Quote of the Week: "Ring out the old, ring in the..."

"Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true."

 

~Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850

Quote of the Week: "Let Christmas not become..."

"Let Christmas not become a thing
Merely of merchant's trafficking,
Of tinsel, bell and holly wreath
And surface pleasure, but beneath
The childish glamour, let us find
Nourishment for soul and mind.
Let us follow kinder ways
Through our teeming human maze,
And help the age of peace to come
From a Dreamer's martyrdom."

~Madeline Morse

Quote of the Week: "The universal Joy of Christmas is..."

"The universal joy of Christmas is certainly wonderful.  We ring the bells when princes are born, or toll a mournful dirge when great men pass away.  Nations have their red-letter days, their carnivals and festivals, but once in the year and only once, the whole world stands still to celebrate the advent of a life."

~Author Unknown

Quote of the Week: "If we have no peace..."

"If we have no peace, it is because 

we have forgotten that we belong to each other."

 

~Mother Teresa

A Wesleyan Statement in One Sentence

"A journey of holy discernment enhanced by our traditions, cultivated by our experience, guided by scripture, and enlightened by reason."

This statement was generated as a United Methodist Doctrine class exercise on what it means to be Wesleyan and United Methodist.  This is my statement that came out of that project.

Video of the Week: "The Lord Bless You as Keep You"

Take a moment to enjoy this song of peace.  Enjoy!


"The Lord Bless You as Keep You" by John Rutter

2nd Sunday in Advent – Peace “Thou Hidden Source of Calm Repose”

Welcome to week two of this Advent season! For our 2011 – 2012 journey from Advent to Epiphany, I have put together a weekly series of devotionals that is enhanced by Anglican prayer beads. Each devotion in the series will follow a typical Anglican prayer beads pattern that I have written to include a favorite hymn of the season.  If you have just joined us and want to start from the beginning here's week one.

So take a moment to reflect on today's message of Peace.

The Cross

We beginning at the cross of your prayer beads, we say a prayer that sets the tone for our prayer session.

“May the God of Peace be with you (me).”

Romans 15:33

The Invitatory

Move to the invitatory bead as we say a prayer that invites God's Holy presence.

“Let me hear what the LORD God says, because he speaks peace to his people and to his faithful ones.”

Psalm 85:8

The Cruciforms

Move to the first of four cruciform beads. The prayers for these beads act as a kind of refrain.

“Thou hidden source of calm repose, thou all-sufficient love divine”
 

Charles Wesley

The Weeks

Move to the first set of weeks beads on either side of the first cruciform bead. There are 7 of these weeks beads, representing the 7 days of the week to encourage us to make our prayer a daily practice. These beads are at the core of our prayers.

1. My help and refuge from my foes, secure I am if thou art mine; 

2. Thy mighty name salvation is, and keeps my happy soul, 

3. Comfort it brings, and power and peace, and joy and everlasting love; 

4. To me with thy dear name are given pardon and holiness and heaven. 
5. Jesus, my all in all thou art, my rest in toil, my ease in pain,

6. In war my peace, in loss my gain, in shame my glory and my crown. 
7. In want my plentiful supply, in weakness my almighty power, 

*Special thanks to these online resources who helped me pull this together.

http://www.kingofpeace.org/prayerbeads.htm

http://www.youversion.com/

Video of the Week: "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus"

This week's "Video of the Week" partners with this week's Advent devotional which features the hymn "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus".  Enjoy!


Come Thou Long Expected Jesus by Journey Worship

1st Sunday in Advent – Hope “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”

Welcome to week one of this Advent season!  

For our 2011 – 2012 journey from Advent to Epiphany, I have put together a weekly series of devotionals that is enhanced by Anglican prayer beads. Each devotion in the series will follow a typical Anglican prayer beads pattern that I have written to include a favorite hymn of the season.

So take a moment to reflect on today's message of hope.

The Cross

We beginning at the cross of your prayer beads, we say a prayer that sets the tone for our prayer session.

“Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and always. Amen.”

Revelation 7:12 CEB

The Invitatory

Move to the invitatory bead as we say a prayer that invites God's Holy presence.

"God is our refuge and strength, a help always near in times of great trouble."

Psalm 46:1 CEB

The Cruciforms

Move to the first of four cruciform beads. The prayers for these beads act as a kind of refrain.

“Come, Thou long expected Jesus born to set Thy people free”

Charles Wesley

The Weeks

Move to the first set of weeks beads on either side of the first cruciform bead. There are 7 of these weeks beads, representing the 7 days of the week to encourage us to make our prayer a daily practice. These beads are at the core of our prayers.

