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:
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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:
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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.