Is Enough [Maher]
Walk On In The Grace of God [Anderson]
Statement of Faith
Grace [Smith, Smith]
Message
We Stand In God's Grace [Mann]

Sunday Setlists at theworshipcommunity.com
Pray on,
Eddy 

The Forge Conference

A WORSHIP CONFERENCE DESIGNED TO: FACILITATE DISCUSSION; FOSTER CREATIVITY; FORGE RELATIONSHIPS; FULLY EQUIP SMALL CHURCH 09.29.11 - 10.01.11 OCEAN GROVE NJ

Preface
Pre-Conference Meet & Greet Highlights (Wednesday, September 28, 2011)
It's the unique brotherhood and sisterhood that permeates this conference that makes it special. On Wednesday night the meet and greet splintered and evolved into a night of sharing on the beach for myself, Rich and Emily Kirkpatrick, Shannon Lewis, Joe Day and John Volez. Pipe smoking and conversation at it's best... not to mention the shoeless wanderer Matt Boswell who happened along.

Day 1 Highlights
(Thursday, September 29, 2011)
Matt Boswell ...hymn laden opening worship time. I was moved by his passion and from our conversation the night before to pursue a new church plant in a very depressed area of New Jersey. Dan Wilt ..."the awesome fader"
John Voelz ...who are we? Instead of who are we trying to reach?
Jonathan Lee ...singing changes the atmosphere of the room
Matt Boswell ...."The Little Church"
Joe Day and  John Voelz ...creating a perfect environment for communion
Dunn and Wilt (Cycle of Light) ... Prayer of the Holy Spirit by Bishop Kallistor Ware

Day 2 Highlights
(Friday, September 30, 2011)
Mike Kim ...passionate morning worship
Darrell A. Harris ...God initiates creations responds
Steve Tice ... when do you experience Christ's presence during the service?
Mike Kim ... we need to be hosts
Rich Kirkpatrick ...worship mythbusters (and oh yeah, the 'stache)
Jonathan Lee ... "Pouring It Out For You" a song that's been engaging my church since last years conference.

Day 3 Highlights
(Saturday, October 1, 2011)
Jonathan Lee ...acoustic worship
David Harwood ...communion form a different perspective
Shannon Lewis ..."Your Mighty Hand"
Joel Klampert ...the heart of a lion, and the spirit of a dove

The conference successfully achieved all I had hoped for and more. Friendships were started, re-affirmed and deepened. More importantly I came away refreshed and inspired!

Make your plans now and watch for next years early registration The Forge Conference

Worship Recap 10.02.11... "Formed and Re-formed"

"We find our approach to God through the life and teaching of Jesus..."  this was the second week of our Formed and Re-formed series. I've really been inspired while writing and building the music plans so far. I'm looking forward to the weeks to come.
There were some very sweet vocal arrangements today. The effort put out at rehearsal this past week was evident this morning.

I spent the latter part of this past week at forgecon in Ocean Grove, NJ... this has become my favorite conference. I love that there's a living-room vibe that hangs over this event. I'll blog later this week after I have some more time to unpack all that's stored away.

Music Plan
How Good and Pleasant [Walker]
Prayer of Focus
Alleluia (Our Praise is) [Durbin]
Show Me Your Ways [Mann]
Communion
Remembrance [Redman]
Through His Life [Mann]
Message
I Love To tell The Story [Hymn]
I Love This Story [Walker]

Sunday Setlists at theworshipcommunity.com
Pray on,
Eddy