This Sunday was Global Mission Sunday. Because of the extended content, the music worship time was made less than normal weeks. I will comment only on the music worship, please click on the York St Life blog link to the right for more general comments.
AM service
Shout to the North
Hear Our Praises
Welcome
interviews / prayer
Mighty to Save
Communion
Sermon
To the Ends of the Earth
Thanks for great leading in these songs. The vocals mixed well, sometimes top heavy, although that would have been a rostering issue. We need more harmonies I think, and Krissie, don't be afraid to sing more harmonies even though you are leader.
The band created a sound that we are looking to work to in the morning. The actual way of playing was totally contemporary, including the layering of sounds in the keyboard, and the way the guitar provided rhythm and different sounds. In addition to this, the drums led the phrasing - the light and shade. These skills will be taught soon be the section leaders. I think that we should incorporate this type of playing in addition to the more classical style, as this is what the new songs are calling for. It also provides interest and colour throughout the service in different songs.
The last song really has a weak verse, doesn't it? If we had more time, I would have thought about the structure more. In hindsight I think we should have started with the chorus (and in fact we did that in the evening service - we didn't sing the verse at all). Don't be afraid to move the structure around if things don't quite work.
PM service
Indescribable
Hosanna
Welcome
interviews / prayer
Mighty to Save
Communion
Sermon
To the Ends of the Earth
Wow the team sounded so great in this service! Great work from everyone.
What do you think of the new song? Is it a keeper?
Thanks to the band for staying with your roles, be that bassist, drummer, rhythm and lead guitar, piano and so on. I think that with not one person trying to be everything every time made the sound very strong. Keep listening to recordings and see how the bands are layered. Keep encouraging these up and coming new band members to find their place. Sharlene, you did a great job, and I know that you didn't find much space to play in this band. There will be further training coming up!
I was aware while sitting alongside new people to the church who weren't Christians that they struggled occasionally to follow when the slides weren't changed fast enough. I encourage you to keep up the concentration, the data can make or break the worship time!
In general, I thank you for the great attitude this team had (along with the tech crew). Working together, listening and united provided a very strong worship session indeed.
Thanks! Have a great week. Love your work!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Church services for Nov 8, 2009
This week was centred around the church's AGM. The vision was presented again in church, with the use of Lego blocks to show how churches should operate. There was a buzz (not only my husband :P)in both of the services, which was great to feel the ownership coming from the congregations.
Both services were led so ably, the worship leaders certainly were on fire. Thanks to the band, singers and tech crew who also were just great.
Just a couple of general points:
Please play as you are led (usually pianists and guitarists) through prayers, or ends of sermons or after songs. It gives continuity and atmosphere.
The morning service is pushing to have more and more contemporary content, so different styles of playing is needed. There will be keyboard and guitar workshops coming up. We have already had a drumming workshop, which I heard was great.
We are starting to have so many players on the team that we are looking at how to best use you. There is a possibility of putting a couple of other churches on our roster. That means we will send a team around once a month to help them out. Please let me know if you are interested in this.
Also please let me know if you would like to be on the team of the new traditional service. This will start next year.
I am also looking at new songs, so keep ideas coming!
In the pm service, we will introduce one new song each week after Christmas, as I think the song list needs new material. The am service already has an injection of new songs. Please collect a CD and song list from my pigeon hole if you would like to learn them (am only at the moment).
Other than that, thanks a lot for your work, I can feel a great sense of attitude, unity and servanthood in the team at the moment. The sky's the limit with those!
Love you all.
Both services were led so ably, the worship leaders certainly were on fire. Thanks to the band, singers and tech crew who also were just great.
Just a couple of general points:
Please play as you are led (usually pianists and guitarists) through prayers, or ends of sermons or after songs. It gives continuity and atmosphere.
The morning service is pushing to have more and more contemporary content, so different styles of playing is needed. There will be keyboard and guitar workshops coming up. We have already had a drumming workshop, which I heard was great.
We are starting to have so many players on the team that we are looking at how to best use you. There is a possibility of putting a couple of other churches on our roster. That means we will send a team around once a month to help them out. Please let me know if you are interested in this.
Also please let me know if you would like to be on the team of the new traditional service. This will start next year.
