This week saw the continuation of the 40 Days of Purpose - ministry. What a challenge to us, to be involved, and to serve others. However, I know that I am preaching to the choir here (literally)! I personally found it challenging again to choose the songs for the morning service, but God worked through me without my help (how is it that we are always surprised when that happens!). The final song of the morning service to me didn't fit, however it kept popping into my head. And when the preacher drew out the lyrics to challenge the congregation, I got the shivers! God was moving through those words. Praise God.
One note I'd like to mention for both services is make sure you write down performance notes (for want of a better term). There were a few times that we have rehearsed one way and then forgotten in the service. I am changing the format of the OOS for your notes. Please use them, we have inspired ideas in practice and it is a shame if they are missed.
Another note is that both services' rehearsals felt rushed. Please check your rehearsal schedule again, note that the first half of the rehearsal is sound check only, not rehearsal, but if you have time, you can prepare yourselves. Worship leaders, you can use this time with the data projectionist to sort out slide order, and not in the rehearsal time, as this took up a lot of time. Band, you can sort yourselves out just as long as it doesn't impede the sound check. Worship leaders, I encourage you to spend time if you can through the week to work out song structure. And simplify if you don't have time.
10am service
Lord Most High
Majestic
Shout to the North
Welcome
Oh to See the Dawn
Be Still
Communion / Prayer
Sermon
Mighty to Save
First of all, what a strong team! And welcome to those who have stepped up for the first time or the first time in a long time! The depth of vocals was so lovely to hear - a great start too, to the service. Great call by the worship leader. My sound perception was limited to my own foldback, so I can't comment personally, however I heard that the drum screen is working wonders, and that the vocals fitted nicely on top of the band. This was a great service all in all.
6pm service
Everyday
Look What You've Done
God of this City
Welcome
Here I am to Worship
Lord of Lords
Prayer / communion
Sermon
To the Ends of the Earth
Thanks for inspired song choices here. Again the drums sounded good, and I encourage you to play harder in that box - you can do that now! It feels a little strange, the new set up - perhaps we can play with the stage layout more. Perhaps the guitars could be up on stage, or we could bring props or lighting.
Be aware that the 6pm service is often a hard gig. We as a ministry team are working and praying hard about it. Be aware of that when you are in the congregation to be supportive of the team in any way you can. And know that although you might feel like you are out there on your own (I felt that on Sunday) that you aren't, and that people are responding, you might not see it. Don't be intimidated by it. Be sure of your calling and worship God first!
Thanks for your work, be encouraged you are doing the right ministry for you, and at the right time. be blessed and have a great week. Please comment on the services, I will invite you to comment if you aren't following the blog already.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Church services for 23 August, 2009
This blog was written by Michael:
This week's service was the third week in the 40 Days of Purpose, focusing on growing in spiritual maturity through Discipleship. If you didn't get the chance to hear the sermon this week, I'd encourage you to download it from iTunes/the Church website and have a listen - It's a very potent message!
Morning Service:
============================
Firstly just wanted to congratulate the worship leader on a job well done in all regards. The song selection certainly seemed to reflect the new direction that the music team is taking the AM service in. There was a nice range of music from vibrant rock to the more reflective (and even a hymn!) and you worked the dynamics well. I'd also just like to say how much we as the band appreciate your leadership, you're never afraid to ask or explain what you want and that sense of direction gives us a huge sense of purpose - so keep it up!
Also top work to the backing singers, especially those of you that had had nothing to eat and next to no sleep in 40 hours! You're dedication to serve sets a fine example to the rest of us!
Sound and tech were also very smooth, it seems that the extra hour of practice certainly is a positive thing for the preparation of the AM service.
Evening Service:
============================
The very first thing that Jesus said at the sermon on the mount was
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule."
And that certainly seems to be the vibe with evening worship leaders over the last few weeks. So a huge amount of respect to you two for getting up there and giving it your all even when you don't feel up to the task (and it's a huge task), it was evident that God was working through you, so please be encouraged by that.
I'd also encourage you to take ownership of the band, don't be afraid to tell us what to do in terms of arrangement, we appreciate and respect your leadership! Your calling was always on the ball and very clear and there was certainly no confusion as to where you wanted to go with the songs.
