I picked up a couple of books this week while up at the ACU Lectures and one of those addresses the acappella/instrumental music issue for Church of Christ people. "The Other Side of the Keyboard" (ISBN 0-89900-918-2, copyright 2005 College Press Pub.) is a brief, balanced, and personal book by Milton Jones. Jones tells why he has changed his view from being one who was opposed to instrumental worship music to being one who supports it's use (but doesn't judge those who use or don't use instruments).
Jones' six chapter book (only 61 pages long) explains his thinking by telling his own story and offers an overview of the traditional C of C position(s) and then his more enlightened view. The six chapters deal with 1) Jones' own experience 2) Methods of "Interpretation" 3) What the Bible says on the issue 4) How church history bears on this issue 5) "Entertainment" (what it is and whether that's bad) 6) The "Division" over this issue and how we might reunite. I found this short book to reaffirm most of the positions I've come to believe on this issue. While Jones now advocates the use of instrumental music in worship, he still maintains that those who don't use instruments should be respected for their view and that we all should be able to practice unity, if not in our actual assemblies then at least in working together in other ways. Jones' own church, the Northwest Church of Christ in Seattle, recently merged with the Shoreline Christian Church. They now have a combined leadership and ministries, yet offer two worship services representing their acappella and instrumental heritages.
I'd be happy to share this book with any of you nearby that might like to read it (it'll probably take you only about an hour or so to read).
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I had fun Friday afternoon doing an arrangement of "We Want to See Jesus Lifted High". It's a pretty pumped up worship song that's been out for quite awhile, but I didn't seem to have an acappella arrangement of it anywhere.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Friday, February 24, 2006
Post-ACU
I had a great time at the ACU Lectures. I certainly enjoyed getting to see and visit with some dear old friends (notably, Rex Hamilton and Ike Graul). My dad and I also enjoyed chances to get together with relatives there: Dave & Joyce Dalzell, Bill & Mary Womack, Joy Crouch, and Doug Dalzell (and his companion, Leah).
The best classes I attended were Jack Reese & Ike's class on worship/hymnody, the Restoration Unity Forum, and the Kairos Church planting. Best worship experience was the Taize service on Tuesday night in the Chapel on the Hill. Best meal was the "$2.99 Taco Plate" at Rosa's (although BBQ at Harold's was a good experience too!).
I shook lots of hands and inquired often about worship leading opportunites. No one seemed to have or be aware of any new full-time job leads, but several people invited me to come and be a volunteer worship leader at their church. I may end up teaching again and volunteering for a church, but at this time I'm still praying and looking for a full-time ministry position.
I also came home with a head cold and feel stuffy and achy today. I guess that might have come from all the hand-shaking!
The best classes I attended were Jack Reese & Ike's class on worship/hymnody, the Restoration Unity Forum, and the Kairos Church planting. Best worship experience was the Taize service on Tuesday night in the Chapel on the Hill. Best meal was the "$2.99 Taco Plate" at Rosa's (although BBQ at Harold's was a good experience too!).
I shook lots of hands and inquired often about worship leading opportunites. No one seemed to have or be aware of any new full-time job leads, but several people invited me to come and be a volunteer worship leader at their church. I may end up teaching again and volunteering for a church, but at this time I'm still praying and looking for a full-time ministry position.
I also came home with a head cold and feel stuffy and achy today. I guess that might have come from all the hand-shaking!
Saturday, February 18, 2006
ACU Lectureships
I'm heading to the ACU Lectureships tomorrow right after morning church services. My dad flew in from Boise tonight and we're going up together, staying at my Uncle David's. Should be a great few days there and I'm looking forward to seeing several good friends, being stimulated by some good teaching, and worshiping with the Zoe Group and others who are leading. I hope also to network a bit and see if there are any job leads.
So. . . keep me in your prayers (and pray for Lani as she's here at home for a few days with all the kids!). And I probably won't have a chance to blog for a few days!
So. . . keep me in your prayers (and pray for Lani as she's here at home for a few days with all the kids!). And I probably won't have a chance to blog for a few days!
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Things that get you excited
So, what gets you excited? What are you passionate about?
I can tell when I'm really wrapped up in something because I don't want to put it down or walk away from it. I'll ignore other things that I could or should be doing to keep doing this. I might work right through meal times or late into the night. And I feel good about the experience while I'm doing it and after I'm finished.
Yesterday (and part of today) I've been doing an arrangement of the song, "Can't Keep a Good Man Down" (performed by Newsong, when Russ Lee was still with them -- what a voice!). I spent hours yesterday tediously setting up the layout and entering notes. I love doing this (and I think this one will turn out pretty good, as long as there's a gifted soloist to present it). I could keep at this for hours and hours, maybe days and days, if it weren't for all the rest of "life" that needs my attention too. Sometimes I get like this when I'm working on home improvement/handyman projects (not maintenance like plumbing, but like when you're building something). Occasionally, I might get this drawn in by a movie, a TV show, or a book ("24" is doing this to me this year).