1. From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in Thee. 

2. Israel's Strength and Consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art;

3. Dear Desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.

4. Born Thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, 

5. Born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.

6. By Thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone;

*Special thanks to these online resources who helped me pull this together.
http://www.kingofpeace.org/prayerbeads.htm
http://www.youversion.com/

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life... a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product of the year - and the deep, deep connection of all these things with God."

~Ray Stannard Baker (David Grayson)

Video of the Week: Praying With Anglican Prayer Beads

Anglican Prayer Beads

A friend in ministry shared with me information about the Anglican prayer beads that she had been making while I admired here prayer bead bracelet a month or so ago and I have been determined to make them ever since.

I went to my local craft store and bought some simple wooden beads and hemp cord and set to work learning how to make my very own prayer beads.  My friend had let me borrow a couple books for reference so I had a place to start.  I love the simplicity of the design and the enhancement to my prayer life.

I became inspired as I was brainstorming this season's devotions for the Advent, Christmas and Epiphany season to incorporate prayer beads in our weekly devotions together.

Starting the first Monday in Advent, November 28th, 2011 I will be sharing prayer beads devotions for the Advent and Christmas season up to the week of Epiphany, January 2nd, 2012.  I encourage you to use these original devotions for private refection as well as for devotional time with your church's music and worship planning groups.

This week's Video of the Week shares about praying with prayer beads and how we might make it a practice in our devotional life. Enjoy!

Praying With Anglican Prayer Beads

Quote of the Week: "Dear Lord; we beg not one..."

Dear Lord; we beg but one boon more:
Peace in the hearts of all men living,
peace in the whole world this Thanksgiving.
 

~Joseph Auslander

My Journey in United Methodist Doctrine

Recently I shared with you about my new job and the opportunities I have had as an employee for Cokesbury at Saint Paul School of Theology.  One of those opportunities has been to take a United Methodist Studies in Doctrine Course to fulfill the education requirements for United Methodist Certification for Musicians.  

Classroom at Saint Paul School of Theology

I wasn't sure I would even be able to finish to be quite honest and I was getting discouraged but once I started working at Cokesbury I decided it was worth it to ask around and see if it was even possible.  After a long email exchange back and forth plus a few phone calls I was approved to take the Doctrine course that was being offered this Fall semester and to use it to finish my education for certification.  I was thrilled because I had realized before my search that I only had one more year of the ten you get to finish your education or I would have to start all over again.

Taking Notes

I have attended classes on Wednesday mornings at the seminary now for several weeks and I am really enjoying myself.  I have had tons of reading to do which has made keeping up with my blogs a little harder than I anticipated but it is well worth it. As I finish books I will be sharing a book list and my thoughts for anyone interested in independent study.

I am so glad that I am finally getting this accomplished and I can't wait for my certification to take place.  If all goes as planned I should be official this June.  I'll keep you posted! 

Video of the Week: "Improvisation on Electric Organ"

Madi at the Electric Organ

I think that every musical household needs an electric organ with a few bells and whistles.  This organ has brought more exploratory play time than most any toy in the house.  My daughter Madi decided to give a mini concert on an improvisation she was working on and I just managed to catch it on video. Enjoy!

New Opportunities and Part-Time Employment

I have been looking for additional employment for the past year and have been working to network and get the word out to all my friends, family and colleagues. This last June I got a call about a potential job at the Cokesbury store at Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. After a couple successful interviews I began my part time employment journey in August with Cokesbury.

Cokesbury is the official store for the United Methodist Publishing House located in Nashville, Tennessee. If you are United Methodist you have probably ordered books, music or curriculum from Cokesbury at one time or another. We also service many other protestant denominations.

The Cokesbury at Saint Paul School ofTheology is a seminary store that also provides the text books to the many students we see on campus. The majority of students are also serving a church so we are there to help with resources and worship supplies.

Being a UM Church musician brings a different perspective to my work at the store and gives me an opportunity to help our customers with music and worship related questions. I am also very fond of the United Methodist Women's reading program and work to keep that section up to date.

I am excited by the new opportunities that have already come my way by working at Cokesbury and what the future holds. I am confident that this new found connection will continue to help me on my music ministry journey.

You're Invited to Christmas Open House

3 days only - November 9 - 11

Save 25% on all regularly priced in-stock merchandise in stores only 

or free shipping at Cokesbury.com

Look for Christmas Open House specials

only available at these extra low prices for 3 days, while supplies last. 

Video of the Week: Pomplamoose Monster Mask

I love Pomplamoose and I was so happy to see a new video with a little bit of spookiness for All Hallows Eve. Enjoy!  

