Worship Matters Video Blog – 8.17.09

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Worship Matters: “Empty & Beautiful”

We did a song at Mt. Pleasant this past weekend that I just cannot get out of my mind & heart. The song is called “Empty & Beautiful” by Matt Maher.

If you have been around me these last couple of years you know that I have really been touched by Matt’s songwriting. He has given us some awesome songs like “Your Grace Is Enough,” “For Your Glory,” “On The Third Day,” “Resurrection Day” and “As It Is In Heaven.” He is a very gifted writer & musician. His lyrics are thoughtful and penetrating and are blended with great musicianship. I really enjoy his songs.

“Empty & Beautiful” is the title track from his latest recording. I would highly encourage you to pick up a copy and settle in for a great listen that will encourage you musically and touch you spiritually. You can download the album from iTunes.

Take a slow deliberate read through these lyrics.

My past won’t stop haunting me
In this prison there’s a fight between
Who I am and who I used to be

This thorn in my side is a grace
For because of it the flesh and blood of God
Was offered in my place, my place

You fought the fight in me
You chased me down and finished the race
I was blind but now I see
Jesus You kept the faith in me

Awaiting, set apart like incense to Your heart
A libation I’m pouring out
Empty and beautiful, beautiful, beautiful

I love the heart of this song….

Here is a YouTube video of Matt performing “Empty & Beautiful.”

Worship Matters Video Blog – 7.1.09

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Worship Matters – Video Blog – 6.17.09

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Worship Matters – Poll: Rehearsal Times

Thank you so much for reading my blog! This post is specifically for people in the Worship Department at Mt. Pleasant Christian Church. I’ll be back tomorrow with a general post. Thanks!

Hey MPCC Friends! We are working to fine-tune our Wednesday rehearsal times at MPCC for the fall. We are going to keep everything on Wednesday night but we are considering an option that would have 2 rehearsal times that night: 1 for band and vocals and 1 for choir. This could end up being a much better use of all of our time and also allow your Worship Pastor to be at more rehearsals. For example, depending on how the poll comes back, we could end up with a rehearsal structure that looks something like this:

6:00 PM – 7:15 PM: Band & Vocal Rehearsal
7:15 PM – 8:30 PM: Choir Rehearsal 

Again, that is just a hypothetical situation as to what we could end up with. We are looking for answers from the BAND, VOCAL TEAMS, CHOIR & TECH.

Please take a minute to fill out this poll to let me know what kinds of time slots are possible for the most people. Thank you for your help. Before you start, please read each one of the choices carefully. Certain options are designed for the band and vocal teams and certain options are designed specifically for the choir. It is important that you answer those accordingly so our final numbers are as accurate as possible. If we are going to adapt the schedule we want to make changes that affect the largest numbers of people in a positive way.

*Also, if you are in more than one of these groups (Vocal Team & Choir for instance) please answer for both. Many people will need to answer in multiple categories. Check all that apply to you.
**If you are a STRING player or other INSTRUMENTALIST please answer under BAND.

1. Select all that apply to you
2. Select VOTE at the bottom of the poll 

Again, thank you for your help. I will let you know the findings once the results are in. Here we go!

Worship Matters: “The Most…” – Powerful Experiences

I have been blessed to experience many powerful worship experiences throughout my life. I am grateful for every one of them but there are a few that really stick out in my memory. Interestingly, several of my most meaningful worship experiences have happened while attending the funeral services for some dear friends. I’m not sure why…probably has something to do with how raw my emotions were at that moment.

I remember when a dear friend and fellow staff member of mine passed away. Sylvia Glenn was an amazing woman. Her death was something that affected me on a very deep level. I will never forget her funeral. It was one of the first times I had lost someone close to me as an adult. Sylvia was an amazing woman who lived out her faith in God in such a genuine way. There are 2 moments from her funeral that I can still vividly remember if I close my eyes and think about them. The first came when the congregation stood and, at the top of their lungs, sang the hymn “It Is Well With My Soul.” My dear friends Ernesteen Scherer and Richard Ramsey were on the organ and piano. I promise you I felt like I was going to float away! The second came when Kim stood and sang “Find Us Faithful.” That is a song that completely embodied Sylvia and the way that she lived her life to build The Kingdom.