So, what is it for you? Is it something creative (building, song-writing, poetry, writing, etc.)? Is it something engaging like a good book or movie?
I can tell when I'm really wrapped up in something because I don't want to put it down or walk away from it. I'll ignore other things that I could or should be doing to keep doing this. I might work right through meal times or late into the night. And I feel good about the experience while I'm doing it and after I'm finished.
Yesterday (and part of today) I've been doing an arrangement of the song, "Can't Keep a Good Man Down" (performed by Newsong, when Russ Lee was still with them -- what a voice!). I spent hours yesterday tediously setting up the layout and entering notes. I love doing this (and I think this one will turn out pretty good, as long as there's a gifted soloist to present it). I could keep at this for hours and hours, maybe days and days, if it weren't for all the rest of "life" that needs my attention too. Sometimes I get like this when I'm working on home improvement/handyman projects (not maintenance like plumbing, but like when you're building something). Occasionally, I might get this drawn in by a movie, a TV show, or a book ("24" is doing this to me this year).
So, what is it for you? Is it something creative (building, song-writing, poetry, writing, etc.)? Is it something engaging like a good book or movie?
Monday, February 13, 2006
Tax Time
I started doing my taxes today and so now I've taken over our entire informal dining table. Evey year I think "this would be sooooooo much easier if I'd file things better or start using Quicken faithfully" and yet here I am again sorting stacks and stacks of reciepts and payment records and hoping I find everything.
Other notes:
In the Texas Master Chorale we're rehearsing "The Chichester Psalms" by Leonard Bernstein. It's tough! Not only are we dealing with strange tonality and lots of changing meters, but on top of that, it's in Hebrew!
We received a generous gift of support from some friends today (a "Valentine", they said). I'm still moved by the caring and love and support that so many have shown us. We are trying to be more and more careful about how we spend money because it feels like we're spending other people's money. Hmm. . . maybe we should have that in mind all the time; after all, every good gift is from our Father!
Other notes:
In the Texas Master Chorale we're rehearsing "The Chichester Psalms" by Leonard Bernstein. It's tough! Not only are we dealing with strange tonality and lots of changing meters, but on top of that, it's in Hebrew!
We received a generous gift of support from some friends today (a "Valentine", they said). I'm still moved by the caring and love and support that so many have shown us. We are trying to be more and more careful about how we spend money because it feels like we're spending other people's money. Hmm. . . maybe we should have that in mind all the time; after all, every good gift is from our Father!
Sunday, February 12, 2006
It's all good!
So many good things to be thankful for. . .
Yesterday my good friend, Lyle Jarvis, flew into Houston to pick up a car he'd bought through eBay. Of course, I was happy to pick him up at the airport and get to spend some time with him. He came with my family to see the new Pink Panther movie after we got his car. Then we just enjoyed visiting and watching the Olympics. After spending the night and coming to church with us this morning, he was off in his new purchase, headed back to Amarillo.
Worship this morning was great! Especially in our second service today it seemed like there was both excitement and Spirit. Also, I was blessed to have several dear families come visit at Spring Woodlands today; it was encouraging to receive their hugs and kind words. We finished our services today with "This is How We Overcome". I'd never led this one before, but always enjoyed singing it at Zoe events. It was fun and encouraging to do it today.
Tonight we had a "Chili Cook-Off" event at Spring Woodlands. And as part of that, they asked several staff-member couples to participate in a "Not-So-Newlyweds Game". So Lani and I were among the six teams and WE WON! I guess we know each other pretty well (although we had to survive a playoff against the youth minister and his wife)!
I still don't know where my next job will be or where we'll be living, but it's all good. God is caring for and blessing us one day at a time.
Yesterday my good friend, Lyle Jarvis, flew into Houston to pick up a car he'd bought through eBay. Of course, I was happy to pick him up at the airport and get to spend some time with him. He came with my family to see the new Pink Panther movie after we got his car. Then we just enjoyed visiting and watching the Olympics. After spending the night and coming to church with us this morning, he was off in his new purchase, headed back to Amarillo.
Worship this morning was great! Especially in our second service today it seemed like there was both excitement and Spirit. Also, I was blessed to have several dear families come visit at Spring Woodlands today; it was encouraging to receive their hugs and kind words. We finished our services today with "This is How We Overcome". I'd never led this one before, but always enjoyed singing it at Zoe events. It was fun and encouraging to do it today.