This Is Halloween!

"This is Halloween" from Nightmare before Christmas. 

Happy Halloween!

Worship Music Q & A: Sense of Calling

Please provide a narrative of your sense of calling to ministry. Also, share your understanding of your Spiritual gifts as they relate to the tasks of ministry. 

I have a God given talent with my singing voice and in my ability to interpret music and work with a group of people to make it come to life.  I hold myself to a very high level of excellence in everything I do and I share that same passion for excellence with the people that I work with.

With the invitation to lead music in 2001 at my home church in Lawrence, Kansas and an opportunity to study church music and worship at Southern Methodist University Perkins School of Theology, I started a journey 10 years ago that has brought me to the Kansas City community and to my current church family. I have grown closer to Christ in my time here and I have gained more confidence in my God given gifts and abilities. I have also been lead to a deeper understanding of whom I am called to be.

I am called to share my talents in the field of church music ministry. God has prepared me and equipped me these past 10 years to serve. I am convinced that this is not a coincidence. There are no accidents in God's plan. All of the trials, tribulations, and learning experiences I have had have strengthened my knowledge and experience and made me an excellent candidate to serve as director of any church music ministry program.

My current ministry has bore fruit as positive changes were made to create a healthy environment for our praise band to grow as worship leaders and musicians. We worked to support each other and improve our working relationship. With a new focus we were able to not only bring our congregation to new heights in worship but we were able to truly worship as well.

Songs That Inspire Me

I have needed some musical inspiration these past few weeks and I have found it in these four songs.  Some days I need to be reminded that I am a firework or that this is just going to be one of those days.  These songs also help me to feel stronger and to know that I am redeemed by God.
 
I don't see my life getting any easier any time soon so I will keep these in my play list and I encourage you to find a little musical inspiration.  Enjoy! 

Katy's Perry's "Firework"

"This is the Stuff" by Francesca Battistelli




Mandisa sings Stronger in the K-LOVE Music Room

Selah plays their song "Unredeemed" live on K-LOV




What songs inspire you to greatness?

Free Worship Planning Pages!

Each worship service that I have ever planned or lead has always started with an outline or set of planning pages so all the important elements were organized in one place.  It really helped to keep things focused and made worship design go so much smoother.

With collaborative worship planning becoming more popular it's even more important to have a starting point for worship design.  It helps keep your meetings focused and give your new worship group members a good jumping off point for worship planning.  Customizable worship planning pages for both contemporary and traditional worship settings are the answer.

I am excited to share with you my Worship Planning Pages for both Contemporary and Traditional worship settings.  I have taken my 10+ years of worship planning experience in the United Methodist Church and designed my own dream worship planning pages.  Each set of planning pages is a Google Docs document that is available for download from the links below. 

I have also included a summary of the headings list for each set of planning pages.  I have based the worship elements of each set of planning pages from the basic worship outline included in the United Methodist Hymnal and then tweaked it a bit for modern worship. 

I can't wait to hear from all of you and see how you have used these Worship planning pages in your church's next worship meetings.  




Contemporary Worship Planning Sheet  (click to download)

---

Contemporary Setting  ○  Worship Planning Sheet

---

Date, Sunday, Sermon Series or Theme, Color, Visual Focus, Music Leader, Worship Leader, Prayer Leader

○ The People Gather

Opening Prayers & Praise: 

Opening Songs                                                     

○ Proclamation and Response

Prayer Songs                                                      

Scripture Selection (s

Message Title

Drama or Video

Special Music/ Offering                                          

○ Thanksgiving

Communion Songs

○ Sending Forth

Closing Songs

Traditional Worship Planning Sheet   (click to download)

---

Traditional Setting  ◊  Worship Planning Sheet

---

Date, Sunday, Sermon Series or Theme, Color, and Visual Focus

◊ The People Gather

Greetings

Prelude

Opening Prayers & Praise

Opening Hym

◊ Proclamation and Response

Prayer of Illumination

Scripture

        First Lesson

        Psalm

        Second Lesson

        Gospel Lesson

Anthem

Hymn

Sermon

Response to the Word

Prayers of the People

Prayers of Confession, Pardon and Peace

Offertory

◊ Thanksgiving

Communion Setting

Communion Hymns                                             

◊ Sending Forth

Closing Hymn   

Benediction

Postlude

Worship Music Q & A: Theology of Worship

What is your theology of worship?

Worship is fundamentally about God, then about our relationship with God, and then finally about us. We gather in community by the grace of the Holy Spirit with the powerful intention to worship our Lord, Jesus Christ. Our worship is to be full of dynamic, meaningful, and relevant experiences to honor and praise God. 

