Good work everyone! I guess you all will have to forgive me for instigating that 'train wreck' we had. Sometimes these circumstances serve to bolster our humility - and they also serve to remind us to improve and work things out better next time. I actually think our response to my blunder was pretty good. I think Jesus would have laughed right along with us.
Be encouraged! Shake it off, just like Paul when he got bitten by the serpent when he was on his way to Rome. God is growing good things on our team and in each of you. Its a learning process. Thanks for sharing that word before we started, A.T. Also, thanks to everyone for helping with the set up and tear down. I think that was the fastest setup/tear-down I've seen it so far. I appreciate your smiles, your good attitudes, and your willingness to serve God and the school on this team.
We don't have the stage at school this week Thursday because of the play, so I think we'll cancel this week's practice.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Next Chapel - March 11!
Hi everyone,
Our next chapel date is March 11! As you already probably know, the theme of chapels for this month is Forgiveness. As we discussed in our last practice, our order of songs will be:
- Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) E
- I Found a Love G
our country medley...
- God is Good D
- I Saw the Light D
- I'll Fly Away D
- The Happy Song D
Somewhere in this first couple songs, one of us can talk about the prodigal son. Also we may potentially feel led to do some free worship.
To revisit our experience and discussion regarding free worship, here's some thoughts:
Our next chapel date is March 11! As you already probably know, the theme of chapels for this month is Forgiveness. As we discussed in our last practice, our order of songs will be:
- Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) E
- I Found a Love G
our country medley...
- God is Good D
- I Saw the Light D
- I'll Fly Away D
- The Happy Song D
Somewhere in this first couple songs, one of us can talk about the prodigal son. Also we may potentially feel led to do some free worship.
To revisit our experience and discussion regarding free worship, here's some thoughts:
- Free worship works better when it happens naturally - like it began for us in practice that first time. We need to continue trying it when we practice as that will make everyone more comfortable with it.
- For the singers, there is no need to feel like you must sing. However, you should continue to have an attitude of worship, listening with an open heart. Looking around at what everyone else is doing doesn't quite work. Worship is about participating - not observing :-) If you want to sing, but don't know what to sing, just relax and repeat a single line from a song you know. When you do that, I personally think its better to sing to God, rather than about God. What I mean here is it makes more sense (to me) to sing 'God, you're good' instead of 'God it good' or 'God, you've ransomed me!' instead of 'God has ransomed me' Make it personal. Actually sing to God.
- For the instruments, similar to the singers, don't feel like you need to play. Relax, wait, and listen. We will always be rocking between the I and the IV chords (so if we're playing in the key of C, that would be C (I) and F(IV)). When you decide to play, ease into it. Be sensitive of the atmosphere. Start simple and gradually add more volume and notes, being sensitive to how the music sounds as a whole. Worship from your instrument. Whatever note or chord you play, fill it with life and meaning for God (and try and make sure it fits within the rest of the music that is happening). Usually free worship ebbs and flows, like a gentle wind or wave. Try to attune yourself to hearing those 'curves' and play your notes to fit in.