Archive for July, 2009

Psalm 84 and “Better is One Day”

July 29, 2009 at 8:00 am · Filed under Book III: 73-89, Matt Redman, Psalm of the Day ·Tagged , ,

The Psalm of the Day for 8/9 is Psalm 84.  Since this is a blended worship service for us, we will be combining a responsive reading of this Psalm with a contemporary song based on the Psalm.  Here is our script:

 

Psalm 84 & “Better is One Day” (Song #23 in the “Best of the Best Songbook”)

 

Pastor:  How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!

All:      My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

 

Pastor: Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.

All:      Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.

 

> Soloists sing Verse 1 and Chorus

 

Pastor:  Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;

All:      I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

 

Pastor:  For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor;

All:       no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

 

> Congregation sings Verse 2 and Chorus

 

Pastor: Look upon our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one.

 All: O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.

 

> Soloists sing the “Bridge”

> Congregation sings the Chorus

 

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.  Used by permission of International Bible Society

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Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth. – Psalm 100:1

July 28, 2009 at 4:19 pm · Filed under Old Testament ·Tagged ,

 

The term “joyful noise” has been dropped from the NIV translation but occurred several times in the Psalms in the KJV.  This reading brings the “joyful noise” phrase back and combines it with some of the modern NIV language.  Try using this reading on those special days when you have a larger band than normal accompanying your worship music.

 

Pastor:  Make a joyful noise unto God, all the earth!  – Psalm 66:1

 

Congregation:            Sing aloud unto God our strength; make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. – Psalm 81:1

 

Pastor:  Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth; make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. – Psalm 98:4

 

Congregation:            O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. – Psalm 95:1

 

Pastor:  With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King. – Psalm 98:6

 

Congregation:            Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. – Psalm 95:2

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What’s in Your Gig Bag?

July 25, 2009 at 8:00 am · Filed under Other Gear, Praise Band ·Tagged

Gig Bag 2Musicians, particularly those who play an electronic instrument, need to carry along a lot of gear.  I thought that it might be helpful for those of you considering a ministry in music to see what I take along most Sundays.   Not shown are items that I always keep at the church including: amplifiers, mic stands, music stands, and some hand percussion instruments (tambourine, shaker, etc.).

Here is a listing of what’s in the picture:

 First, the big stuff:

I own three guitars (6 string, 12 string, electric) and I use them all but my bread & butter is the 6 string acoustic.

1. Guild D15-M 6 string

2. Epiphone FT-165 12 string

3. Michael Kelly Custom Valor Electric

 Each guitar has its own shoulder strap and its own patch cord.

 Other important stuff:

  1. A variety of picks (various gauges or thicknesses).  Use thin picks for light and soft strumming and thick picks to make individual notes stand out.
  2. I have one special pick called a “jelly fish”.  I don’t use it often but some guitarists really like them for soft strumming.
  3. A complete spare set of strings for each guitar.  Strings do break; be prepared.
  4. Capos.  I carry along 3.  One is unique – called a cut capo and only transposes certain strings (it basically is like open tuning the guitar).  The metal capo (not shown) is strong and I use it when I am capoing up high on the neck because you can clamp in the upper half of the neck without any buzzing or unwanted fret noises.  The “clothes pin” style capos are great for capoing “on the fly”.
  5. Plenty of patch cords and spare mic cables.
  6. I have two microphones (one shown); one for vocals and one for instruments.  I like the Shure SM58 for vocals and I do not use a wireless mic system (although our Pastor does).
  7. I have a multi-effect pedal that I use with the electric guitar.  The unit shown is a DigiTech model RP200.  It has hundreds of effects, a built-in drum machine and a chromatic tuner.
  8. Spare batteries for your remotes, effect pedals, tuners, etc.
  9. A metronome.  I use these mostly to practice.
  10.  An MP3 player (used mostly at practices) and a device that allows two or three people to patch in with their headsets.  I also carry a cable that allows me to play the MP3 player through my guitar amplifier.  My MP3 device is a 30GB Zune and my amplifier is a Fender Acoustasonic SFX II.
  11. Songbooks.
  12. A digital tuner (I use an Intellitouch Tuner).
  13. A clip on book light for those evening services where the Pastor & Ushers decide that it would be great to dim the lights.

