September 28, 2023
Happy Thursday, everyone. Here’s what you need to know going into this weekend:
Coming Up
This Sunday
Scripture text: Matthew 9:35-38
Glorious Day
All Creatures of Our God and King
Lord Have Mercy (For What We Have Done)
Washed Away
Upcoming Songs:
October 1 - Washed Away
October 15 - All Sufficient Merit
October 29 - Reformation Song
November 12 - What It Means to Be Saved
November 19 - Psalm 121 (He Will Keep You)
Worship Ministry Spotlight
Brent Holland
Choir member - bass
Hometown:
Waverly, TN
Kids/grandkids/pets?
2 daughters, 31 and 35 years old
How long have you been at Stevens Street?
2 1/2 years
Favorite free time activity:
Exercising and doing landscaping in the yard
Dream vacation spot:
Watercolor, Florida.
Favorite breakfast cereal:
Cheerios.
If you could play any instrument, what would it be?
I played the bass for our praise team at our church back home. I would like to play the trumpet again but I am too old . Ha! [Note from Andy: You’re never too old to play trumpet!]
Favorite thing about worship ministry:
The choir - we worship!
Notes
Important schedule reminder: we will have no Wednesday rehearsals next week (October 4), and Sunday, October 8 will be lead by band and praise team only. This Sunday (October 2) will be led by full worship ministry.
Be sure to pick up your Christmas 2023 CD in the choir room! If you’d prefer for me to load a flash drive with the tracks, just bring me a thumb drive and I will be happy to do so. Remember, the date for the Christmas worship service will be Sunday evening, December 10 at 5:00p. As usual, we plan on extending the two Wednesday evening rehearsals prior to that service, so rehearsals on Wednesday, Nov 29 and Dec 6 will be from 6-8pm.
A couple weeks ago, we posted our Connect Groups for this year of worship ministry. Remember, these are the people to whom you can pass along prayer requests, and also let them know when you cannot make a Wednesday rehearsal. You can find the updated list here, and you’ll be able to find it each week in these updates.
Prayer Requests
Melinda Poteet (alto) and her mom (Sharon), with the anniversary of Melinda’s father passing.
Matt, a co-worker of Scott Strawbridge, whose expecting wife went to the hospital with pregnancy complications.
Reagan Bagci and family (Ali, Michelle). His last chemo treatment is scheduled for November 15. His labs have looked great, and we are rejoicing for many answered prayers.
David Barrett, former choir member (cancer)
Jesse Haywood, as he prepares to preach the Word on Sunday.
Looking to pray something specific for our church? Pray Ephesians 3:16-19.
An Extra
Wednesday evening rehearsals are important for us as a worship ministry! Have you ever wondered, what is the purpose of rehearsing?
I was talking to a fellow worship leader last week, and he said something that stuck with me regarding the musical/leadership aspect of rehearsals. It’s something I’m sure that you’ll hear me repeat over and over going forward:
We rehearse as a worship ministry so that the congregation doesn’t have to.
What does that statement mean? It means that we take extra time to learn the ins and outs of all the music in order to lead songs in a way that help the congregation sing confidently. The way we sing and play our instruments should be a safe scaffolding on which average church members can stand and participate musically.
We rehearse the songs over and over so that the congregation can sing it on their first attempt. It’s hard work to anticipate the musical and leadership needs of people, and strive to overcome those challenges!
Let’s continue to artfully perfect our craft to the glory of God as we serve our church in helping them sing the Song God has given all of us as His people.
Questions?
Respond to the worship ministry text on your phone, or use the form below.
Email Andy: ahammond@stevensstreet.org
Email April: alangford@stevensstreet.org