I am also looking at new songs, so keep ideas coming!
In the pm service, we will introduce one new song each week after Christmas, as I think the song list needs new material. The am service already has an injection of new songs. Please collect a CD and song list from my pigeon hole if you would like to learn them (am only at the moment).
Other than that, thanks a lot for your work, I can feel a great sense of attitude, unity and servanthood in the team at the moment. The sky's the limit with those!
Love you all.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Church services for Nov 1, 2009
This week saw a continuation of the Core Values series, and this one in prayer. What a great service with much personal and congregational praying.
Notes for both services:
Be ready to play at any time. Tim has expressed a wish to have some music under the final words of his sermon (use your discernment) and particularly at the end of the final song, to play out through the close of the service. Please note that Blake or Tim might ask you to keep playing or stop at their discretion. So watch for that change!
In general a great service, we're going from strength to strength. Even our short practices, although still quite difficult, has helped to be a worthwhile, organised affair! Thanks to those who filled in this Sunday, and thanks in particular to the morning team who were so flexible in having to change our practice plans.
I think that the new song "My Heart Will Trust" seemed to have worked? Good playing by the band.
Please leave your comments, I do like to hear feedback!
10am service
Lord I Loft Your Name on High
Mighty to Save
Welcome
reading/ sermon
My Heart Will Trust
Prayer / Communion
Salvation Belongs to Our God
6pm service
Holy is the Lord
From the Inside Out
You'll Come
Welcome
reading / sermon
Consuming Fire
You Said
Communion
Lord of lords
Notes for both services:
Be ready to play at any time. Tim has expressed a wish to have some music under the final words of his sermon (use your discernment) and particularly at the end of the final song, to play out through the close of the service. Please note that Blake or Tim might ask you to keep playing or stop at their discretion. So watch for that change!
In general a great service, we're going from strength to strength. Even our short practices, although still quite difficult, has helped to be a worthwhile, organised affair! Thanks to those who filled in this Sunday, and thanks in particular to the morning team who were so flexible in having to change our practice plans.
I think that the new song "My Heart Will Trust" seemed to have worked? Good playing by the band.
Please leave your comments, I do like to hear feedback!
10am service
Lord I Loft Your Name on High
Mighty to Save
Welcome
reading/ sermon
My Heart Will Trust
Prayer / Communion
Salvation Belongs to Our God
6pm service
Holy is the Lord
From the Inside Out
You'll Come
Welcome
reading / sermon
Consuming Fire
You Said
Communion
Lord of lords
Monday, October 19, 2009
Church services for 18 October, 2009
Hi,
Both services were very good and well led. In both the worship leaders added their extra bit to make the service work. I thank the morning service for working through the changes to the rehearsal set up. We will srt this all out when Sarah gets back from her well earned break.
I did not take the order of services with me so I don't have the list of the songs with me. I do remember that both services finished with .
Look What You’ve Done For Me
As the service was on stewardship and we were challenged to examine what we should be giving God in terms of all of our lives. This song was especially relevant. I believe that God wanted us to hear it and respond.
I know I enjoyed being part of the worship team in the evening service. It was also good as a member of the Eureka Carols committee to have the encouragement the congregation gave us when it was reported were we are at.
James.
Both services were very good and well led. In both the worship leaders added their extra bit to make the service work. I thank the morning service for working through the changes to the rehearsal set up. We will srt this all out when Sarah gets back from her well earned break.
I did not take the order of services with me so I don't have the list of the songs with me. I do remember that both services finished with .
Look What You’ve Done For Me
As the service was on stewardship and we were challenged to examine what we should be giving God in terms of all of our lives. This song was especially relevant. I believe that God wanted us to hear it and respond.
I know I enjoyed being part of the worship team in the evening service. It was also good as a member of the Eureka Carols committee to have the encouragement the congregation gave us when it was reported were we are at.
James.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Church services for 4 October, 2009
Don't forget to check out the York St life blog. Just click on the link to the right.
I thought this Sunday was one of breaking down barriers. I felt there was more freedom and readiness to worship in both services. What a great place to be in!