Susie McCracken

The second funeral happened about a month ago when our dear friend Susie McCracken passed away after a tragic battle with cancer. Susie was one of the most vibrant and loving people I have ever met. She loved the Lord, her family and her friends with all of her heart. She was a true example of a true friend to both Kim and me. She and her family are very special to us. During her battle with cancer, she embraced the song “How He Loves” as the theme of her life. That is so Susie….it takes an amazing person like her to be able to see through her struggle and circumstances and remind all of us just how much God loves us. Near the end of her service 2 of her daughters, Molly & Haley, walked onto the platform and led us in singing “How He Loves.” If you don’t know the song I highly encourage you to get a copy. Eddie Kirkland recorded it on a new CD called “Orthodoxy.” In that moment I found myself coming face to face with God’s love in a way that permeated my whole heart and mind. It was incredible and it involved so much more than emotion. It was a spiritual truth that radiated through my whole being. It resonated so deeply in my heart that I literally could not sing. I wept and gave thanks to God for His amazing love for me, which is exactly what Susie would have hoped for each of us. Susie, we will never, ever forget you. Because of you we are more deeply in love with Jesus than ever before. I know that they are partying in Heaven and I’m sure that you are right in the middle of it!

I can also remember the First Naz choir singing “My Life Is In Your Hands” and how I felt an amazing sense of God’s presence. I will never forget the first time I heard the congregation at MPCC sing “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” and being overwhelmed by their passion. I am also taken to an incredible place of worship every single time I hear Kim sing “In Christ Alone.” Her passion for God is so contagious.

I am so grateful for God’s presence in my life!

I would love to hear some of your powerful worship experience stories. Please share them with me in the comment section.

Worship Matters: “The Most…” – Embarrassing Moments

This week I am doing a series of blogs entitled “The Most…” It will focus on different kinds of experiences we have all had. I hope that you will take a minute to share your experiences each day in the comment section. Today’s topic: “The Most Embarrassing Moments.” The rest of the week we’ll look at “The Most: powerful experiences, frustrating experiences, etc….”

I have been leading worship for almost 20 years. During that time I have had some pretty interesting experiences. I have had a mischievous organist get back at me by changing keys into ranges that I couldn’t sing, all the while smiling and laughing. I have mistakenly led an entire set with my zipper down. I have forgotten or sang incorrect lyrics. One time, during a concert in Eaton, OH, Kim and I started laughing uncontrollably during our marriage duet, to the point that neither of us could even sing. We just stood there the entire time laughing. 

But, there are 2 stories that take the cake for me in terms of most embarrassing moments. Remember, the deal is that if I share mine, you have to share yours in the comment section!

1. It was Easter season and we were doing a Good Friday service called “Dark Friday” that was completely focused on the cross and the events of the cross. The entire team of musicians dressed in black. The goal was to put people in the mindset to really reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus. The service would end with a dramatic portrayal of the crucifixion. At the end, we would take Jesus’ body down, wrap it and carry it out the center aisle, asking people to leave in complete silence. It is extremely moving when it works! We came to that part of the portrayal when Jesus dies and as his head drops the tech guys are supposed to roll a CD of a massive thunderstorm and the lighting guy is supposed to do flashes of lightning. We had rehearsed this moment at length. When the time came for the storm, they pushed play. Due to some kind of mix-up we did not hear a massive thunderstorm but instead a hand clapping, toe tapping a cappella song. Quickly they hit stop. Then they hit play again. Then they hit stop. Then they hit play again – all while Jesus is hanging on the cross. I stood and gave them the “cut” sign from the platform. Moment ruined!