Did I foget anything?

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Orders of Service for “Blended Worship”

July 23, 2009 at 9:14 pm · Filed under Matt Redman, Orders of Service ·Tagged , ,

One of the most powerful and inspiring examples of congregational worship in the Bible is contained in 2 Chronicles, chapters 5 to 7.

 

In these chapter we read that the work for the temple had all been done, and in an amazing procession, they brought the ark of the Lord into the temple.  It was an occasion that those present would never have forgotten for the rest of their lives.  There were 120 priests sounding trumpets, cymbal, singers, and other instruments.  It must have been the best band they’d ever heard!  The trumpeters and singers joined in unison and sang, “He is good; his love endures forever.” (5:13)

 

It would have been an amazing sound.  And yet, that wasn’t the thing that impressed itself upon their hearts the most that day.  The life-changing event that day happened next: “… the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God.” (5:14)

 

The priests were totally overwhelmed by the cloud of God’s presence, so much so that they couldn’t continue to perform their services.  Solomon went on to pray a powerful prayer of dedication.  But that’s not the end of this awesome encounter. Fire comes down from heaven and consumes the burnt offering and sacrifices.  The glory of the Lord fills the temple again (7:1), yet this time seemingly even more powerful, because not only can the priests not carry on ministering, they can’t even enter the temple of the Lord (7:2).  The people worshiped again, sang the song again, made more sacrifices, and the trumpets started up once more. 

There’s a great contemporary song that captures this encounter called “Lord, let your Glory Fall” by Matt Redman.  It’s recalling that ancient day where God met his people so powerfully, and asking that we might see something of that here and now, as God’s people in church.  That we might know what it really is to bring meaningful sacrifices before Him, and that we might also know what it really means to be enveloped in the cloud of God’s presence.  These chapters show congregational worship as an exciting, powerful encounter.  It’s a 2-way event.  Notice the cycle that seems to happen – God’s people respond to who He is, and then the cloud of His presence comes down.  They can’t help but respond again, and He seems to inhabit their praises even more powerfully.  Again, this makes them want to worship Him even more, and they throw their hearts into yet more songs, music and sacrifices.  This is the wonderful, gracious pattern of worship that God invites us to enter into as His people.

 

Source: http://www.worshiptogether.com/resources/bibleStudy.aspx?iid=215760

 

Lord Let Your Glory Fall

 Chorus:

You are good, You are good; And Your love endures.

You are good, You are good; And Your love endures today.

 Verse 1:

Lord let Your glory fall, As on that ancient day.

Songs of enduring love, And then Your glory came.

And as a sign to You, That we would love the same.

Our hearts will sing that song, God let Your glory come.

 Verse 2:

Voices in unison, Giving You thanks and praise.

Joined by the instruments, And then Your glory came.

Your presence like a cloud, Upon that ancient day.

The priests were overwhelmed, Because Your glory came.

 Verse 3:

A sacrifice was made, And then Your fire came.

They knelt upon the ground, And with one voice they praised.

 BRIDGE:

Your anger lasts a moment, But Your favor lasts a lifetime.

 CCLI Song No. 2526728, © 1998 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), Matt Redman

 As in the days of King David, Solomon and Nehemiah, the order of worship is of utmost importance.  Our traditional worship services are carefully laid out in our hymnals, but this raises the question, “what order of service should we consider when using a blended format with contemporary music and contemporary instrumentation?”