AM Service
O For a Thousand Tongues
Lord Most High
There is None Like You
Welcome / mission spot
Sermon
Holy is the Lord
Jesus Messiah
Prayer / Communion
Salvation Belongs to Our God
Thanks for the nice segue of male / female singing in the first two songs. And what sensitive leading too. What great sound a 5 piece band can make too! This will be reflected in the next roster.
I have added new songs to the song list and you will be notified soon about it after it is checked off by the worship leaders. Be ready for some contemporary songs from the 6pm service!
PM Service
Majestic
Ever More
Jesus Messiah
welcome / mission spot
Prayer / communion
You'll Come
Your Unfailing Love
sermon
Holy is the Lord
Great, great quality. Thanks to all. Loved the china cymbal in particular!
I am not sure if I told this team the vision I got one other time you have played. Forgive me if I have, but here it is for you who haven't heard it.
It was a few months ago, but as I have been writing my visions down, I read it the other day and was reminded. Here is my entry for this vision:
19 May 09
When studying the new vision for the church, reading the parable of the sower, I got a vision of the team playing last Sunday (Ben, Jarrod, etc) with grass growing around them. Playing music helped the grass grow. Luke 8:15 (but the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it and by persevering produce a crop). Awesome.
In light of that, thanks for your faithfulness, and know that you are sowing into big things here.
I am away for the next two weeks, and so will not be writing a blog. Will someone else post entries? I'd love to read them!
I thought this Sunday was one of breaking down barriers. I felt there was more freedom and readiness to worship in both services. What a great place to be in!
AM Service
O For a Thousand Tongues
Lord Most High
There is None Like You
Welcome / mission spot
Sermon
Holy is the Lord
Jesus Messiah
Prayer / Communion
Salvation Belongs to Our God
Thanks for the nice segue of male / female singing in the first two songs. And what sensitive leading too. What great sound a 5 piece band can make too! This will be reflected in the next roster.
I have added new songs to the song list and you will be notified soon about it after it is checked off by the worship leaders. Be ready for some contemporary songs from the 6pm service!
PM Service
Majestic
Ever More
Jesus Messiah
welcome / mission spot
Prayer / communion
You'll Come
Your Unfailing Love
sermon
Holy is the Lord
Great, great quality. Thanks to all. Loved the china cymbal in particular!
I am not sure if I told this team the vision I got one other time you have played. Forgive me if I have, but here it is for you who haven't heard it.
It was a few months ago, but as I have been writing my visions down, I read it the other day and was reminded. Here is my entry for this vision:
19 May 09
When studying the new vision for the church, reading the parable of the sower, I got a vision of the team playing last Sunday (Ben, Jarrod, etc) with grass growing around them. Playing music helped the grass grow. Luke 8:15 (but the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it and by persevering produce a crop). Awesome.
In light of that, thanks for your faithfulness, and know that you are sowing into big things here.
I am away for the next two weeks, and so will not be writing a blog. Will someone else post entries? I'd love to read them!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Church services for 27 September, 2009
Please follow the link to the right about general comments about the services. Please follow that blog too! I will now concentrate on specific comments about the services in this blog.
AM service
Blessed Be Your Name
Shout to the North
Holy is the Lord
Welcome / Prayer
I Could Sing of Your Love Forever
Agnus Dei
Sermon / Communion
How Great is Our God
Linking this worship leader with this band is (although personally great for me), a gamble that it might be too contemporary for this congregation. However, I only heard positive comments. I thought the way everyone dealt with light and shade enhanced the worship. The different sounds also danced on the senses too. Thanks for the worshipful way you all served this weekend. Please see below comments from Leigh.
PM service - RETRO WORSHIP NIGHT
I Walk By Faith
I'm Saved
The Stone's Been Rolled Away
Welcome / Prayer / Communion
All Honour, All Glory
I Love You Lord / I Exalt Thee
Sermon
Sing for Joy All the Earth
What a night! I was slightly disturbed though, did you know there were three males in the team wearing women's clothing? I thought that there was a good balance between the night being a novelty show and true worship. I am so humbled excited by the fact that our worship team all have such great attitudes. In general, great work by everyone, and vote is we'll do it again next year.
From LeighZee
Just wanted to say that in my 37yrs of playing drums in church there have been times when I have questioned my ability to actually be in the team, my worthiness which is always doubtful . and my reason for playing. These are issues that never seem to leave me, however playing last Sunday in both morning and night services was a real blessing to me . I went home at the end of the day and thought yep today I have served my God just by making myself available .