2. Secondly, a moment that is without a doubt my most embarrassing moment in ministry. This was back in 1997. Our youth pastor was preaching while our senior pastor was away. He was speaking on friendship and how powerful it can be when friends are committed to one another. He asked me to find a movie clip that would really illustrate this concept. So I looked and found a clip from the movie “Forrest Gump.” The clip came from the scene in the movie where Forrest and his friend Bubba are serving in Vietnam. Bubba gets shot and with gunfire and explosions all around him, Forrest goes back into the jungle, carrying injured soldier after injured soldier out as he searches for Bubba. A great illustration of friendship. If you have seen this movie you know that there is a pretty profane character named Lt. Dan Taylor. In the movie, just before the clip we wanted to use, Lt. Dan goes on one of his profanity laced tirades as he is yelling at Forrest. It was a pretty tricky cue but I just knew that if we were careful we could nail this cue and illustrate the point. Some of you can already see this coming…..remember that I was young and immature. At this time in my life I still believed that eggs had no expiration date!

So the youth guy is preaching and in the middle of his sermon he says “I want you to watch this movie clip that perfectly illustrates what I am trying to say about friendship.” Roll clip. I had gone up to the booth to make sure that it went smoothly. What happened next was like an out-of-body experience. We rolled the clip and the VHS player had backed up a few seconds. Blaring over the sound system in our sanctuary was that profanity laced tirade we had been trying to avoid. We heard Lt. Dan saying, “you blankety blank, #*@!… The soundman fell backwards onto the floor. Children’s heads popped up all around the sanctuary. Parents gasped. The youth pastors head dropped as he had to get up and finish his sermon after the clip finished. 

Fortunately, everybody gave us the benefit of the doubt knowing that this would be inappropriate even in the most contemporary worship setting! But, at least to this point, it gave me the story of my absolutely most embarrassing moment!

Ok, so we had a deal right? Those are mine. Please share yours in the comment section.

Worship Matters – The Resource List: CD’s

Here’s a follow-up on my The Resource List from earlier this week. I have written many times that it is a very exciting time to be in worship ministry. We are being flooded with incredible worship songs right now and I am grateful for the artists who are giving these precious gifts to the Church. I would love to hear from you in the comment section. 

Here are some of my recent favorite Worship Recordings:

“Our God Saves” – Paul Baloche - I have always been a fan but seeing him live at the National Worship Leader Conference these last 2 years cemented my respect. Paul has given the Church some amazing songs (“Above All”, “Open The Eyes Of My Heart”, “Your Name”, “Hosanna” and many others) and that certainly continues on this CD. The title track is a song I have used in a wide variety of settings and it always lands with the congregation because it is a true declaration that we can all unite together and sing. He also gives us some additional new treasures like “You Gave Your Life Away” and his collaboration with Matt Redman, “I Cling To The Cross.” Paul’s music crosses lines of denominational affiliation and age. They are awesome. Love this album!

“I Have A Hope” – Tommy Walker - Here is another album that is filled with great worship songs. TW is another guy that I have saw live for the first time recently. I have the utmost respect for him, his leadership, his songwriting and his commitment to the Church. The title song from this album is another that I have seen land in many different settings. TW is a guy who also tackles issues that many other songwriters don’t tackle. He has given us some great songs during his career (“He Knows My Name”, “That’s Why We Praise Him”, “We Will Remember”, “Break Through” and many others). His lyrics feed my soul and draw me closer to the Lord in worship. I would highly recommend picking up a copy of this great CD!

“Empty & Beautiful” – Matt Maher – Many will know Matt as the writer of the song “Your Grace Is Enough.” He has also written some other amazing songs, including: “On The Third Day”, “Resurrection Day” and “As It Is In Heaven.” Matt is electric in the live setting. I have also had the chance to see him in smaller settings where he really shares his heart and the idea’s behind some of his amazing lyrics. He is an incredible writer. Great CD.

 

“All Of The Above” – Hillsong United – This recording will give you an amazing worship experience. Introduced to me by a member of my team – let’s just call this person “Nugget” – I have really grown to love this CD. A couple of the highlights for me are songs that we have either ended up using in our services at Mt. Pleasant or will be using in the near future. “Lead Me To The Cross” is a great reminder to all of us of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. “Hosanna” is a great congregational anthem.

