Do you ever get the sense that something big is upon you? Almost like when you’re in the ocean, and as the water gets sucked back towards a huge wave, causing a sensation of stillness. Even though the water is moving rapidly, it’s all flowing in the same direction towards the wave, and it seems calm for a moment. This sensation is happening both on a churchwide level, specifically with hosting Advance 09 and the accompanying worship event Re:sound. It’s also taking place on a week-to-week level. This week I had the sense that God was going to move in beautiful ways through the service this Sunday, and it caused me to pray, plan and anticipate. I’ve looked forward to this Sunday.
Wholly Yours
Words and Music by David Crowder
At one time this was a standard in the @V21Church catalog. We’ve since moved on, but I had the feeling we should bring it back to kick off the service. Usually when this feeling comes, it ends up tying into the sermon or scripture in ways I would not have been able to foresee. That is to say, the Spirit leads.
God Of This City
Words and Music by Richard Bleakley, Boyd Aaron, Peter Comfort, Ian Jordan, Peter Kernaghan, and Andrew McCann
Several V21 churchgoers and staff have suggested this song, but I never quite felt it. With our current series, “Advancing The Local Church”, it seemed an appropriate addition. It was clear a decent number of people knew this song, either from other churches or their own musical taste. I’m definitely out of the loop when it comes to the latest and coolest worship songs, which is fine by me. That way we can add songs when we feel God leading, without the temptation to keep up with the Redmans.
Sermon
The wrath of God is merciful. If this strikes you as contradictory, make sure to listen to the podcast.
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 rocks. We’ve employed a Coldplay feel (4 on the floor, 8th notes on the ride) and added a few lyrics and parts, and it’s become both a humble song of confession and a powerful praise.
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us
@PastorTyler Jones employed the lyrics to this modern hymn in the sermon, and requested we sing it. Such a request is a rare occurrence, and I’m more than happy to oblige. In order to tune after dropping the capo from “By Thy Mercy”, I had Scott start the song with the keys. It was so beautiful I just started singing, and stayed out of the song for the first stanza. That will most likely become the standard – it was powerful hearing all the voices.
God Of This City
Words and Music by Richard Bleakley, Boyd Aaron, Peter Comfort, Ian Jordan, Peter Kernaghan, and Andrew McCann
We play new songs twice. Second time people really started getting into it. I encouraged them to sing the song with hope and anticipation, as well as praying for our city and their friends.
Thank You
Words and Music by @ThadCockrell and @MattStevensNC
Ending today on a song of thanks.
“Your love is wonderful, unshakable, unmovable, something I can place my hope in.”
Amen. Thank you, Jesus.
Band
Sound: Jeff “New Home” Tyndall
Bass: Jerry “Uke” Updyke
Drums: Joshua “No Country” Snyder
Backing Vocals: Tiffany “Lives Out Grey’s Anatomy” Ashford
Keys: Scott “Keytar” Andrews
Lead Guitar: Steven “Watch the last LOST, please” Suits
Guitar, Vocals: Matt “No sleep” Stevens
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
How Deep the Father’s Love for Us. Great song.
Love “Wholly Yours” and “How Deep The Father’s Love”. We recently introduced “How Deep” and it has gone over great with us. Been looking for a place to do “Wholly Yours” and after seeing that you guys did it, I’ll have to work a little harder I guess.
I love those off-the-cuff moments when you come across a new intro, ending or arrangement…
I like the idea of doing a new song twice in the same service. Really gives people a chance to catch on.
How deep the Father’s Love for Us…this has always been one of my favorites!
http://www.loribiddle.com
We did God of this City this week, too. And I used the song story as part of the drive behind the setlist. It’s powerful stuff.
I love How Deep. I’m still looking for more new ways to use this with the congregation. Single voice with keys sounds beautiful.
Nice,
We added the good old “Coldplay feel” to Blessed Be.. a few weeks back
It can really make a song kick….
Very curious to hear your new parts to “By Thy Mercy.” I love High Street Hymns’ version. Any chance of playing it during Advance?
Actually, we’ve already worked out the setlist and that one didn’t make it on. But I’m trying to get a good recording of it to post. Their version is great, and ours is basically a faster, electric version with a few additions. Alex Mejias does some amazing work, and their new album is fantastic!