June 15, 2008

Each Monday we’ll post an overview of the previous Sunday’s service. The reason for this is to encourage the congregation as we see how God specifically speaks through both the scripture studied and songs sung. In addition, I enjoy checking out the songs and liturgy of churches and hope this can be a resource for others.

Yesterday began with a Father’s Day prayer by our newest staff member, Will Plitt. He is currently serving as Large Community Director as he completes the Elder Training process at Vintage21 Church, at which point he’ll serve as a pastor. Will shared this verse from Ephesians-

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
Ephesians 6:4

Will encouraged fathers to be not simply involved in their children’s life, but committed. This was both convicting and encouraging, much preferable to the “thanks, dads!” often heard at Father’s Day services.

Wood and String
Words and Music by Taylor Roberts

This is one of my favorite songs to begin the service with, addressing the gathering of God’s people to worship Him through song. Based on Psalm 149, Taylor wrote this for our 2006 Psalm Series. There are several ways to begin a service- proclamation, confession, call to worship. Wood and String is both a proclamation and a call to worship, as it reminds us that we are gathered as Christ’s church to respond, and not there as individuals to consume.

“We are gathered in the grace of the one King
In the shadow of a love so amazing”

Sermon
Pastor Tyler Jones

Continuing our Prophet, Priest, and King series, Pastor Tyler preached from John 1:9-18. In this sermon, Pastor Tyler tells the over-arching story that is present in the Missio Dei, or “sending of God”. Personally, I love this sermon, that traces the mission of God throughout the whole of scripture. A daunting thought that we are loved by an infinite God.

Your Love
Words and Music by Matt Stevens

This song is based on 1 John 4:7-21, with the bridge coming from Psalm 139:7-12. I can’t get enough of 1 John 4, and because the scripture is obviously much more beautiful than my lyrics based on it, I’ll share that-

“In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins”
1 John 4:10

“Your Love” poses several rhetorical questions in light of this verse: “What kind of love is this, that gives me chance after chance?” and “How can it be that you would call us children?”

Before The Throne of God Above
Words by Charitie Bancroft, 1863
Music by Vikki Cook

If you have not yet heard the album Before The Throne by Sojourn Church in Louisville, Kentucky, I highly recommend it. This church has beautiful music, and a strong grasp of worship. I first heard this song from the album, and their version is beautiful. The sizzle cymbal is the icing in their version, and the vocals could not be better. The congregation of Vintage21 has really grabbed onto this one!

Willingly
Words and Music by Matt Stevens

This song was written several weeks ago, and were still learning it as a congregation. I’ll write more in a “Behind The Music” segment in upcoming weeks, but this song deals with the complete work of Jesus Christ on the cross, and our response of praise.

“All the glory goes to you, Lord Jesus
You laid your life down willingly”

My Hope Is Built
Words by Edward Mote
Music by Matt Stevens

The words to this hymn are essential to our faith. There’s no improving on Mote’s proclamation-

“On Christ the Solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand.”

We’ve sung this song for several years at Vintage21, but the traditional melody, like many hymns, can come across as downtrodden. While I don’t hold that every hymn should be made fast and celebratory, I do think the music should reflect the lyrics. This is a song proclaiming the assurance we have in Jesus Christ, which to me is a cause for celebration. We sped it up, and ended the service proclaiming the Missio Dei of God.