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Archive for the ‘worship’ Category

Worship Confessional

Posted in worship, worship confessional, worship leading on August 13, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Last night was one of those worship leading experiences that leaves you wondering, “How in the world was I allowed to sit behind that piano and lead these ladies in worship?”  It wasn’t a complete train wreck but it had a moment where I thought I was out of my body watching my hands all of a sudden switch to a completely different key.  My biggest fear is that my leading would be a distraction instead of an attraction.  This group is very forgiving, and honestly they don’t need anyone to do anything except start the song.  They love to sing songs of praise.  Thankfully we were able to end it on a good note.

There is a danger when you sit down to lead and your heart and mind are not in the moment.  In that situation I lose concentration quickly if I don’t keep things in check.  I had been distracted by my thoughts of my family.  Changes in school for the oldest, the start of school for the youngest, missing my family back in the Pac NW, family hurting physically and emotionally all cascaded at one time.  One would think that at my age it would be easy to put away those thoughts into a neat compartment only to be opened when I wished it.  I’m finding that’s not the case.  I’m created a certain way, and it’s my job to make sure that I take every thought captive, keep my mind in the right place so that I find peace.  I guess it’s a constant thing.  It’s not something that I can just snap and change about myself.

So, how do I prevent this from happening again?  Take a few moments to myself before I have to step out on the platform.  That five minute countdown should be used to breathe and pray.  Easy fix.

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Character Auditions

Posted in ministry life, worship, worship leading on June 26, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Tonight our Frontlines Team, those that serve in sound, stage, video, lighting, vocals, drama, halau, and as musicians, came together for some family time.  The video team had a fun game to play, the Halau (or dance team) had a great drama about the internal monologue that happens sometimes contrary to our outward appearance, and our team leaders shared from their hearts words of admonishment and encouragement.  There was a strong theme to the evening; we need to let go of offenses and do a better job of loving people.  We watched Pastor Wayne’s teaching on Character Auditions and what it means to serve on the Frontlines.  We ended the evening in prayer and with the anointing of oil.  As team members left they each, including pastors and leaders, signed character contracts renewing their hearts to follow the code of conduct required by active members of the Frontlines.

Here is the link to watch the Character Auditions teaching by Pastor Wayne:

<p><a href=”http://vimeo.com/34998530″>Character Audition – Pastor Wayne Cordeiro</a> from <a href=”http://vimeo.com/newhope”>New Hope Oahu</a> on <a href=”http://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a&gt;.</p>

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Worship Confessional

Posted in worship, worship confessional, worship leading, tagged on June 18, 2013| 1 Comment »

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This past Saturday a team of us went into a local prison to serve in worship services.  We had to wait a while to get it, but that gave us an opportunity to talk story and get to know each other better.  We didn’t have any issues getting people or instruments into the facility.  (Phew…that was one of my biggest prayer requests.) As we headed down the long cement walk way to the gym we looked up and saw a beautiful rainbow hanging over us and an overwhelming feeling of peace came over me.  (Another answered prayer.)

Our sound check happened while the groups of inmates were led into the gym.  While the sound team, also inmates, were making sure our sound levels were okay, the Halau discussed where they would perform their dance for the services.  We knew we may have the entire time allotted for the services or maybe not.  Our sound check was the prelude, which is a good thing because then the men were that much more familiar with the songs for the service.

Our set list:

  1. Our God
  2. The Glorious Cross
  3. Revelation Song
  4. Halau: Forgiveness
  5. All Who Are Thirsty/chorus of Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Notes on the nuts and bolts of the set:

  1. They seemed to respond well, and picked up The Glorious Cross pretty quickly.  They seemed to know Our God, and especially The Revelation Song.  Overall the sets went pretty well.  I had trouble hearing Joe’s guitar especially with the reprise of Glorious Cross.  Next time I’ll make sure to ask the guys to boost it a bit.  We also need to make sure that we have extra music for the play out, and/or at least that we talk it through before we sing it.  We tried The Everlasting and did well for the chorus, but I’ve never really sang the melody alone.  When Joe switched to the harmony I was a little lost.  We made it work.
  2. The Halau was fabulous.  They dressed very conservatively and Gayle kept the movements discreet.  They danced to Mathew West’s “Forgiveness.”  One of the really cool things about this is that a few months ago I heard the song on the radio, and I had a picture of Gayle dancing hula to it.  WOW!  I saw that same picture on Saturday in real life.  Thank you Jesus.

I’ve missed leading worship; not just the singing part, but also putting together a set list and helping to craft a service.  It was such a blessing to hear the response of the inmates to the music and to the message.  Pastor Louie is the person for this time.  On so many levels he understands what these men have been through.  Hopefully I will be able to be a part of something like this again.

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Worship Confessional: 1st one from Hawaii

Posted in worship, worship confessional, worship leading on June 6, 2013| 2 Comments »

It has been over a year since I put together a set list and led a team in worship.  Due to various health issues and job conflicts since our move I have not been on a worship team more times than I can count on my fingers.  I must confess that I am nervous about it.  I have a small team for a visit to a local prison.  The halau has graciously offered to perform a dance during the services.  Our pastor of prison ministry will share a message on the subject of “forgiveness.”  I pray that my hands have strength to play then notes.  I pray that my voice has the strength to carry the notes.   I pray that our music would not be a distraction from but an attraction to Jesus. I pray that God keeps my humble in the process.  Yes husband, I am praying that prayer again.  He always wants me to let him know when I pray that prayer.

Tomorrow I have my first run through with the other worship leader for this service.  He’ll play the guitar and lead out on a couple of songs.  I’ll lead out on a couple of songs.  Looking forward to sitting behind a piano as I sing.  I feel a little rusty, but practicing will help.  Working the kinks out of the set list will help.  Getting this first run through out of the way will help.

The set list:

  1. Our God
  2. The Glorious Cross (a fabulous original by one of the team)
  3. All Who Are Thirsty
  4. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (chorus only)
  5. What Joy

Prayers are appreciated for the upcoming worship services at the prison.

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