Corporate worship should be a thoughtful celebration. Everything we do should bring you back to that God-centered focus. 

• Our music helps people come to God and sing his praises. 

• Our scripture readings allow people time to think and contemplate God. 

• Our time of spoken prayer and silent reflection helps us to center our minds on God's presence in our lives and in our church and meditate on that relationship. 

• The message of the day brings the scriptures to life so that we can better understand God's personal message for each of us and the biblical history that has come before us. 

We come to worship to be with God and to participate and connect in as many ways possible. We are called to use new emerging technologies and new ways of expression as they become available so our worship is relevant to our culture and to our time.

Video of the Week: "I Surrender All"

"I Surrender All" has become my own personal mantra for the past few weeks.  Out of all the songs that I know it is the one that keeps coming back to my mind.  I have taken it as a personal God message and have kept it close to my heart.  Here is a stirring rendition by The Isaacs.  Enjoy! 

"I Surrender All" By The Isaacs

Worship Music Q & A: Quality Worship Ministry

What in your opinion would be the key elements of a quality Worship Ministry? 
 

I believe it's in the church's best interest to have strong, consistent leadership in the area of worship arts so that our churches can grow and develop strong disciples. Our worship ministries need to be as varied as our communities are so we can best serve the people around us. Prayer and planning with a strong collaborative spirit are essential to any quality worship ministry. As well as mentor-ship programs to nurture new musicians and worship leaders.

Taking care of and adequately supporting our worship ministry participants, paid or volunteer is also a high priority. We would work to cultivate worship and music excellence with our worship leaders, praise band instrumentalists, praise chorus members and lead vocalists. All while creating opportunities for children and youth to participate in meaningful ways.

Quote of the Week: "I will celebrate and..."

I will celebrate and rejoice in you; 

I will sing praises to your name, Most High. 

Psalms 9:2 CEB

Worship Music Q & A: New Series!

A few weeks ago I was asked to complete a written interview for a music and worship position for a large church in Missouri.  Some of these questions really got me thinking about my worship ministry and what my core beliefs are.

I decided to share my answers to some of the more thought provoking questions of the interview in the hopes of inspiring you to think about what you would have said in my place.  It never hurts to form your thoughts on paper and it gives what you do a deeper sense of purpose.

I was asked about my thoughts on the subjects of:

• Quality Worship

• Worship Theology

• My Sense of Calling

Check back next week for this new Worship Music Q & A Series!
 

Quote of the Week: "Lord, our Lord..."

LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name throughout the earth! 

You made your glory higher than heaven! 

Psalms 8:1 CEB

Quote of Week: "Yes, I will sing..."

 

Yes, I will sing to the LORD 
because he has been good to me.

Psalms 13:6 CEB

Earworm Friday: "The Phone is Ringing" & "Fly Me to the Moon"

Welcome to "Earworm Fridays"!

Each Friday join me as we share the songs that we just couldn't get out of our heads this week.  Due to living with two small children five and under I get some pretty funny song combinations stuck in my head and this week is no exception.  Check out "The Phone is Ringing" from the Wonderpets and Diana Krall singing "Fly Me to the Moon".   

{If you are reading this post in an RSS Reader and don't see the video below please click over to my blog to view}

 

Wonderpets - "The Phone is Ringing"




Diana Krall - "Fly Me to the Moon"





Now it's your turn!

please link directly to your Earword post and not your blog URL, so that everyone can find our post months from now.

Also, link back here so that everyone can join in the fun, it’s just common courtesy of blog carnivals. Please do not link up to another meme that you have started. Thanks for your understanding.

Video of the Week: "Worship & Song"

Several years ago the United Methodist Church started the journey to update our hymnal that was published in 1989.  They had already released a supplement in 2000 called "The Faith We Sing" that had been quite successful and I have enjoyed using it for the last decade.  

Mostly due to the current economic climate, the committee for the new hymnal project as well as the United Methodist Publishing House announced that it wouldn't be economically viable to release a completely new hymnal at this time.  I was a little disappointed with this decision because I was looking forward to seeing a new hymnal in my lifetime but that didn't last long once I found out about "Worship & Song".

"Worship & Song" is an updated collection of 190 hymns and worship songs that include new hymns, old-time gospel and contemporary praise songs.  This collection also includes new worship resources designed to supplement The United Methodist Hymnal and other songbooks.  

I was thumbing through it for the first time a couple weeks ago and noticed that several of the praise and worships songs that my church was currently using in worship were included in this new supplement.  I also enjoyed the new prayers and liturgical elements.  I can't wait to get my own personal copy!

