Sunday Setlist 11.8.09 November 8, 2009

I’ve been getting some grief from folks who are unhappy with my lack of blogging consistency. I’ll try to rectify that in coming weeks, starting with a recap of today’s service and our new series at PCC.

After finishing our WIRED series, which focused on our individual relationship with God and spiritual discipleship, we are intentionally leaning towards a discussion of the character of God and who he is during these next few weeks. We’ve chosen a few adjectives for the messages, but they are by no means exhaustive. Our goal is to prompt thinking and generate your own exploration of who God is through the Bible, small group studies and prayer.

Our graphics team came up with a cool image. (One trivial tidbit of info concerns the blackboard in the series graphic image. That’s a REAL blackboard from the VCU campus in the image…)

Here’s the way the service ran today. For you local PCC folks, I encourage you to follow the links on the songs and add these tunes to your playlist. Worshiping throughout the week to songs that connect to your Sunday experience can provide some powerful moments for you to praise God and for him to speak to you. Click on any song to find it on iTunes.

God Is Great – Hillsong – This is an older tune that we did for the first time today because of the obvious connection to the series title. Easy to learn, lots of energy – it worked and was a lot of fun to lead.

Your Love Never Fails – Chris Quilala – The students have led this song at FOCUS and found it to be a powerful worship song. We were excited to “steal” it this morning. It was great to have Joseph and Samara lead with us; they are regular members of the FOCUS band, and it was cool to have them leading in the Big Room today!

We had a great ‘Man On the Street’ video that was shot by Rachel, a PCC student. A quick visit to Cary Street generated some interesting responses.

So Great – Michael W Smith, Israel Houghton, etc. – Bob Pino sent this song to me and strongly encouraged us to add it to the mix. It was more powerful than we ever imagined when we finally arrived at today’s service. More than anything, it was awesome to look out over the crowd and see people responding physically; I saw a woman standing, hands open, eyes closed, simply worshiping God. Sarah said she saw a man standing in the upper section with his hands raised, looking like an angel worshiping God. Those are the most powerful moments for the musicians and production team – when we are prompted to interact with God in the middle of a service. When we witness it in the crowd, it’s incredibly moving. I want to do this song again, soon.

Brian’s message focused on the idea that God is safe. He taught about sheep and the imagery of Jesus as our shepherd. You can hear the message on the PCC website (www.powhatancc.org). Click on the ‘TELL ME MORE” tab and find the message date – you can listen live or download it to your computer or iPod.

Safe – Natalie Grant – Our closing song was an intense reminder of the promise of God – when we are willing to trust him, he will meet us where we are. One particular line in the chorus has stuck with me all day: “Your love has mended my blisters and bruising shame/here with you I am safe”.

The unique aspect to today’s service – and something we’ll keep out for the next four weeks – were two large boards painted with chalkboard paint, set at either side of the stage. As he began the message, Brian invited folks to come at any time – even while he was talking – and react to the statement “God is…” by writing their response on the chalkboard. We provided sidewalk chalk of various colors. People moved – during his message, during the closing song and then after the service ended. It was really cool – almost a holy moment – to read what people had written.

It was a good day. I’m looking forward to the next few weeks!

If you were there, we’d love to hear your thoughts about the service! Leave them in the comment section below.

This post is part of the Sunday Setlist blog carnival at www.fredmckinnon.com. Check it out for more updates about Sunday services around North America!

Giants, They Fall October 20, 2009

Giants do die

The bigger they are, the harder they fall

Last year, my kids turned me on to radio station 104.7 here in Richmond. I love turning it on and finding new (to me) songs that have some powerful messages.

Giants, they die

Just walk around your Jericho wall

I get stuck sometimes, caught listening to the same music, reading the same blogs, talking to the same people – forgetting that the world we live in is populated with vastly different people and ideas and styles of communication.

Now we come in Your name

And we stand on Your word
What is loosed in the heavens

Will be loosed on earth

Let God arise – giant, die!

And my life sometimes reflects just that – a boring regurgitation of what’s familiar to me. Sometimes I catch it in my daily routine – other times, when I’m doing things that are more “spiritual”.

Your praise will bring down strong holds

When you pray, you will see miracles

Just pray when things seem impossible

And the King of Glory will show His glory

So, yesterday I spent some time with a friend. She’s facing some challenging circumstances in this season of life. We talked about practical matters, about future plans, about spiritual growth, about our passion for our friendship. Her attitude is great – she is ever the optimist, looking forward and upward, always able to see the positive, trusting that God is going to meet every need. She is inspirational in her ability to hold on to hope and to persevere.

But she’s got some tough stuff going on.