The band was probably one of the larger we've had in a few weeks, so to the musicians, be mindful of overplaying - sometimes musical space is just as effective as everyone playing at once. That said the full sound of a larger band is always very enjoyable, and I think everyone played with a lot of feeling and expression (looking at the bass player especially :p). We are VERY lucky to have such a depth of talent here at York St, and I feel very blessed to be part of the team. I got a comment from a friend who visiting from Sydney (who used to attend York St) after the service about just how relaxed and enjoyable the worship atmosphere was and how much they missed it.
Sound and tech - nice work dealing with such a large group, and working with the new drum screen. How did you think it all went, is it easier to mix with? Certainly seemed to take a lot of the resonant acoustics out of the hall and was much more controlled.
(Sarah) Thanks to those who performed the item, it seemed like it hit the spot.
This week's service was the third week in the 40 Days of Purpose, focusing on growing in spiritual maturity through Discipleship. If you didn't get the chance to hear the sermon this week, I'd encourage you to download it from iTunes/the Church website and have a listen - It's a very potent message!
Morning Service:
============================
Firstly just wanted to congratulate the worship leader on a job well done in all regards. The song selection certainly seemed to reflect the new direction that the music team is taking the AM service in. There was a nice range of music from vibrant rock to the more reflective (and even a hymn!) and you worked the dynamics well. I'd also just like to say how much we as the band appreciate your leadership, you're never afraid to ask or explain what you want and that sense of direction gives us a huge sense of purpose - so keep it up!
Also top work to the backing singers, especially those of you that had had nothing to eat and next to no sleep in 40 hours! You're dedication to serve sets a fine example to the rest of us!
Sound and tech were also very smooth, it seems that the extra hour of practice certainly is a positive thing for the preparation of the AM service.
Evening Service:
============================
The very first thing that Jesus said at the sermon on the mount was
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule."
And that certainly seems to be the vibe with evening worship leaders over the last few weeks. So a huge amount of respect to you two for getting up there and giving it your all even when you don't feel up to the task (and it's a huge task), it was evident that God was working through you, so please be encouraged by that.
I'd also encourage you to take ownership of the band, don't be afraid to tell us what to do in terms of arrangement, we appreciate and respect your leadership! Your calling was always on the ball and very clear and there was certainly no confusion as to where you wanted to go with the songs.
The band was probably one of the larger we've had in a few weeks, so to the musicians, be mindful of overplaying - sometimes musical space is just as effective as everyone playing at once. That said the full sound of a larger band is always very enjoyable, and I think everyone played with a lot of feeling and expression (looking at the bass player especially :p). We are VERY lucky to have such a depth of talent here at York St, and I feel very blessed to be part of the team. I got a comment from a friend who visiting from Sydney (who used to attend York St) after the service about just how relaxed and enjoyable the worship atmosphere was and how much they missed it.
Sound and tech - nice work dealing with such a large group, and working with the new drum screen. How did you think it all went, is it easier to mix with? Certainly seemed to take a lot of the resonant acoustics out of the hall and was much more controlled.
(Sarah) Thanks to those who performed the item, it seemed like it hit the spot.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Church services for 16 August, 2009
This week's 40 Days theme was "Fellowship". I found this a little difficult to find songs that might fit, although the songs chosen worked well. The rehearsals keep working well, and it has given a great sense of unity, support and fellowship within the team. I also found that with the mechanics of the music and sound out of the way in rehearsal that you all were free to go to that next level without having to think too much of the structure of the music. You were free to worship and utilise the music well. Thanks again for your giving more time to this new rehearsal structure.
10am service
Sing to the Lord
God of Wonders
Jesus Messiah
welcome
What the Lord has Done in Me
prayer / communion
sermon
I Give You My Heart
What a sensitive band we had. And such beautiful sounding backups (I didn't want you to stop your sound check!). Thanks for the great leading in communion.
