The College Hills Church in Lebanon, Tennessee is a wonderful family of God. We enjoyed a fruitful weekend with Barry Sherrill, his family and the fine folks of this growing congregation of about 1,000.
This weekend was especially sweet as our friends Pat and Al Ramos drove up from Rome, Georgia to take part (we knew them when they lived in Phoenix.) Bob Simmons came all the way from Texarkana to be with us and is planning a Praise & Harmony weekend later this year. It was great to see Terry & Karise Cheatham (as many of you know, Terry is an original member of AVB) who currently work with the worship at Western Hills. My good friend, Brian Knost, brought a bunch of folks from Hermitage to make this Praise & Harmony event even sweeter. I thank Jim & Charlotte Harkness for helping with the weekend, as well as Rex & Eve Dillinger, who traveled all the way from Indiana to help us with this ministry. The Dillingers are such an inspiration!
Johnny Markum is the youth minister for College Hills who has served for the past 16 years. Jon Shoulders, president of Friendship Christian is a member of this great church.
College Hills is utilizing interim preachers for several months. Jim Woodroof is currently filling the pulpit and Steve Flatt (former Madison preacher and Lipscomb University President) will soon be doing the same. Not a bad line up, eh?
This article was on the front page of our local Sunday paper The Tennessean. The first lines read:
"In the larger scheme of the “worship wars,” it may be but a minor skirmish. But
among many churchgoers, clapping — as in applause, putting one’s hands
together in an audible display of appreciation — elicits opinions as
passionate as those on the idea of replacing traditional hymns with
Christian rock or wearing flip-flops and shorts to church.
Is it irreverent? Is it appropriate? Your thoughts?
We are pleased (and pleasantly surprised) to be receiving inquiries from non-a cappella churches about having seminars to help their singing and teach them about a cappella congregational worship. It makes sense. Not everyone can teach. Not everyone can lead a public prayer. Not everyone can preach. Many church members are mere "spectators" in worship settings. O how we would love to see everyone -- musician/non, young/old, male/female, member/visitor, all transformed to participate in making a joyful noise in a combined praise to our glorious God! It's not about having the most musical talent nor in attaining a trained, professional voice. (When the heart is right, it always sounds good.)
This is an advertisement that is running in Christian Retailing magazine (for Christian retailers and stores) at tabloid size. Our most effective marketing though is when YOU go into your Christian bookstore and remember to tell them about this product. We appreciate your help in this ministry so much!
I hope you don't mind me sharing these marketing pages that have been designed for Praise & Harmony. It seems that the biggest challenge is in explaining to folks how the Vocalist Training Disc works, and in getting everyone to utilize it (especially non-musicians.) We have enjoyed great success stories when a majority of a congregation gets "on board" with this process. To God be the glory!
1. "with the white foam at your feet" 2. "all make me aware of the One who made it all" 3. "the Lord Thy God is one" 4. "let not mine enemies triumph" 5. "that outshines the sun"
That first impression is often the lasting one. How many people have visited your congregation and yet have chosen never to return?
Are our people warm and friendly? Does every member go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome? What about parking? What plan do you incorporate to greet and welcome? Do you provide "visitor-friendly" materials? Do you alter the service in any way regarding visitors? Are you (unintentionally) embarrassing them in any way? What about follow up?
1. "A man selling ice cream singing Italian songs" 2. "Searching for something to say waiting for the break of day" 3. "Being pushed and shoved by people trying to beat the clock" 4. "You're the meaning in my life" 5. "As time goes on I realize"
Can't we make up our minds about the number of vocalists for ACAPPELLA? At one point there were two of us. Before that, we were a trio. For the most part, ACAPPELLA has been a quartet, although it has been, and currently is a Quintet!
I remember touring with three 12' screens behind us at our concerts (36' across) with 3 to 4 projectors on each screen. It was quite an elaborate set up. John Laws performed the production magic to coordinate the visuals which greatly enhanced the concerts.
Do you remember "God Bless The USA?" How about "What Was I Supposed To Be?
There was something special about slides that provided a unique experience - a much different feel than video.
Hey everyone! This last poll was able to have statistics run on it. So I'm back!
I think this poll was a first... everyone agreed with each other! Out of nine (9) votes, everyone (100%) responded voting, "No, we should not be suppressing these emotions."
What a beautiful, outdoor wedding that took place yesterday afternoon on a mountain top in Alabama! A few family members gathered in perfect weather as a gentle breeze enhanced the stunning view.
Our second oldest daughter and first child to be engaged, Kimberly Kay (known to most as Kim) married Allen Brantley, of Birmingham, Alabama. Allen's Dad, a minister in Birmingham, performed the wedding as siblings of both families participated (Allen's brother and sisters and Kimberly's brother and sisters.) It was the first time I have witnessed pets participating in a wedding as Jack & Jill joined the festivities (Jack looked pretty sharp in his tux as did Jill in her dress.)
It is fitting that this week's worship survey involves displaying emotion, since the father of the bride was unable to hold back the tears. Kimberly was absolutely beautiful! I had always dreaded the day when I'd give away our daughter in marriage; but after getting to know and love Allen, I realize how much God has tremendously blessed us and answered our prayers. We are thrilled with having Allen in the family! We are so thankful for the Brantley family and their godly influence.
I haven't been around many foot-washings, but was very touched as Kim and Allen incorporated this into their ceremony. How moving!
They decided to have an intimate ceremony and enjoy a big wedding reception later next month.
For those of you with more than one married daughter, does it get any easier?
We're attempting to make these quizzes progressively more difficult.
Name these tunes:
1. "You
confidently secure my tomorrow" 2. "You've created my heart to sing" 3. "Come and see what God has done" 4. "Through the things not
explained any other way" 5. "Let the hearts of those
who seek the Lord rejoice"
I don't know how many times I was asked this question.
I remember releasing this album and then leaving on a tour to the Great Northwest. I was really nervous about the reception of this album, because it was our first use of "vocal percussion" as tame as it was.
Worship leaders are to lead by example (by worshiping.) How much emotion is normal to display in our worship assemblies?
Many feel that emotion should be suppressed in church settings. Others contend that if you can't be emotional about God's sacrificial love, something is sorely missing.
Growing up in a church setting where emotion was not outwardly demonstrated, and in an age when men were taught to never cry, I find this topic challenging. Personally, I now find it much easier to project smiles, joy, happiness and enthusiasm. But sometimes, when I'm deeply touched by a song (often before communion), I find myself fighting back the tears.
"How deep the Father's love for us How vast beyond all measure That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure..."
This song continues, addressing the scene at the cross - "The Father turns His face away as wounds mar the Chosen One."
"Behold the Man upon the cross MY sin upon His shoulders Ashamed I hear my mocking voice Call out among the scoffers"
"It was MY sin that held Him there"-
"His dying breath has brought me life"
"Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom"
More than once, while leading this particular song, attempts to squelch my emotions were unsuccessful. My eyes burned with tears as I led the church in deep gratitude.
My question is this: Should we be suppressing these emotions?
