Church services for Feb 15 2009

NEWS BREAK - SERMON PODCASTS NOW ON THE YORK ST WEBSITE!

Well, what an exciting Sunday we had! We welcomed in our new senior pastor, Tim Clark and his family. I don't know about you, but I felt the presence of Holy Spirit throughout. There was evidence that God had prepared the church in advance, I think, when Tim requested the song, God of This City.
For those of you who don't know, here is the story of the song at York St. I had heard the song at other churches. Leading up to the Eureka Carols, I felt led to compile a CD for the steering committee of worship songs for our own personal worship. This song was on this CD. Pam McKee then heard the song on James' CD and suggested we learn the song. She put together a great Powerpoint with images of Ballarat and we learnt the song at our 6pm worship party service.
Then when Tim requested the song, god had paved the way, not only did the 6pm service know it, we also had visual help with the PP as well. But the story goes on.
The mayor of Ballarat was at the morning service (great in itself) and loved the song so much that she has asked for a copy of the PP and song so she can use it in council meetings.
As the song goes "greater things have yet to come"! We are involved in something greater that has already been planned! The key is, sit back, make sure you have your "seatbelt" on of personal prayer, worship and ministry and enjoy the ride! God has mapped out the road ahead and I know it will be just great!

The service orders went as follows:

February 15, 2009 – 10 a.m. Service
Induction of Tim Clark
Songs - Blake
1. Blessed Be Your Name
2. For All You’ve Done
Welcome / PC Sheets - Blake
3. Salvation Belongs to Our God
Introduction of the Clark family - Blake
Induction – Paul Cameron
Prayer (Elders to lay hands on Tim) - David J W
Blake to Introduce Prayers of Thanksgiving
- Steve Hall (on behalf of Tim’s family)
- Alan Morton (on behalf of Church family)
- Jesse Barlow (for Clark children)
* Song - Blake
4. How Great is Our God (Tomlin)
Reading (1 Corinthians 12: 4-27) - Frank
Sermon - Tim
God of This City (Powerpoint/CD)
Communion Thought / Communion - Sarah
Song - Blake
5. Holy is the Lord (Tomlin)
Bushfire Focus - Paul Cameron
Close - Tim

Thanks for a great service, all who were involved. I think that the service order flowed well. It was good to hear from Paul about what COCs Vic Tas were doing in the wake of the bushfires. Although we had three Tomlin songs to finish, I think that they were appropriate. It was great to have "We" songs and not just "I" songs in the spirit of the day where the church comes together to welcome in the new pastor. Did we miss a hymn? What do you think?
I think also that the band although very full, had different timbres and feels and you didn't play on top of one another. Great musicianship! Roger, I thought your drums were great! I thought perhaps a little loud, but then in the service, not so. There were a lot in the band, after all!
Thanks Josh for great mix of sound, especially after bringing up the vocals. I think that the equal mix we have for Kerry and Lynden's group is good for all as much as you think is musical.
Thanks singers for having the full set of harmonies. It really makes a difference.
Keep in mind the transitions between songs. It is so important to keep the atmosphere and worship going. I will be concentrating on that this year. But having said that, it was ok yesterday!

February 15, 2009 - 6pm Service
Introduction of the Clark family
Songs – Lauren
1. Majestic
2. For All You've Done
3. Ever More
Welcome / P.C. Sheets - Blake
Introduction of the Clark family
Elders & others invited to come forward & pray
Reading / Sermon - Tim
God of this City Powerpoint
Song (offering to be announced & taken during next song)
4. Hosanna
Communion Thought / Communion – David J W
Song –
5. God of this City - Pam
Bushfire focus / Close - Tim

Lauren, where did you pull those songs from? Inspired, I think. Great transitions between songs (a true sign of professionalism). All songs were at the start, quite "up" which sets such feeling of expectation (and don't we really miss that in the 6pm service!). Next time, also focus on the lyrics, I thought there was no real progression between the songs lyrically, but please correct me if you think otherwise. Having said that, Hosanna was the pick of the night. We don't normally do that, but I think we should. After the sermon about vision, having a song that has a vision in it, and worship was just amazing. And nice to pull back and have only a few playing. Do that more, I think, with all different outcomes.
Band, professional as always, just great from a three piece rhythm section with Meg (WOW your playing in Look What You've Done was great!). And singers, Emma wonderful job starting with Michael (who is always improving with his vocals), and others - we had a vocal section of worship leaders! (Krystle, I'm on your back to come onto the roster again!). Tech, thanks for doing your job so excellently (following Tim and covering him with data and sound when he needed it) and so humbly. You were truly invisible which is the best way!

Thanks to everyone, yous all rock!