As that famous uncomplicated Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts ,when asked a question about his roll in the band , replied "I just play drums for Mick its not about me"
What a profound statement , regardless of my ability, worthiness or anything else that comes my way my reply will be " I just play drums for my God its not about me"
In addition great leading Blake , choice of songs was great and really nice touch with the kids singing , added to a real sense of family in the service, Krystal the retro was a hoot , dressing up getting into the theme was a big plus. In amongst all those great old songs was a real sense of worship through the music and that is what is most important, it was great looking out at the congregation seeing people really engaging instead of just standing there like stale bottles of ?????. James and Josh really good foldback in both services for me, awesome
Leighzee
AM service
Blessed Be Your Name
Shout to the North
Holy is the Lord
Welcome / Prayer
I Could Sing of Your Love Forever
Agnus Dei
Sermon / Communion
How Great is Our God
Linking this worship leader with this band is (although personally great for me), a gamble that it might be too contemporary for this congregation. However, I only heard positive comments. I thought the way everyone dealt with light and shade enhanced the worship. The different sounds also danced on the senses too. Thanks for the worshipful way you all served this weekend. Please see below comments from Leigh.
PM service - RETRO WORSHIP NIGHT
I Walk By Faith
I'm Saved
The Stone's Been Rolled Away
Welcome / Prayer / Communion
All Honour, All Glory
I Love You Lord / I Exalt Thee
Sermon
Sing for Joy All the Earth
What a night! I was slightly disturbed though, did you know there were three males in the team wearing women's clothing? I thought that there was a good balance between the night being a novelty show and true worship. I am so humbled excited by the fact that our worship team all have such great attitudes. In general, great work by everyone, and vote is we'll do it again next year.
From LeighZee
Just wanted to say that in my 37yrs of playing drums in church there have been times when I have questioned my ability to actually be in the team, my worthiness which is always doubtful . and my reason for playing. These are issues that never seem to leave me, however playing last Sunday in both morning and night services was a real blessing to me . I went home at the end of the day and thought yep today I have served my God just by making myself available .
As that famous uncomplicated Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts ,when asked a question about his roll in the band , replied "I just play drums for Mick its not about me"
What a profound statement , regardless of my ability, worthiness or anything else that comes my way my reply will be " I just play drums for my God its not about me"
In addition great leading Blake , choice of songs was great and really nice touch with the kids singing , added to a real sense of family in the service, Krystal the retro was a hoot , dressing up getting into the theme was a big plus. In amongst all those great old songs was a real sense of worship through the music and that is what is most important, it was great looking out at the congregation seeing people really engaging instead of just standing there like stale bottles of ?????. James and Josh really good foldback in both services for me, awesome
Leighzee
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Church services for 20 September, 2009
Thanks to everyone for a stellar weekend again. I feel I must put in a quote from an Andy Park (Who wrote Unshakeable on the 2009 CD) interview that someone sent me before I begin. It changed my perception of worship experiences.
Q: What would you say is the most difficult aspect of being a worship leader? What can you do to overcome it or work through it?
Park: The most difficult aspect of being a worship leader is dealing with the reality of living "between the times." We live in the age in which Jesus has unleashed the authority of his kingdom on earth. We see the outworking of his power in many ways-broken lives are turned around and healed. In worship, the Holy Spirit brings peace, joy and a striking revelation of God's power and beauty. But we haven't arrived at the point in history when the blessings of the kingdom are with us in unlimited measure.
So here's the rub-the windows of heaven aren't always thrown open in our earthly worship times. In the best of worship times we see so clearly and drink so deeply of the wine of the Spirit! And many times we feel disconnected from God. When you've drunk deeply the sweet wine of heaven in worship, it's hard to be satisfied with a "grape juice" worship time.
To deal with this tension, I remind myself that worship is all about faithfulness-doing, praying and singing what I know is right-no matter how much of God I can feel at a given moment.
Wow. How easy it is for us to gauge a worship time by either how the congregation reacts or how we feel. Be encouraged by the fact that if you have worshipped in spirit and truth then you have done your job. Full stop. It is up to others and Holy Spirit to do the rest. If you didn't feel the rush of a good worship time, don't write it off.