Sing to the Lord is an inherently tricky song. Aside from the lyrics and rhythm, which present problems of their own, the music can easily sound muddy. But when we simplified the rhythm and stayed out of each others' registers, it made all the difference. The general rule of thumb is that the bass and kick play the same rhythm and the others either compliment or play with them. Then each instrument plays in its own register, such as low piano doing chords, with high strumming on guitar and lead work on keys. There are many combinations of this you can use if a song needs cleaning up.
6pm service
You'll Come
I'm Saved
From the Inside Out
Welcome and announcements
Consuming Fire
Your Unfailing Love
Prayer / communion
sermon
How Great is Our God
Welcome to this new band! This team sounded awesome. Thanks for the drums being especially
sensitive to the worship leader.
This congregation is changing, and I think more receptive to be drawn more quickly into worship. Part of this is because the leaders, like you, are being vulnerable, being "true" in worship (John 4:23,24: Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship.). It then has a knock on effect: the congregation then can be more "themselves" and then creates an atmosphere in which we can lead them further in worship and so on. So well done in being great leaders, all of you who were on stage Sunday night. Keep on keeping on.
The structure of the songs worked well, and the team listened well to direction.
Thanks, love you all. Be blessed.
10am service
Sing to the Lord
God of Wonders
Jesus Messiah
welcome
What the Lord has Done in Me
prayer / communion
sermon
I Give You My Heart
What a sensitive band we had. And such beautiful sounding backups (I didn't want you to stop your sound check!). Thanks for the great leading in communion.
Sing to the Lord is an inherently tricky song. Aside from the lyrics and rhythm, which present problems of their own, the music can easily sound muddy. But when we simplified the rhythm and stayed out of each others' registers, it made all the difference. The general rule of thumb is that the bass and kick play the same rhythm and the others either compliment or play with them. Then each instrument plays in its own register, such as low piano doing chords, with high strumming on guitar and lead work on keys. There are many combinations of this you can use if a song needs cleaning up.
6pm service
You'll Come
I'm Saved
From the Inside Out
Welcome and announcements
Consuming Fire
Your Unfailing Love
Prayer / communion
sermon
How Great is Our God
Welcome to this new band! This team sounded awesome. Thanks for the drums being especially
sensitive to the worship leader.
This congregation is changing, and I think more receptive to be drawn more quickly into worship. Part of this is because the leaders, like you, are being vulnerable, being "true" in worship (John 4:23,24: Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship.). It then has a knock on effect: the congregation then can be more "themselves" and then creates an atmosphere in which we can lead them further in worship and so on. So well done in being great leaders, all of you who were on stage Sunday night. Keep on keeping on.
The structure of the songs worked well, and the team listened well to direction.
Thanks, love you all. Be blessed.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Church services for 9 August, 2009
This week included a Youth Takeover Service (which was awesome BTW) so I will just comment on the AM service (which was also awesome BTW).
10am service
Scripture / Video
Lord I Lift Your Name on High
Open the Eyes of My Heart
Here I am to Worship
Welcome and announcements
I Love You Lord / I Exalt Thee
In Christ Alone
Prayer / communion
Dance item
Sermon
The Heart of Worship
As this week was the "Worship" week of the 40 Days of Purpose, it was actually difficult to narrow down the songs. All songs are about worship; in fact all life is about worship! That was what the sermon was essentially about. And what a testament our worship leader (and all of you in fact) was to that. The first time she was rostered on as a worship leader, and she was on crutches and in a cast. She still served and worshipped God through that barrier. And to those who filled in, thanks Again you were living testimonies of giving God worship through your talents and your time.
This team was a joy to play in. You all made such a nice atmosphere to work in. The early morning still didn't wipe the smile off your faces!
And as for the mechanics of the service, I thought that we did away with the nuts and bolts enough in the practice to really let loose in worship during the service. Nice lead in by drums BTW in the third verse of "In Christ Alone". Beautiful communion playing, and the equalising of the guitar and keys, I could have eaten it all up! It was so sweet!
I would encourage you all to notice the gaps that are still cometimes appearing in between the songs. I would like to have just a block of sound throughout consecutive songs. There are many ways of doing that, and as they come up I will suggest some. This is one of the aims I am looking to improve on this year.
So thanks a lot to you all, you all rock in a morning church Christian type of way (the best way to be for this service!). Have a great week.