 Here is the typical Order of Service for the blended services that we hold on a monthly basis at Messiah in South Windsor, CT:

 Pre-Service Music

Pastoral Greeting

Opening Congregational Song of Praise

Call to Worship

Spoken Confession of Sins and Assurance of Forgiveness

Silence for personal reflection

Congregational Song of Praise

Prayer of the Day

OT Lesson

Psalm of the Day (usually read responsively and sometimes includes contemporary music)

Epistle Lesson

Verse of the Day

Gospel Lesson

Children’s Message (based on one of the readings)

Hymn of the Day

Sermon

Offering (accompanied with music)

Prayer

Lord’s Prayer

Blessing

Closing Song of Praise

(The service time is approximately 60 minutes in length)

 -+-

 Isaiah 6 reflects another biblical framework for corporate worship.   God initiates and we respond throughout the model.

God reveals himself:

 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.  (Is 6:1)

 Worship & Praise responds by the Seraphim:

 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.  And they were calling to one another:  ”Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”  (Is 6:2-3)

 We confess:

“Woe to me!” I cried.  “I am ruined!  For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.”   (Is 6:5)

 God expiates:

 Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.   With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”   (Is 6:6-7)

 God Proclaims:

 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” (Is 6:8a)

 We Respond:

 And I said, “Here am I.   Send me!” (Is 6:8b)

 God commissions:

“Go and tell this people”  (Is 6:9)

 Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.  Used by permission of International Bible Society

 -+-

 Here is another blended order of service obtained from: http://blendedworshipresource.wordpress.com that is used at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in DePere, WI:

 Gathering for Praise:

Opening Praise Songs (2)

Greeting

Gathering for Forgiveness:

Forgive Us, Renew Us, Lead Us

Response song

Gathering around the Word:

Scripture readings

Mission Statement

Praise song/hymn

Sermon/message

Creed

Gathering for Thanksgiving:

Offering

Prayers

Praise Song

Q & A period or The Supper

Gathering for Dismissal:

Announcements

Benediction

Closing Praise Song

(approximately 75 minutes based on the gatherings used in worship in the early church 150-300 AD)

 -+-

 And here is a third order of service, used at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, also found at:

 http://blendedworshipresource.wordpress.com/2009/06/05/blended-worship-liturgy/

 1. Service information

a) Theme

b) Welcome and visitor information

c) Today’s worship paragraph

 2. Come, Let Us Worship the Lord

a) Greetings/silent prayer

b) Opening song of praise

c) Invocation

d) Responsive reading

 3. We Confess our Sins and Rejoice in God’s Forgiveness

a) Confession options

b) Response song

c) Prayer of the Day options

 4. God Speaks to Us Through His Word

a) Three readings, including introductory line

b) Statement of Faith

c) Song of the Day options

d) Today’s meditation

 5. We Offer to God our Thanks and Praise

a) Sermon response (if no communion)

b) Offering and friendship register paragraph

c) Lord’s Prayer

 6. God Comes to us Through His Holy Supper

a) Responsive intro and song response

b) Words of institution and response

c) Distribution song

d) Thanksgiving

e) Prayer

 7. God Sends Us With His Blessing

a) Responsive theme closing

b) Benediction

c) Closing song

(from “Blended Worship: Where Do We Start?” by Pastor Rob Raasch.)

 -+-

 And finally, here are two orders of service recently used at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Middleton / Waunakee , WI

 Example 1 (with Communion)

 Gathering

Pre-service music (piano)

Pastoral greeting

Congregational song of praise

Pastoral prayer of confession

Silence for personal prayers of repentance

Spoken assurance of forgiveness

Congregational song of response/praise (additional stanzas/refrains of opening song)

Time for worshipers to greet each other

 Word

Old Testament reading

Gospel reading

New Testament reading

Children’s devotion (based on sermon text/theme)

Sermon

Nicene Creed

 Sacrament

Spoken sursum corda (“The Lord be with you…”)

Sanctus song of praise (“Holy, holy holy…”)

Words of Institution

Words of Invitation

Agnus Dei song (“Lamb of God, you take away…”)

Distribution of the Lord’s Supper

Two congregational songs during distribution

 Thanksgiving

Offering

Prayers of God’s people

The Lord’s Prayer

 Sending

The Lord’s Blessing

Congregational sending song

Announcements

Time for greeting each other

-+-

Example 2 (includes the WELS Connection Video)

