Well, this weekend was a wonderful “worship-fest”, full of corporate response, and passionate singing - truly one of the highlights of this year so far for me, so I though it would be a good weekend to participate in Fred McKinnon's “Sunday Setlists”.
First, I led worship at my sister-in-law’s wedding, and what a wedding it was! As one attendant said of Zack and Bethany’s wedding, “I suspected if we worshiped any harder, a wedding might break out, and it did!” Bethany and I had met earlier to choose songs, and the final set-list was:
1. "I Have Found" - Kim Walker
2. "I Exalt Thee" - Pete Sanchez Jr. (Jesus Culture arrangement)
3. "Light of Your Face" - Misty Edwards
4. "You’re Beautiful" - Phil Wickham
I was graced to co-lead with Mitch Lee (formerly of Leviticai) on Drums/Djembe; Alvin Hernandez (a local worship leader in his own right) on Bass; McKendree Tucker (known as “McKendree Augustus” on iTunes, of SonicFlood, formerly of Kid Fits Logic, and Leviticai) on Keys, lead Vocals on “You’re Beautiful”, and Background Vocals; Max Mitchell (of Wake Today, who I've been told often plays withAaron Keyes, and assists with worship at multiple churches around Atlanta); Cyle Lewis (my lovely wife, of Saint Lewis) on Background Vocals on “You’re Beautiful”; and lastly, Lydia Nichols on Cello on “You’re Beautiful”.
Let me just say, the only wedding I’ve ever been part of that was this intensely worshipful, that I can remember, was my own. I led the first three songs - of which the Bride entered mid-way through the third - a VERY powerful moment - and McKendree led the fourth. Honestly, I wasn't a huge fan of the Wickham song at first, but hearing McKendree and Cyle's version, I'm definitely beginning to come around.
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On Sunday, I found myself playing electric guitar for the very first time in the main sanctuary at St. Simons Community Church. Having only taken up electric guitar about about 4 months ago, after about a 12 year break, to say that I was a little less than totally confident and really comfortable with this would be a great understatement. Kim Dixon, led the majority of the set from the acoustic guitar, and another honorable mention was my wife, Cyle, on keys.
The set list was:
WALK IN; “I want the Joy” - Rita Springer
1. “Come, Now is the Time to Worship” - Vineyard
2. “Let Everything that has Breath” - Matt Redman
3. “Unchanging” - Chris Tomlin
SPECIAL; “Incorruptible” - Watermark
4. “Blessed Assurance” - Traditional, sorta (I led this one vocally)
The room seemed responsive to the songs, Kim’s special music with her visiting friend, Josh, was really good, and the band shined as usual. My sole issue with the morning was that I was so distracted with the technical aspects of playing electric guitar, which kept me from genuinely worshiping with all my heart, as I’d like. And I plead the 5th on my guitar lead in "Come, now..." - enough said.
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Lastly, I picked the songs, directed the band, and helped run sound for the Gathering Place Band for the Main Event. In the past, I’ve been on the team as a vocalist, and last year I was the Worship Leader, but this Summer we chose to experiment and have me direct a entirely youth band, and it has really been a treat seeing these guys and gals step up to the plate week after week. Well, this week was the highlight of the Summer so far. We had a guest drummer, Nate, who often helps lead worship over at Family Life Church, and plays with my band, Saint Lewis. Nate added a special sensitive touch and finesse to the rhythm, and combined with the co-mixing of myself, Phil Belt, and Travis Paulding, and Dennis William’s technical expertise, it was the clearest mix so far this Summer.
The set was:
WALK IN; “You Found Me” - the Fray
1. “Saving Grace” - Vineyard
2. “I Have Found” - Kim Walker
3. “Lead me to the Cross” - Hillsong United
4. “From the Inside Out” - Hillsong United
In spite of a few minor (and some not-so-minor) technical errors/malfunctions, the band played excellently, and led with passion and conviction. Honestly, it was AWESOME. On top of that, I was excited that “Saving Grace” was so well received, as it was a new to the Main Event, and in spite of it not being a big radio single, seemed to be one of the most popular songs of the night, and really connected with people.
So, that’s the general summary of my worship marathon weekend. I was blessed to be part of leading 4 corporate worship events, made many new friends, celebrated a bunch, learning a bit about God, and was stretched in my musicianship all in one weekend. And that’s not even counting my Youth Worship Workshop I hosted on this past Wednesday night. That’s what I call a good week.
This next week is turning out to be almost as exciting, with a Youth Worship Rehearsal on Wednesday afternoon/evening, SSCC Worship Rehearsal on Thursday evening, leading the Sunday A.M. services at St. Simons Community Church, and directing the band and running sound for the Gathering Place Worship night this coming Sunday. Thank You, Jesus!
Amen.