This blog is part of the Sunday Setlist Blog Carnival found at
TheWorshipCommunity.com.
See what other churches did
here
.
This was an exceptionally special Sunday for my wife & I as we were asked to guest lead worship at
Grace Fellowship Church in Snellville, GA (in the Atlanta burbs) while worship pastor, Aaron Keyes, was out of town. The people there were warm and friends, the staff and volunteers displayed true servant's hearts, and the teaching was totally Kingdom-minded stuff. We felt right at home.
Here's a sample audio clip (just a board mix, but a good one) of some of the morning to start things off...
For this morning I chose some of my personal favorites from this past year - songs that minister to me when I sing them, as well as minister to God, and to others.
1. "Glory to God Forever" by Steve Fee/Vicky Beeching (Fee version).
I feel good singing any song that proclaims God's greatness and glory as clearly as this one.
2. "You love never Fails" by Chris McClarney/Anthony Skinner (Jesus Culture version).
My heart gravitates to songs that encourage me to put my trust in a sovereign God during trying times - "Blessed be Your Name", "You Never Let Go", and much of Sovereign Grace Music's COME WEARY SAINTS c.d. - this song falls into that category.
3. "It is You" by the Newsboys.
Let me say, this song had to grow on me, but I eventually won over by the phrase "Holy, Holy is our God Almighty!" We sorta medlied this with "Your love..."
Next Grace's High School Youth Pastor, Brian Burchik brought a powerful word on how we walk out our identity in Christ, a reminder that we are now sons & daughters, not mere slaves. You can
look it up here if you like, and I suggest that you do. It hit Cyle & I right in the heart, as she & I had talked about this very thing the night before.
Following the sermon, we went into a response time, beginning with...
4. "How He Loves" by John Mark McMillian
I still have yet to finish this song without tearing up.
5. "Christ is Risen" by Matt Maher
MORE ON THIS IN A MINUTE... you won't want to miss it, so stay tuned!
On the Friday before, my wife, Cyle, & I had rehearsed vocal parts with her sister, Bethany, but something came up and Bethany had to miss the first service on Sunday, and I must say that Cyle stepped up to the plate in a major way. I am very proud of my beautiful bride.
Following the 5:15 service, a cello and some brushes were pulled out, and we continued the after-service with an extended time of worship...
6. "You won't Relent" by Misty Edwards
This was co-led by myself and my sister-n-law, Bethany Presten. POWERFUL.
7. "Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)" by Chris Tomlin
So, about "Christ is Risen" - listen to THIS:
Having listened to it a few more times, I'll admit it: I WAS IN THE WRONG. I started the song in the wrong key, but honestly, I couldn't have been more happy that I did. The pressure was off entirely, God showered down his joy in a roomful of laughter, and worship continued.
Over-all one of my all-time favorite corporate worship experiences, not in spite of, but actually in part, because of the error, as it made it so very clear that it was all by the Spirit, not in the Flesh. Thank You, Jesus!