September 27, 2009

It was fantastic to lead again in Raleigh, after six weeks working other areas on Sundays. We had several volunteers filling out the band, and they did an amazing job. A beautiful sunday at Vintage21 Church!

Thank You
Words and Music by Thad Cockrell and Matt Stevens

Although we usually begin with a song of declaration, this week’s service kicked off with a song of thanks. Part of this goes back to what I preached on – that our worship of God should not begin with the music. If we are worshiping God before we walk through the doors on Sunday, it’s completely natural that we would thank God right away, instead of having to sing about who He is, then thank Him.

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

As mentioned in last Friday’s post “How We Plan For Sunday”, my hope was that this song would remind us of our dependence on God, and His provision for us.

Sermon: The Gospel Is Theological (John 3:16-21)
Pastor Tyler Jones preached on God’s initiation in the Christian gospel vs. man’s belief that we can make ourselves right with God (religion). Listen here.

Only Your Blood Is Enough
Words and Music Neil Robins, adapted from “Psalm 51 Part II”

“Rehearsing alone or with a team, don’t practice until you get it right. Practice until you can’t get it wrong.” – Bob Kauflin, posted on twitter. Little did I know how prophetic it would be. At the 11:30 service, our third of the morning, I stepped up to start this riff, and completely blanked. All I knew was it’s in G, but the picking pattern had left my brain. The rest of the song was a struggle to worship, lead others, and try and remember this riff! Kauflin’s words even popped in there, and it was a good example of the importance of rehearsal.

Thy Mercy, My God
Words by John Stocker
Music by Sandra McCracken
Arrangement by Vintage21 Church

This was a new arrangement, and my goal was for it to feel like a reprise in between two powerful, loud songs. Jenn Hyatt, joining us for the first time yesterday, did a beautiful job leading, and Steven Suits’ guitar riff was the key behind it all. I was thankful to make noise and finally get to use my Fuzz Factory pedal other than in my outside band.

All Creatures Of Our God and King
Words by Francis of Assisi.
Arrangement by David Crowder, with additions by Vintage21 Church

Always a powerful closer. JM Huret and John Bass did an amazing job keeping the groove and tempo, and it allowed us to sing out. My only regret with how loud this song gets is, we can’t hear just how loud people sing out. An observation, that’s all. I love ending with this one, and after we stopped, Jenn took us through the last verse of “Thy Mercy, My God” to close.

Band
Sound: The Three Amigos – David Hyatt, Matt Stark, Jobin Bain
Bass: Dr. John Bizznass
Drums: J.M. “Watch Out For That Kick Pedal” Huret
Backing Vocals: Jenn “Freshman Sensation” Hyatt
Acoustic Guitar: Casey “Representin’ State” Haigh
Keys: Heather “Ms. Reno” Pond
Lead Guitar: Steven “Can We Sing Happy Birthday To My Wife” Suits
Guitar, Vocals: Matt “What’s That Riff Again?” Stevens

Today’s Sunday Review is posted in collaboration with other church music ministries at Fred McKinnon’s Sunday Setlists.