 Gathering

Pre-service music (woodwind ensemble, piano)

Pastoral greeting

Opening congregational medley of praise

Pastor prayer of confession

Congregational song of confession

Silence for personal prayers of repentance

Spoken assurance of forgiveness

Congregational medley of response/praise

 Word

Gospel reading

Children’s devotion (based on Gospel reading)

Congregational “sermon hymn”

Sermon

 Thanksgiving

Offering (with WELS Connection video)

Prayers of God’s people

The Lord’s Prayer

 Sending

The Lord’s Blessing

Congregational sending song

Announcements

Time to greet each other

 I would like to thank Kristen Koepsell of St. Andrew’s, John Kehl and Pastor Robert Raasch of Mt. Olive, and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church for providing their orders of blended worship.

 It’s very interesting to me that these are all similar and keep many of the elements that are contained in our “traditional” service even though they use contemporary music.

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Singing Hints

July 21, 2009 at 10:27 pm · Filed under Sing ·Tagged

I’ve been singing in church, in bands, and in choirs for as long as I can remember.  My thoughts on singing are probably just common sense to most of you, but maybe there are a few people out there that this will really help, at least that’s my hope.

 

Here’s some of what I’ve learned through the years:

 

  1. Drop the vibrato, unless you’re singing solo.  Vibrato does not mix in a group setting because everyone’s vibrato has differing pitches and frequencies and it can sound awful if more than one person is using it.
  2. If you have the opportunity, read through the lyrics before you have to sing them.
  3. Enunciation is important; especially in worship music and especially if you sing in a band, in a choir, or are a soloist.  People need to hear the words that you are singing.
  4. Hold the vowels, not the consonants.  Especially avoid holding on any word with a “hiss” sound such as is usually the case with “S”, “Z”, and “Sh”.
  5. Soften your “R”’s.  This is a harsh sounding consonant.  Pay attention to words like “worship” as you sing them.  You need to downplay those “R”s unless they are the first letter of the word.
  6. Also soften your “M” and “N” sounds as these tend to be nasally.
  7. Also soften your “P”’s otherwise they’ll pop, especially if you sing into a microphone.  To a lesser degree, this also happens to “B”. 
  8. To increase your vocal range to reach higher notes, lower your jaw, let it hinge from way back by your ears, like a grand piano.  Also, for certain vowels, you can elongate your lips versus making a round shape.  Think “long and tall” with your lips to reach the high notes.  Also, consciously push your tongue forward in your mouth; don’t let it choke off the back of your throat in a relaxed position.
  9. If you are singing with a group, such as band, discuss those words before hand that have dual pronunciations such as “a”, “amen”, “the”, etc. and agree on the particulars before singing.
  10. Don’t try to imitate someone else.  God made you unique and uniqueness counts when it comes to singing.  People like Tom Petty and Bob Dylan would have never made it on American Idol, but they made it because of their uniqueness.  Your tone, your character and your pitch are more important than your range or any stylizations you can muster.
  11. As a guitarist and singer, I find that I can “feel” the pitch of my voice in my head, throat and chest as I also strum guitar chords.  This is hard to describe but if you play an instrument such as the guitar then you know what I mean. 
  12. Take deep “belly” breathes and be smart in how you use this breath.  Think of yourself as the bagpipes as you sing.
  13. If you are a band or choir singer; confidence is very important, as is being relaxed when you sing.  I don’t know if this helps or hurts (it helps me); remember that you are singing to God, He is your audience, not necessarily the people in the pews.  Remember that you are there to glorify God and that you are using the gifts that he has given to you for said purpose.

 

I would like to acknowledge my musical counterpart who plays the keyboards with me and has taught me much of what I know when it comes to singing.  Thanks Ruth!

 

“The LORD will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”  – Zep 3:17

 

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.  Used by permission of International Bible Society

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the Fear of the LORD

July 16, 2009 at 4:14 pm · Filed under Composite ·Tagged ,

Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. – Psalm 34:11

 

Pastor:         What is the fear of the LORD?