So, for this week's "Video of the Week" here's the official "Worship & Song" video.  Enjoy! 


"Worship & Song"

Quote of the Week: "Magnify the Lord..."

 

Magnify the LORD with me! Together let us lift his name up high!

Psalms 34:3 CEB

Tips for Classically Trained Pianist joining the praise band

I found this extremely helpful video when I was looking for pointers for playing piano in a praise band.  I come from a more traditional education so I have had to change my mindset when it comes to playing with my church's band.  Jared Anderson shares some extremely helpful tips for classically trained pianists making that transition and joining the contemporary worship team. Enjoy!

Music Job Search Series: And Now We Wait…

Through out this series I have covered Job Searching, Resumes, Cover Letters, Special Requests for Worship Musicians, and Selling Yourself to Prospective Employers. This next installment will list some of the things you can do while you wait to hear back from potential employers.

Give yourself a daily routine and cultivate healthy daily habits. Organize your morning to get a good breakfast and take care of yourself before you start your work for the day. Make a plan for each day that is doable and will help you feel successful.   

Keep current on your job alert emails. Make a list of all the jobs that you are going to applying for that day. I have a spreadsheet that I use to input all the information I need in one place.  

Talk to your referral network regularly and be on the look out for additional networking opportunities. Check regularly but don't spend all your day on facebook or linkedin. Give yourself an hour and set the timer. This is a place where I struggle and need to take my own advice. You will thank me later. 

Read something positive everyday to keep you motivated. I love a good quote and try to surround myself with bits of positive wisdom throughout the day.  

"Chase down your passion like it's the last bus of the night." 

~Terri Guillemets

Pray for guidance and discernment. Don't forget to pray and take your joys and concerns to God. You are looking for jobs in music ministry after all. A job search is an uncertain time in anyone's life and you don't have to go it alone. We all could use a little comfort and guidance right now. Take a minute right now to connect to God.


Send Thank you notes and/or emails after all interviews and referral opportunities to show your gratitude and appreciation. Here are a few thank you letter samples to get you started:

After Interview Thank You Email :: Job Interview Site

Interview Thank You :: Thank You Note Samples

Sample Thank You :: Job Search at About.com

Email Thank You Message Examples :: Job Search at About.com

Don't forget your devotional life. Find a new book or devotional that lifts your spirits. Make time for stillness and quiet.  I am currently reading Max Lucado's "Traveling Light" which is based on the 23rd Psalm.  It also has a  music component that is nice for us worship musicians.  

Keep learning and improving your skills. Take a music lesson, find a free webinar, check out new books from the library. These are just a few examples. There are tons of free resources on-line that you can use to keep your skills fresh. I have enjoyed a few free webinars from worshiptraining.com and many blog articles that have helped to keep me current. Stay active on your favorite music sites and post comments and questions. There are several great choices in the links list on the left hand side of this blog.

Make music whenever you can. Find opportunities to share your skills in music and worship, jam with friends, plan a recital or evening of music for a local fund raiser or event. And don't forget to practice. Pick up a new song you have always wanted to learn and spend time on it regularly. 
 
Tie up Loose ends in your life. Complete that filing project you never seem to get to. Plan that road trip you have always wanted to take. A few things on my personal list include enrolling to take my final class for church musician certification so I can move to the next step and making recordings of music that I have been working on to add to my musical resume. Once you get your dream music job you might not have time for awhile to get these projects done. So, don't wait!  Now is the time to work on your list. 
 
Try something new! Have you always wanted to learn to knit or learn another language? You might want to try a new experience or hobby right now. Broaden your horizons and learn a new craft or skill. 
 
 

Through out this series I cover Job Searching, Resumes, Cover Letters, Special Requests for Worship Musicians, Selling Yourself to Prospective Employers, and what to do while you wait.   

Video of the Week : Laura Story and "Blessings"

I deeply appreciate Laura Story's song "Blessings".  It is more than just a touching song for me.  It helps articulate the hope and the uncertainty of faith for someone who is going through some of the toughest times in their life.  The chorus sums up this grand "What if...." perfectly.    

'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise."

"Blessings" by Laura Story



This week's "Video of the Week" is a two for one because I just had to share the story behind "Blessings" told by Laura Story herself.  Enjoy!


The Story Behind "Blessings"

Quote of Week: "I'm not afraid of..."

“I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.”

– Louisa May Alcott

Quote of Week: "Be what you are. This is..."

“Be what you are. This is the first step toward becoming better than you are.”

– Julius Hare