small and big
November 29, 2010
can you guess what these are?
what about these – look like anyone you know?
and in case you’re feeling big, size yourself here
a Sorrow Amidst Joy
November 23, 2010
it’d be great if the news of my engagement to Katharine was all joy and no sorrow – but, as with most joys, it’s not the case this time. there’s some significant sorrow ahead.
click here to read some more news about Katharine and I on our church website
Song Leading Demonstration – Facial Expressions
November 22, 2010
a lot of song leaders need to work on their facial expressions while leading their church family in singing. for song leaders, it’d be hard to find a better role model than this:
Failed Sermon & Song Matching
November 18, 2010
this is way too much fun…
The sermon this morning: TRUSTING GOD THROUGH GRIEF
The closing song: HAPPY DAY
Twist, Kirkplace, and Chappo House
November 17, 2010
Sam Herd’s my Year 13 trainee, and he’s taking over the music minstry at SCPC when i leave in January (see here).
click here to read my interview with Sam on Twist, Kirplace, and the serenity of Ryan Dehnert
for my own thoughts on Twist 2009, as well as a visit to Hillsong and Resolved church, click here
engaged!
November 16, 2010
katharine and i are engaged! we’ll be moving to Brisbane together in January 2011, and it’ll probably be a June wedding after my first semester at bible college. katharine’s in the process of investigating ministry opportunities in Brisbane and yet to finalise what she’ll be doing – suffice to say that there are opportunities to serve Jesus and we’ll let you know more when we do. meanwhile i’ll be studying full-time at Queensland Theological College and will be doing music ministry (as a student minister) at Creek Road Presbyterian, our new church family as of next year.
we’re both absolutely stoked but yet greatly grieved to be leaving our beloved church and life here in Lismore. we’d love you to pray for us:
- that we’d both stand firm in Christ, and love each other from that firm foundation – as we prepare for marriage, as we move to Brisbane, and for the rest of our lives
- that we’d end relationships well in Lismore – especially at SCPC and Evangelical Christians (nee The Bible Talks)
- that we’d both find suitable accommodation (we’re looking for 2 places for the first while) near our new church in South-East Brisbane, and settle in well once we’ve made the move
the 1st and 3rd photo are at ‘the Pass’ in Byron Bay where we enjoyed our sunset-engagement last week – the same place we started our relationship earlier in the year. we’ll save all the details, suffice to say it was a memorable and special time for both of us 
it’s good to know that through all the changes Jesus remains the same – yesterday, today and forever. we thank God that in Christ he’s been so very good to us, and rejoice at what’s ahead
Should We Sing ‘I’ or ‘We’ in Congregational Songs?
November 16, 2010
Andy Judd of Garage Hymnal has posted some excellent thoughts on whether we should sing ‘I’ or ‘We’ in our church songs:
“So it seems that whether we sing, or I sing, it doesn’t seem to matter. The choice is normally determined by the content… The main thing is that, whatever the grammatical subject, the primary subject matter of the song should be God. The important thing is not the grammar, but the theology. Who looks good? Are humans exalted or humbled? Is God the focus or my own feelings?”
Stuart Townend on Corporate Worship
November 15, 2010
Mike Gilbart-Smith has posted some interesting and helpful notes from a recent Stuart Townend seminar on ‘Corporate Worship’ (Stuart Townend co-wrote ‘In Christ Alone’, ‘How Deep the Father’s Love’, ‘The Power of the Cross’ and many more ripper congregationals).
i found the ‘Adoration’ section the most helpful – some good reminders and challenges of the importance of having broad and faithful lyrical content on who God is and what he has done for us in Christ – content that faithfully represents ALL of who God is, not just bits and pieces – songs that help us to ‘truly worship’ and not only offer a subjective response.
it’s just so good to read something that takes music ministry as a serious Word/Bible ministry that impacts the lives of God’s people in church
Hymns – Hymns galore!
November 11, 2010
everyone is re-writing old hymns! the ‘new-music-to-old-words’ wave is well and truly washing over Christendom and producing some helpful results.
a couple i’m checking out:
- “Page CXVI” (named after a favourite page in a Narnia book) have 2 albums out already and a third on the way soon – check it out here
- “Ascend the Hill” have a free downloadable album on come&live called “Hymns” with some very cool arrangements – check it out here
- my only attempt at a hymn re-write is “Rock of Ages” – check it out here
there’s plenty more out there – it makes it hard to listen to everything – let alone listen to everything well
