September 14, 2008

Willingly
Words and Music by Matt Stevens

This week we tried something different - one song at the beginning. This goes back to issues regarding the first song and in general the first set. In order to focus our hearts on God, I read from 1 John 4:9-10, and spoke several sentences about why we are gathered, and what worship is.
In addition, we’ve launched a campaign called “Stick 6″, where newcomers are encouraged to attend for six weeks in a row. This will enable people to really get to know the church, the people, the style, etc. In light of this campaign, we sang the verse, pre-chorus and chorus of this Vintage21 original, and went back to the top. More and more, I’m convinced that it takes a long time for the congregation as a whole to grasp onto a new song, so we’ll be repeating original tunes more often in the coming weeks.

Sermon: Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
What happens when I obtain the goal of my pursuit?  In Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, Solomon uses his own life as a case study and pursues laughter, pleasure, accomplishments, and even extreme wealth. Through the pursuit of all these things he was able to hold on to his wisdom and not give in to hedonism, and finds the results meaningless. In this sermon, Pastor Tyler teaches from the first eleven verses of Ecclesiastes chapter two and discusses the end of our pursuits.

God Of My Life, To Thee I Call
Words by William Cowper, 1779
Music: Clint Wells, Brian T. Murphy and Benk Pocta

The message of Ecclesiastes 2 was convicting to everyone in attendance, regardless of whether or not you are a follower of Jesus Christ, due to the fact that any self-examination results in a picture of brokenness. It is only when we see ourselves as God sees us that we’re able to live beyond our sinful nature. This is because Christ redeemed us, and the Holy Spirit dwells in us, making us new. The hymn we sang is reminder that none who rely on Christ will be turned away.

“Friend of the friendless and the faint,
Where should I lodge my deep complaint?
Where but with Thee, whose open door
Invites the helpless and the poor!”

Before The Throne Of God Above
Words by Charitie Bancroft, 1863
Music by Vikki Cook
Arrangement by Sojourn Church, Louisville KY.

On a recent forum, we were asked the five songs our congregation was most receptive towards. This was one of ours- both the lyrics of Charitie Bancroft and the arrangement by the talented folks at Sojourn Church have really struck a chord at Vintage21 Church. Seriously, if you are reading this and have not picked up a copy of “Before The Throne” by Sojourn Church, do it. Now.

Heartsong
Words and Music by Holly Dwan and Matt Stevens

Holly did a great job with this tune- the lyrics and the hallelujah chorus allow worshipers to pour out attributes of God and respond with a word of praise. This one seemed to be a bit rusty for the band and congregation, but in a few weeks we’ll do it again and I predict will be loud and proud.

Here Is Love
Words by William Reese
Music by Robert Lowry
Arrangement by Ex Nihilo

Man, I love this arrangement. Worshiping at Mars Hill Church a few months back to this song was amazing- the sound quality and volume, especially with the swell of keys and guitar feedback, created quite a foundation for the voices. We have just started experimenting with midi key sounds, and it really helps with this song. For the instrumental part at the end, we put up 1 John 4:9-10, the verse read at the beginning of the service. After the climactic ending, the sound dropped and we ended by singing part of “Before the Throne”:

“Because the sinless Savior died, my sinful soul is counted free
For God the just is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me,
to look on Him and pardon me.”

Here is love, indeed.

Today’s Sunday Review is posted in collaboration with other church music ministries at FredMckinnon.com