Preview of Next Encounter - Names of Jesus

I always look forward to our times of corporate worship - but I especially look forward to our Encounter services. The opportunity to spend extended time in God's presence singing, reflecting and responding - and to do so with folks who've made a point of being there - is sweet indeed.

The theme for the October Encounter is "The Names of Jesus." As I was looking at possible songs for the evening, I came across a Delirious song called "How Sweet the Name" from their Kingdom of Comfort album. I loved the melody and piano instrumentation - and I immediately identified with the song's personal lyric. We'll be doing the song during a more intimate of worship.

Enjoy the preview...

What would I have become
If you’d never stopped to pull me through
What would this life had done
If you’d never whispered liberty
I heard you sing so sweetly a song of love

Jesus how sweet the name
The name that saves
Jesus how sweet the sound
The sound of grace
The sound of praise
The sound that saves

So many songs I’ve sung
But there’s none more beautiful than you
And here I’ve found myself
So I’m happy to be lost in you
I hear you sing so sweetly, a song called love

Every soul needs a saviour

Rhythms

Back in June we had an Encounter worship service. For those of you unfamiliar with what Encounter is all about, the tagline for every Encounter service is "slow down-savor-worship." We want people to come and enjoy God's presence as they "unplug" from the pace of modern life. More singing, more creativity - it's a totally unique experience.

The theme for the evening was "Sacred Rhythms" and the main Scripture text was Gal. 5:25: "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit". One way we illustrated the idea of "keeping in step" with God's Spirit was through the use of percussion - a lot of percussion!

John Hogan, a professional drummer/instructor, came up from NC to lead the routines (as well as a workshop). His wife Melody is a visual artist, and her artwork was featured the last couple of months in our church coffee bar (you can check it out here). It was a pleasure to get to know both of them back in June, and I'm glad they'll be returning this weekend.

John will once again be leading some of our drummers in a reprisal of the floor tom routine that ended the Encounter service. Don't miss it - it will start both services this Sunday, Aug. 29!

Below is a video of the percussion routine (think STOMP) that opened the Encounter service. Enjoy!

Hello...It's Me Again

So yes, it's been a LONG time since I've posted anything new on this blog. Those on the Living Word worship team know that I've had quite an eventful summer - the cancer diagnosis, treatment, relocating to a new house. Throughout God has proven Himself faithful, especially in my weakness. I have been humbled by the prayers and support of our extended family at Living Word.

All that being said, I'm ready to start a new chapter of life and ministry.

And, I'm committing to posting something on this blog at least once a week.

For the worship team members - you'll be hearing more at our all-team mtg. on Sept. 19, but I'm excited about the opportunity to examine the Psalms together. I'm hoping this blogsite will play a significant role in the study and application of this ancient hymnbook.

So, this is a new beginning. I'm excited about what God is doing and will be doing in the worship ministry here at Living Word.

Buckle up!