10am service
Scripture / Video
Lord I Lift Your Name on High
Open the Eyes of My Heart
Here I am to Worship
Welcome and announcements
I Love You Lord / I Exalt Thee
In Christ Alone
Prayer / communion
Dance item
Sermon
The Heart of Worship
As this week was the "Worship" week of the 40 Days of Purpose, it was actually difficult to narrow down the songs. All songs are about worship; in fact all life is about worship! That was what the sermon was essentially about. And what a testament our worship leader (and all of you in fact) was to that. The first time she was rostered on as a worship leader, and she was on crutches and in a cast. She still served and worshipped God through that barrier. And to those who filled in, thanks Again you were living testimonies of giving God worship through your talents and your time.
This team was a joy to play in. You all made such a nice atmosphere to work in. The early morning still didn't wipe the smile off your faces!
And as for the mechanics of the service, I thought that we did away with the nuts and bolts enough in the practice to really let loose in worship during the service. Nice lead in by drums BTW in the third verse of "In Christ Alone". Beautiful communion playing, and the equalising of the guitar and keys, I could have eaten it all up! It was so sweet!
I would encourage you all to notice the gaps that are still cometimes appearing in between the songs. I would like to have just a block of sound throughout consecutive songs. There are many ways of doing that, and as they come up I will suggest some. This is one of the aims I am looking to improve on this year.
So thanks a lot to you all, you all rock in a morning church Christian type of way (the best way to be for this service!). Have a great week.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Church services for 2 August, 2009
The 40 Days of Purpose is now in full swing with the first sermon "What on Earth Am I Here For?". Great choice of songs. All in all, I thought the vocals morning and night were full and strong. The vertical texture was rich. I am looking forward to seeing the bands tighten even more as a team. It was a great starting point. Thanks a lot to those in the morning who filled in.
I believe two important things happened this Sunday as a result of a more structured and longer (for the morning) practice time. One is that the sound was spot on (apart from the lapel mic which is being looked at). I'd like to hear the sound tech's thoughts on it. It didn't feel rushed at all, and the sound was pro-active not reactive as much.
The second thing is that I thought that the team was better prepared, particularly mentally and spiritually as well as musically. Although some of the set up time requires some hanging around, the other end of the practice meant that you had time to rest and regroup for the service. As for the time you have doing nothing, make sure you are still preparing yourself, organise communion if you need to, practise, tune up, spend time in prayer, WORSHIP!
As a result of this new practice schedule, I thought the worship time in the service was strong, thoughtful and purposeful.
Thanks a lot for your service and your willingness to try new things, and follow my leading. I do appreciate it.
10am service
Blessed Be Your Name
Majestic
Holy is the Lord
welcome / MCF focus
Jesus Messiah
Prayer / communion
Sermon
For the Cause
6pm service
Blessed Be Your Name
I Could Sing of Your Love Forever
Your Love O Lord
Welcome / MCF focus
I Can Only Imagine
Agnus Dei
Prayer / communion
Sermon
Ever More
I believe two important things happened this Sunday as a result of a more structured and longer (for the morning) practice time. One is that the sound was spot on (apart from the lapel mic which is being looked at). I'd like to hear the sound tech's thoughts on it. It didn't feel rushed at all, and the sound was pro-active not reactive as much.
The second thing is that I thought that the team was better prepared, particularly mentally and spiritually as well as musically. Although some of the set up time requires some hanging around, the other end of the practice meant that you had time to rest and regroup for the service. As for the time you have doing nothing, make sure you are still preparing yourself, organise communion if you need to, practise, tune up, spend time in prayer, WORSHIP!
As a result of this new practice schedule, I thought the worship time in the service was strong, thoughtful and purposeful.
Thanks a lot for your service and your willingness to try new things, and follow my leading. I do appreciate it.
10am service
Blessed Be Your Name
Majestic
Holy is the Lord
welcome / MCF focus
Jesus Messiah
Prayer / communion
Sermon
For the Cause
6pm service
Blessed Be Your Name
I Could Sing of Your Love Forever
Your Love O Lord
Welcome / MCF focus
I Can Only Imagine
Agnus Dei
Prayer / communion
Sermon
Ever More
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