 

Men:            The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor. – Proverbs 15:33

 

Women:      Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life. – Proverbs 22:4

 

Pastor:         He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure. – Isaiah 33:6

 

Teens & Children:         The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.  To him belongs eternal praise.  – Psalm 111:10

 

Men:            The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. – Proverbs 14:27

 

Pastor:         You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD. – 2 Chronicles 19:9

 

Men:            Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil. – Proverbs 16:6

 

Pastor:         Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. – Proverbs 23:17

 

Seniors (60 + years):     The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. – Proverbs 10:27

 

Pastor:         Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord. – Acts 9:31

 

Teens & Children:         The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.  – Proverbs 9:10

 

Pastor:         Now let the fear of the LORD be upon you.  Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”  – 2 Chronicles 19:7

 

All:                The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. – Psalm 19:9

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.  Used by permission of International Bible Society

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Calling All Musicians, especially organists!

July 10, 2009 at 4:06 pm · Filed under Worship Music ·Tagged

The Old Testament praise & worship bands consisted of:

 

  1. Singers
  2. Tambourines
  3. Cymbals
  4. Trumpets
  5. Ram’s Horn and other types of horns
  6. Flutes
  7. Drums
  8. Stringed Instruments:
    1. Harps
    2. Lyres
    3. Lutes
    4. Psaltry

 

With the exception of the harp in the book of Revelation, instruments are not mentioned in the New Testament.  Rather, singing is emphasized, as is teaching, and admonishing each other through our music.  This is best done with hymns, which in turn, are best accompanied by the organ.  Some hymns can also be done well with a praise band ensemble but not all.  The sad truth is that many churches are starving for musicians; especially up and coming young organists. 

If you are a musician, consider helping your church now!  Respond to God’s extravagant love for you.  Volunteer to serve on your worship committee and play your instrument to God’s glory.  He, after all, gave you the gift and he will bless your efforts.  And if you already serve as a musician, consider giving lessons to encourage the youth in your congregation, and keep in mind that you are a role model to the youth.  Lastly, when new people join your church, don’t forget to ask them if they play an instrument!

Some scripture to consider:

 

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. – 1 Peter 4:10

 

So it is with you.  Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.  – 1 Corinthians 14:12

 

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Eph 2:10

 

From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and build’s itself up in love, as each part does its work.  – Eph 4:16

 

The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it. – 1 Thess 5:24

 

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – Philippians 1:6

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Sing praise …

July 7, 2009 at 10:30 pm · Filed under Old Testament ·Tagged , , ,

Emphasize the phrase “sing praise” in this responsive reading:

 

Pastor:            Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. – 1 Chronicles 16:8-10

All:  O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. – Psalm 59:17

 

 

Pastor:            All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name.”  - Psalm 66:4

All:  I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. – Psalm 7:17

 

Pastor: Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds — his name is the LORD— and rejoice before him. – Psalm 68:4

All:  I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. – Psalm 9:2

 

 

Pastor: Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord,  – Psalm 68:32

All:  Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after day. – Psalm 1:8

 

Pastor: Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant. – Psalm 135:3

All: My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I, whom you have redeemed. – Psalm 71:23

 

Pastor:  As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob. – Psalm 75:9

All:  I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. – Psalm 104:33

 

 

Pastor:  I will sing of your love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will sing praise. – Psalm 101:1

All:  I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. – Psalm 146:2

 

Consider following this responsive reading with a praise song  that includes the phrase “sing praise”.  “Forever” by Chris Tomlin, based on Psalm 136 is a good one.

 

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.  Used by permission of International Bible Society

 

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We All are One in Mission

July 2, 2009 at 10:43 pm · Filed under Hymns ·Tagged ,

I just love this hymn.  It makes being a guitarist in an organ-based, traditional church, make perfect sense to me!

We all are one in mission

We all are one in call,

our varied gifts united

By Christ, the Lord of all. 

A single great commission

Compels us from above,

To plan the work together

That all may know Christ’s love.

I am thankful to our Lord for inspiring Rusty to write these lyrics.

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