So we talked, and I listened, and I prayed for her, and I continued to pray for her after we parted company.

When you praise/when you praise

When you praise they gotta come down

When you worship/when you worship

When you worship they gotta come down

When you shout/ just shout

When you shout they gotta come down

And this morning, on the way to my early breakfast meeting, this song that I heard yesterday on 104.7 came back into my head. Over and over and over. Odd, because I only heard it once – fleetingly – and yet it was firmly implanted in my brain.

And God reminded me that my perspective is oh so limited sometimes. Too many times. I get stuck in my way of prayer and care and concern and my outlook and I miss something awesome.

So, friend – can I have a do-over? (Yeah – ANOTHER one!) Can I just say this to you?

“Giants do die – the bigger they are, the harder they fall!”

That’s for my friend – and for all of us. Whatever you are facing, no matter the challenge before you, our faith informs us of this: God works. And this song reminds me – when we worship, when we praise, when we shout – when we let God arise, those giants – no matter what they are – they gotta come down.

What are you facing today? Illness? Fear? Financial challenges? Frustration? Whatever your giant is – keep this in mind.

They gotta come down.

For my friend, and for anybody else who needs it.

Embedding is disabled, but do yourself a big favor and click over here to get a shot of inspiration.

“Giants” by Donald Lawrence

(And just for the record, I’m watching this over and over and over and over at the office, driving my coworkers nuts, but I’m having a dancing good time…..)

Overcome August 30, 2009

Several folks have asked about the closing song from today’s service. “Overcome” by New Life Worship is a powerful song that grew out of the challenges they faced at their church. It’s a great reminder of who and what we believe to be true. (Purchase the original here.)

Sometimes a piece of music comes on that just seizes you and won’t let go – because of the truth of what it says or where it comes from. Often, we have emotional responses to particular songs that have a lot to do with our own circumstances. However, from time to time, a song comes along that seems to have an immediate connection, a lasting impact and an effect on an entire group of people. Songs like “Amazing Grace” and “Holy, Holy, Holy” have endured through the years in houses of worship, while countless other hymns have fallen away and been forgotten. I believe that certain songs are anointed - literally “dedicated to the service of God”, no matter when or how they are used.

Songwriters today still find new, fresh ways to express praise and thanksgiving to God. Songs are still born that seem to connect and put words to that which is unspoken and in our heart.

I’d love to hear from you – is there a song that you believe is anointed with an inexplicable something that makes it powerful for worship?

Here’s the link from New Life, with an amazing demonstration of heart-felt worship. If you don’t know the story behind the challenges faced by their church, you can check that out here; maybe then you’ll have even greater appreciation for the power of these words they sing.

RSS and Facebook readers – there is a video here. Go to the original post to see it.

Worship July 27, 2009

Worship.
Praise Him.
Amen.

Untitled from Carlos Whittaker on Vimeo.

Worship Music – What Works For You? June 21, 2009

So I’m wondering, as I contemplate music for the rest of this series:

What THREE songs would YOU choose as those which best allow you to connect with God in an awesome worship experience at your church?

Promised For You And For Me May 14, 2009

What a wonderful way to start the day.

I think she means it.

Thanks to Zac

Let Your Name Be Lifted Higher April 27, 2009

In light of everything we are experiencing and the way we see God moving in our community in recent weeks, it’s important to remember some important things.

God is stronger.

Christ is risen.

You are saved.

There is hope.

There is a way out.

This song has gripped me since last night. I know it is a message we need to hear, a song we need to sing.

There is Love that came for us
Humbled to a sinner’s cross
You broke my shame and sinfulness
You rose again victorious

Faithfulness none can deny
Through the storm and through the fire
There is truth that sets me free
Jesus Christ who lives in me

You are stronger
Sin is broken
You have saved me
It is written
Christ is risen
Jesus You are Lord of all

No beginning and no end
You’re my hope and my defense
You came to seek and save the lost
You paid it all upon the cross

Double Dipping On A Sunday April 19, 2009

Great day today.

Totally disengaged from the planning of a Sunday experience, I attended two.

After I slept until 8:30.  On a Sunday!!!  Woo hoo!!!!!

We headed first to Hope Church on Patterson Avenue in Richmond.  I was excited to walk in and see a) a fiddle player and b) a banjo player on the front line of the musicians.  Balanced with two electric guitars, bass, drums and keys, it was a great lineup.

It was a simple service.  The vibe of the entire place was terrific – the “official” greeters were well-balanced, but the “regular folks” in the hallway were most impressive.  When we walked up to the coffee bar (some of the best coffee in Richmond, by the way!  Very impressive for church coffee!) and responded to the “Free Cup of Coffee for Our Guests!”, people responded to us with gentle introductions and smiling faces.   The building itself – the architecture, the decor, the colors – was really impressive and very, very comfortable.