Having said that, I think that both services were great to my ears this week. Personally the PM service's music worship was one of the greatest and most truthful sessions I have had in ages. Amazing.
AM service
Thanks first of all for all of those who filled in. And thanks to the data operator, first time at Yorkie, great job! Thoughful song choices. I think that it was a great sounding service (thanks to sound tech too!). What a challenging message from which to bring worship! I sensed that apart from the fact that the last song was a little less unknown to the congregation, that everyone had trouble singing the potent words. Good! Holy Spirit was stirring and making people feel uncomfortable.
In hindsight I think I would have played the last two songs in the practice first of all as they were the least known. And the middle two songs (Jesus Messiah and You Are My King) felt a little unsettled. The groove wasn't quite there. They both are songs that are at the cusp of the contemporary feel where the morning service sits. I am doing a lot of soul searching about how to resolve this recurrent issue.
I encourage you each to look back for a minute on your own part and check - did you worship in spirit and truth that morning?
PM service
What an inspired choice to lead from the piano. And no guitars??? And the team on the side of the platform??? Sounds a little like morning church!! But wow. What a sound. What I heard from this service was excellent musicianship being played for personal worship. You guys were obviously worshipping in the practice. Don't underestimate the power this has in the spirit realm. Keep it up.
Song choice was thoughtful also for this service. Thanks. A sensitive drummer, with sweet voices was a nice mix.
Thanks for a great Sunday. Love you all!
Q: What would you say is the most difficult aspect of being a worship leader? What can you do to overcome it or work through it?
Park: The most difficult aspect of being a worship leader is dealing with the reality of living "between the times." We live in the age in which Jesus has unleashed the authority of his kingdom on earth. We see the outworking of his power in many ways-broken lives are turned around and healed. In worship, the Holy Spirit brings peace, joy and a striking revelation of God's power and beauty. But we haven't arrived at the point in history when the blessings of the kingdom are with us in unlimited measure.
So here's the rub-the windows of heaven aren't always thrown open in our earthly worship times. In the best of worship times we see so clearly and drink so deeply of the wine of the Spirit! And many times we feel disconnected from God. When you've drunk deeply the sweet wine of heaven in worship, it's hard to be satisfied with a "grape juice" worship time.
To deal with this tension, I remind myself that worship is all about faithfulness-doing, praying and singing what I know is right-no matter how much of God I can feel at a given moment.
Wow. How easy it is for us to gauge a worship time by either how the congregation reacts or how we feel. Be encouraged by the fact that if you have worshipped in spirit and truth then you have done your job. Full stop. It is up to others and Holy Spirit to do the rest. If you didn't feel the rush of a good worship time, don't write it off.
Having said that, I think that both services were great to my ears this week. Personally the PM service's music worship was one of the greatest and most truthful sessions I have had in ages. Amazing.
AM service
Thanks first of all for all of those who filled in. And thanks to the data operator, first time at Yorkie, great job! Thoughful song choices. I think that it was a great sounding service (thanks to sound tech too!). What a challenging message from which to bring worship! I sensed that apart from the fact that the last song was a little less unknown to the congregation, that everyone had trouble singing the potent words. Good! Holy Spirit was stirring and making people feel uncomfortable.
In hindsight I think I would have played the last two songs in the practice first of all as they were the least known. And the middle two songs (Jesus Messiah and You Are My King) felt a little unsettled. The groove wasn't quite there. They both are songs that are at the cusp of the contemporary feel where the morning service sits. I am doing a lot of soul searching about how to resolve this recurrent issue.
I encourage you each to look back for a minute on your own part and check - did you worship in spirit and truth that morning?
PM service
What an inspired choice to lead from the piano. And no guitars??? And the team on the side of the platform??? Sounds a little like morning church!! But wow. What a sound. What I heard from this service was excellent musicianship being played for personal worship. You guys were obviously worshipping in the practice. Don't underestimate the power this has in the spirit realm. Keep it up.
Song choice was thoughtful also for this service. Thanks. A sensitive drummer, with sweet voices was a nice mix.
Thanks for a great Sunday. Love you all!
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