Church services for Nov 15, 2009

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!