Loved the music, the intimate feel of the room, the relational vibe of the teaching pastor, the media, the program.  We were led – quite comfortably – to the communion table, and it became a very holy moment for us.

Had a chance to chat with the pastor afterwards; walking out, I had a novel thought:  If I wasn’t at PCC, I’d go here.  It just felt that good.

We scooted back to PCC to catch the second service, and had another terrific experience.  I was very disengaged this week, so much of the service was fresh for me.  The band was great, the production values were excellent – lighting, media, sound.  The message was striking.  It occured to me that from my perspective this morning, I got it.  No wonder people keep coming back to this church.  Brian’s message – on a very difficult topic – was so undergirded with sensitivity and honesty and openness, without any churchy answers or platitudes.  The invitation that never came was implicit – you can trust us.  We get it.  We’ll walk with you.

I was proud of my friends, the people I serve with day in and day out.  But I was thrilled to get a glimpse of how my church is functioning in the kingdom.

And now, back to real life.

Sunday Setlist 4.5.09 Unity Service April 6, 2009

Last summer, a young man in our community was murdered.  Teen-aged sensibilities, cars, drugs, insults and guns; a devastating combination.

The boy who lost his life was black.  The kids who shot the guns were white.

During the trial a few weeks ago, tensions were high.  Folks were looking for justice, for answers.  Tension that has simmered below the surface of the friendly faces in the community began to erupt.  The subsequent jury verdict of involuntary manslaughter caused a great deal of grief for those who felt it unfair, unjust and biased against the African American community.  There were peaceful protests and marches and a lot of media coverage.  The hot story for the media was, of course, the racial tension simmering in Powhatan county.  

Not long after, some idiot planted KuKluxKlan literature throughout the county – surreptitiously, of course; stuck in mailboxes and yards, inviting folks to join their organization.

(Excuse me while I throw up in my mouth, just a little.)

Several pastors got together last week to talk about what the local church community could and should do.  The silence thus far had been deafening; and so, plans were made, and in four short days, we organized a community Unity Service.  And new relationships were formed.

Last night, after worshiping in our own churches on Sunday morning (still, the most segregated place in our community), we came together.  Since we currently worship at the high school, which was to be the host site (thanks to the generosity of the Powhatan School Board), PCC was very involved in most of the practical aspects of the gathering.

We threw out an “all-call” for anyone who wanted to sing in the community choir, and scheduled a 4:00 rehearsal.  We had no idea what to expect, but we’d put together a few song ideas and decided that we’d do what God’s artists do – we’d create something.

We ended up with about 75 folks in the community choir – with huge diversity.  Black, white, Baptist, Pentacostal, Mennonite – it was a jumbled mess of humanity.  And, oh, did we sing…..

I’ve never witnessed anything like this in my life.  We sang loudly and it was glorious, all those voices.  From the stage, we looked out over a crowd that represented every color, tons of churches – and many folks with no church affiliation, who just came in search of peace and unity.  We estimate that around 900 folks were in the room last night, and it was an incredible surge of energy and positive power, reflecting the incredible depth of strength God provides when we humble ourselves to one another, submit to Him and just get together with one simple purpose:  to say that we are His people.

We got news coverage, and it was positive.  The reports did not flash back or focus on the negative – they showed a community commited to grasping hands and declaring that things could and should and would be different.

At the end of the service, all the area pastors were called onto the stage.  Representing black and white churches, all of whom worship and minister in different styles, our leaders stood together to demonstrate something far beyond anything we could have manufactured.  I still have no words for what I witnessed.

But I’ll tell you that what I heard was more magical and beautiful than any music I’ve ever created.  The simple sound of voices singing together - minimal rehearsal, no assignment of parts, just instructions to sing – it was.  absolutely.  stunning.

I’m thinking that an eternity of worship doesn’t sound too bad.

On the practical side, here’s the way the service went:

You Are Good – Most contemporary chuches know this tune.  We rocked the house.  It was a GREAT declaration of the goodness of God, and an incredible way to launch the service.

At the Foot of the Cross (Greg Ferguson/Willow Creek) – This song has always been a challenge (for me) in it’s format.  There’s something about it that has never quite held together in a way that’s comfortable.  But the message in the lyric is brilliant and was a perfect fit for the night.  

Five pastors then spoke, each on a different topic:  Love, Forgiveness, Wisdom, Comfort and Unity.  They each had five minutes – and of course they each went over, just a bit.  Hello – they are pastors!  But it was worth it.  Each speaker was followed by another pastor representing a different church or race, whose role it was to pray.  Beautiful stuff.