 

“Hello Love” – Chris Tomlin – How can you honestly write about worship music and leave out the hit machine that is Chris Tomlin. This guy is “en fuego” when it comes to writing worship songs. This latest offering gives us everything from absolute jam sessions to intimate ballads of worship and everything in between. This is a must own for every worshipper.

 

 
“Wake Up The World” – Gateway Worship - I have really grown to love the songs coming out of this amazing church in Texas. We have used many songs from one of their previous releases “Living For You” (“You, You Are God”, “Revelation Song” and “The More I Seek You”) and we are really starting to dig in to “Wake Up…”

 

I am very quickly writing a much longer blog than I had planned but I love so much of what is out there! Here are some brief descriptions of others that I am really enjoying:

1. “The Power Of One” – Israel Houghton – an absolute blast to listen to!

2. “I Belong” – Kathryn Scott - this lady is an incredible songwriter!

3. “My Savior Lives” – New Life Church – incredible album with many songs that we have used in worship

4. “Today Is The Day” – Lincoln Brewster – an incredible guitar player, LB is a great worship leader & songwriter

5. “Everlasting God” – Brenton Brown – another amazing songwriter

6. Vicky Beeching – a great writer and I would recommend all of her recordings

Obviously I could go on for days but I will stop here. Please take a moment to give me some of your favorites will you? I would love to hear from you. 

Be Blessed!

Worship Matters – The Resource List

Let’s talk worship resources. I have my favorites and I’m sure that you have yours. I would really like to know what you are listening to and where you are going to get your music. So, here’s the deal….I will share mine if you share yours. Deal? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.

MUSIC
I think that absolutely one of the most fascinating innovations in music is the iTunes Music Store. The ability to download music with 1 simple click has transformed the way I find music. I cannot remember the last time I walked into a store and bought an actual CD. It saves a great deal of time and money and is an amazing innovation in the music business.

CHARTS
In 1993 I started my first church job. Finding charts for my singers & players was always a challenge. If I found it, there’s a great chance it was not in the key I needed. So, I would try to dig-in to Finale and re-create the whole chart, which took hours. Then, one day, it was as if the clouds parted and my assistant came into my office and told me about Praise Charts. If you have never used it, do yourself a favor and check it out as soon as possible. They have taken a catalogue of thousands of worship songs and made them available to us. You can purchase single arrangements or join their club for a yearly membership. You have the option of just buying the rhythm section parts for songs or you can buy the entire arrangement that is fully orchestrated. There are charts for choir and praise team along with all of your instrumentalists. And, they have now started selling the Finale Files for many of their arrangements so that you can transpose them into whatever key you like. These arrangements are lifted note for note off of the popular recordings that made them famous. Nearly every song is available for download (occasionally you will run into a title that has to be sent as a pdf file on CD) and can be yours with the click of a button.

Another great resource for charts is Music Notes. If you are looking for a chart for a popular song for special music (secular or sacred) my guess is that you can find it here. By downloading a simple plug-in for your computer you can see a preview of the song and in most cases even select the key that you want it in. Most songs fall into the $5 range and by joining their club you can realize discounts on every chart.

I will also use G3 Worship every now and then for charts. These are an arrangers take on the given song and some of them are really good. You really have to look at each song individually. They are also available for download.

Charts are also available at the CCLI and WorshipTogether.com web sites. These are sites that I do use quite a bit as well. These sites also offer other great tools to help get insights into creative worship planning and the thoughts behind worship songs.

Something I find really helpful from Worship Together is their New Song Cafe. This is a 5-10 minute video that allows you to hear the heart of a songwriter and hear what went into the writing of a popular or new worship song. This is awesome!

Tomorrow I will look at other worship resources like new CD’s of worship music and other resources. What are your thoughts? Are there other places that you find helpful to download charts or music? I would love to hear back from you.

Be Blessed!

Worship Matters Video Blog – 5.14.09

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