Today “my” band was leading at the downtown Raleigh campus.
Due to spring break at the local universities, we canceled the 8:30 service. This usually happens when I’m not leading, so at first I was excited at the chance for an extra hour of sleep on an early morning – until someone mentioned Daylight Savings Time. Thanks for nothing, Ben Franklin. I’m happy to report that DST didn’t seem to catch anyone in the production department off guard.
Joshua Snyder was filling in on drums today, and it was great having him there. I love his drumming, and one thing I miss as a result of the new band model is playing and hanging out with great musicians like Joshua.
Willingly
Words and Music by @MattStevensNC
While last month I reported that the congregation is getting to know this song, today felt a bit different. Overall, the congregation seemed to contain a lot of new people. With over 1,000 people who regularly attend Vintage21 Church don’t ask me how I know that, but after six years of leading, there’s a crowd dynamic I’m aware of. You’d be surprised how accurate it is, as well as how often the congregation vibes off one another. Which makes me wonder: who is leading this “crowd vibe”? Is it the followers of Christ, members of @V21Church, or the visitors? The service should be a gathering of changed followers who have abandoned their hearts to Jesus, and are there to respond and serve. In reality, the visitors or the casual attendees too often set the tone.
Sermons: Philippians 1:19b-30
God Of My Life, To Thee I Call
Words by William Cowper, 1779
Music by Clint Wells, Brian T. Murphy and Ben Pocta
This song resonates through the congregation of @V21Church, but it hasn’t been picked up by a band yet since the launch of our new bands. I added it to the mix today in light of Pastor Will’s sermon, which dealt with a life of serving Christ and the contrary realities of death to those who are Christian and those who are not. In light of the verses below, it seemed we should sing about God’s sovereignty and care for us.
“but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me.” – Philippians 1:20-21
And Can It Be That I Should Gain
Words by Charles Wesley
Music by Thomas Campbell
Arrangement by @V21Church
This new version, introduced in February and built on a riff by Steven Suits, is coming along, thanks mainly to Scott Andrew’s use of tones and pads from his computer. Also, a perfect song in light of today’s sermon.
By Thy Mercy (Jesus, Lord of Life and Glory)
Words by James Cummins, 1839
Music by Greg Thompson, 2004
Additional Music and Lyrics by @MattStevensNC, 2008
This song is rockin’, and by the time we build up and bring it back down for the ending refrain of “Good Lord, you’re good, Lord”, people are singing out. The band did a great job, and I love hearing Jerry’s bass on it – so fast, doesn’t miss a beat.
Band
Jeff Tyndall – sound
Ben Walters – sound
Steven Suits – lead guitar
Jerry Updyke – bass
Linda Plitt – backing vocals
Joshua Snyder – drums
@MattStevensNC – vocals, rhythm guitar
Today’s Sunday Review is posted in collaboration with other church music ministries at Sunday Setlists.
Matt Stevens is the Worship Pastor for Vintage21 Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Contact him via Twitter: @MattStevensNC
I hear you on the crowd reading.. as a fellow worship leader, you can just tell the dynamics are different.
AND CAN IT BE–we did it last week and it was so unfamiliar to our crowd–although it’s been in our hymnals for 20 years. Is there somewhere I can hear your arrangement.
Thanks for posting… looking forward to hearing more of what Vintage church is doing.
Jim,
Thanks for posting! I’ll try to get a recording up soon – we’ve wrestled with a recording setup for several years now, and it finally won. Meaning, it’s broken, so we’re currently without capability to record the bands. Which is a bummer, because some talented folks are coming up with some beautiful arrangements and songs!
When we get something going, I’ll let you know. And I’ve added your site to my RSS reader. Great to hear from you!
Matt