We showed A Thousand Questions, a film from Willow Creek that is absolutely stellar in quality and content.  If you haven’t seen this, you should.  If you haven’t used it, you should.  (You can purchase the dvd from the WillowCreekAssociation.)

As the video ended, we asked folks in the room to gather round for prayer – to find somebody of another race, from another church, and pray together.  And the choir began to sing I Need You To Survive, directed by the amazing Aleisha from Little Zion Baptist Church.  We moved into a creative version of Jesus Never Fails, with a call and answer from the choir that was stunning and so powerful – and rich for me, because I was able to just stand in the choir and sing.

We closed with Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) and I swear, I felt the heavens break open and the angels sing with us.  

What a night.  There’s little more to say, but my heart is full and will never be the same.

Read one pastor’s perspective on the night here.

Catch some of the media coverage here.

And here’s A Thousand Questions.  Go buy this vid and show it to your church.

Sunday Setlist 3.22.09 March 23, 2009

I was glad to be back at PCC yesterday, though I was less than 100%.  Still struggling with some sort of cold/head/respiratory thing, and I couldn’t sing at all.  But we had some awesome vocalists on the stage and a killer set of music, so I enjoyed playing.

We’re in a series called MOVE, about the things that Jesus did on earth, taken from the book of John.  It’s been powerful to plan and it was awesome to experience yesterday.  

First of all, we had some cool set elements – our team brought in stacks of old tires (to emphasize the “move” idea) and Andy and Jackie Heberle created a cool sign with random colored arrows pointing every which-way.  It was cool.

We opened at ten minutes before service time with an instrumental version of “More Love, More Power”.  I love playing this tune because the chord stucture is so great for some improvisational soloing.  It was fun.

Our 10B4 video was actually six minutes, and it did it’s job communicating upcoming events and ativities that used to get crammed into the pre-offering prayer.  We started turning this flywheel a few months ago and are finding more and more people coming in ten minutes early to see the video.  That’s a good thing.

Sing To the King

Lift Him Up – This Martha Munizzi tune will forever be one of my favorites.  We do only one key change at the end, but it’s enough to get things rocking, along with a stand-up-and-shout a cappela chorus of “Jesus – we lift you up! Jesus!” that never fails to rock my world.

After a short welcome, we showed a home-grown video about money and stewardship.  We’re leaning into teaching some mini-lessons about this topic outside of the main sermon time, with a series of filmed messages called “My Two Cents”.  Each video is about 3 minutes long.  We’ll evaluate in a few weeks, but so far, so good – and Chad Milburn is doing a great job on the creative end.  You can check out week one’s vid here

You Are My King – seemed to be a Billy Foote kind of day….

The message was excellent, based on the story of the woman caught in the act of adultery.  I have heard a gazillion messages taught on this story, and often heard the implication that as Jesus doodled in the sand, he was listing the hidden acts of the men who gathered around, clutching rocks, muscles taut in anticipation of violent consequence for the sinner.  Brian stretched this out a bit further, noting the background of the Greek word originally used, and dug in deeply to this act of the Savior.

At one point, Brian sat down on the floor, like a story-teller, and talked about how it must have looked to have Jesus sit.  At one point, Brian swept his hand across the carpet on the stage to demonstrate the act of clearing the sand – erasing what was written – and talked aobut the implications of Christ’s love and grace, not only for this individual woman, but for the Pharisees surrounding her in that moment, and for all of us in this moment.

Beautiful, Beautiful – Brian found this song to close this service (it is SO awesome to work with a creative senior pastor!) and we began to vamp on the beginning chord progression as he talked more about grace.  When he finished, Sandy sang the song up through the bridge, and then Brian walked back out.

We had set five lined baskets out around the room, and filled each one with sand.  As the band continue to play quietly, Brian invited everybody to experience grace like we saw in the story from John – to come and write your own sin or issue or failing or heartbreak or brokenness in the sand, and then to wipe it away with your own hand – knowing that the grace of Jesus does just that in our lives.

It was powerful.  People lined up and waited for their turn.  It was a holy moment.  We sang the song again, and the chorus reverberated in the room:

Like sunlight burning at midnight

Making my life something so beautiful, beautiful

Mercy reaching to save me

All that I need

You are so beautiful, beautiful

It was a very good day.

This post is part of Fred McKinnon’s bloggy carnival.  Check it out here!

Also, “Beautiful, Beautiful” is by Francesca Batistelli.  Good stuff….

ALSO – Biz Tarr did the graphic work for this series.  She is AMAZING!