Tonight we had a "Chili Cook-Off" event at Spring Woodlands. And as part of that, they asked several staff-member couples to participate in a "Not-So-Newlyweds Game". So Lani and I were among the six teams and WE WON! I guess we know each other pretty well (although we had to survive a playoff against the youth minister and his wife)!
I still don't know where my next job will be or where we'll be living, but it's all good. God is caring for and blessing us one day at a time.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Rrrrrriinnnnngg!
This morning I got four phone calls between 5:30 & 6:30 to sub. So. . . that means I'm in the system for Cy-Fair now. But I can't accept any sub jobs until I have my security ID, which you can pick up after you've been in the system for approx. 10 days (I'm going to check today to see if I can get it now anyway; I guess all they can say is "no, come back in a few days."). So these early morning phone calls may become a routine thing.
It's raining today -- which is good because we need it -- but the weather reporters are cracking me up with their joking about winter coming and "Siberian" air (yes, they said that this morning). It's supposed to get down to a high of 52 tomorrow. 52! OK, the overnight lows might get below freezing on Saturday night, but "Siberian"??? I think people here have led a cold-sheltered life!
At our Praise Team rehearsal last night, one lady shared that she and her husband are going to get a divorce and several others shared prayer requests for spouses or friends who were dealing with cancer, horrible back problems, surgeries, etc. It sure made me realize that my own problems aren't so bad at all. I'm very blessed and thankful. At the same time, it sure tugs at my heart to hear what others are dealing with. What an awesome God we have who cares for us all!
It's raining today -- which is good because we need it -- but the weather reporters are cracking me up with their joking about winter coming and "Siberian" air (yes, they said that this morning). It's supposed to get down to a high of 52 tomorrow. 52! OK, the overnight lows might get below freezing on Saturday night, but "Siberian"??? I think people here have led a cold-sheltered life!
At our Praise Team rehearsal last night, one lady shared that she and her husband are going to get a divorce and several others shared prayer requests for spouses or friends who were dealing with cancer, horrible back problems, surgeries, etc. It sure made me realize that my own problems aren't so bad at all. I'm very blessed and thankful. At the same time, it sure tugs at my heart to hear what others are dealing with. What an awesome God we have who cares for us all!
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Four things. . .
So, I hear that this has been on several blogs. I copied it from Patti Alexander (Patti Does Life).
Here are my responses:
Four jobs you have had in your life:
1. Clerk/stocker at Hardware Joe's True Value Hardware
2. Summer Singer (for four years during college)
3. Music Teacher/Choir Director
4. Worship Leader & Children's Minister
Four Movies you would watch over and over:
1. Princess Bride
2. The Quest for the Holy Grail (Monty Python)
3. Napoleon Dynamite
4. Star Wars & Lord of the Rings movies (we do watch them over & over & over. . .)
Four Books you could read over and over:
1. The Psalms
2. The Gospels
3. The "Pastoral Epistles"
4. Frank Peretti books
Five Places you have lived:
1. Lewiston & Nampa, Idaho (birth to 3)
2. Ontario, Oregon (ages 3 to 16)
3. Portland, Oregon (ages 16 to 38)
4. Tomball, Texas (current)
Four TV shows you watch:
1. Local News (mostly KATU, sometimes at 5 or 6; always at 10)
2. Tonight Show w/Jay Leno
3. 24 (I just started watching this season)
4. This Old House
Places you have vacationed:
1. Disneyland
2. Missoula, Montana
3. Portland, Oregon
4. Victoria, British Columbia
Four websites you visit daily:
1. ABC News (my home homepage)
2. WorshipForum.com
3. My blog
4. All the blogs linked on my site
Four Favorite foods:
1. Pizza
2. Mexican Food, especially fajitas & enchiladas (Chevy's when out West)
3. Red Robin burgers (& they're coming soon to The Woodlands!)
4. Bananas (one-a-day, every day!)
Four Places you would rather be:
1. Portland
2. Missoula
3. Playing cards with friends
4. In my new job (where ever that is!)
Here are my responses:
Four jobs you have had in your life:
1. Clerk/stocker at Hardware Joe's True Value Hardware
2. Summer Singer (for four years during college)
3. Music Teacher/Choir Director
4. Worship Leader & Children's Minister
Four Movies you would watch over and over:
1. Princess Bride
2. The Quest for the Holy Grail (Monty Python)
3. Napoleon Dynamite
4. Star Wars & Lord of the Rings movies (we do watch them over & over & over. . .)
Four Books you could read over and over:
1. The Psalms
2. The Gospels
3. The "Pastoral Epistles"
4. Frank Peretti books
Five Places you have lived:
1. Lewiston & Nampa, Idaho (birth to 3)
2. Ontario, Oregon (ages 3 to 16)
3. Portland, Oregon (ages 16 to 38)
4. Tomball, Texas (current)
Four TV shows you watch:
1. Local News (mostly KATU, sometimes at 5 or 6; always at 10)
2. Tonight Show w/Jay Leno
3. 24 (I just started watching this season)
4. This Old House
Places you have vacationed:
1. Disneyland
2. Missoula, Montana
3. Portland, Oregon
4. Victoria, British Columbia
Four websites you visit daily:
1. ABC News (my home homepage)
2. WorshipForum.com
3. My blog
4. All the blogs linked on my site
Four Favorite foods:
1. Pizza
2. Mexican Food, especially fajitas & enchiladas (Chevy's when out West)
3. Red Robin burgers (& they're coming soon to The Woodlands!)
4. Bananas (one-a-day, every day!)
Four Places you would rather be:
1. Portland
2. Missoula
3. Playing cards with friends
4. In my new job (where ever that is!)
Monday, February 06, 2006
Super Day!
Yesterday was "Super Bowl Sunday" and it was indeed a super day. Worship at SWCC went well. I especially enjoyed introducing "How Great is Our God" and look forward to singing that one again. Carl's message was really positive and powerful as he spoke about what to do when things are difficult. We used three different video pieces during the service and all were done quite well (but it did make for a challenge to fit everything within our time frame!).
They announced that Rod Brady would be their full-time worship leader, but then they also honored me in a special way and everyone applauded. They've certainly done a nice job of encouraging me and being sensitive to what I might be going through even as they chose another guy. I had more people giving me positive comments about the worship time than on any other week.
Then there was the SuperBowl. Seemed like Seattle had the better team and outplayed the Steelers for most of the game, but Pittsburgh had three big plays that made the difference (and Seattle couldn't get any help from the officials). My favorite commercial was the one where the two guys are comparing the features of their cell phones and one says his has theft deterence; then he throws his phone at the other guy when he attempts to take his wallet. The Bud Light commercials were all pretty funny too (why do beer commercials have to always be so good?). Best part of all was being with friends though -- the Smiths, Woods, Alexanders, Lonards, and Phil Stambaugh.
They announced that Rod Brady would be their full-time worship leader, but then they also honored me in a special way and everyone applauded. They've certainly done a nice job of encouraging me and being sensitive to what I might be going through even as they chose another guy. I had more people giving me positive comments about the worship time than on any other week.
Then there was the SuperBowl. Seemed like Seattle had the better team and outplayed the Steelers for most of the game, but Pittsburgh had three big plays that made the difference (and Seattle couldn't get any help from the officials). My favorite commercial was the one where the two guys are comparing the features of their cell phones and one says his has theft deterence; then he throws his phone at the other guy when he attempts to take his wallet. The Bud Light commercials were all pretty funny too (why do beer commercials have to always be so good?). Best part of all was being with friends though -- the Smiths, Woods, Alexanders, Lonards, and Phil Stambaugh.
Friday, February 03, 2006
What's next?
What's next? Wouldn't we all like to know sometimes what will happen in the future? Could be advantageous if you like to bet on things. On the other hand, it would probably frighten or surprise most of us to see what's going to occur. I guess that's why we're supposed to live one day at a time!
I'm confident that God is taking care of me. I've been blessed where I am right now in lots of ways. But where I'm at is temporary. Sunday they will announce at SWCC that they have hired Rod Brady to be their full-time worship leader; he will begin on April 30. He's a gifted and nice man and I'm happy for him. He'll do a great job at Spring Woodlands. I'm still certain that God has been good in putting me there for this time, but now I'm wondering more and more about where I'll be headed next. I know I need to be patient and faithful ("one day at a time"), but I'd sure like to get things rolling toward the next part of my journey! So. . . I keep looking and searching and praying and waiting. . .
Scattered other thoughts:
Happy Birthday today to my wonderful Mother-in-law, Gladys Maki!
Looking forward to going to the ACU Lectureships later this month. And yesterday I learned that my dad will get to fly down here and go with me! Also, friends Rex Hamilton and Ike Graul will be there.
I brought out a whole bunch of new music at the SWCC Praise Team rehearsal last night. I felt like I hadn't really been leading "my own" choices of songs the last two weeks, so we read a lot of new things. It was fun, but by the end of practice they convinced me to maybe cut back on a couple of the new ones for this week! We will introduce "How Great is Our God" this Sunday; that should be a good one.
I'm confident that God is taking care of me. I've been blessed where I am right now in lots of ways. But where I'm at is temporary. Sunday they will announce at SWCC that they have hired Rod Brady to be their full-time worship leader; he will begin on April 30. He's a gifted and nice man and I'm happy for him. He'll do a great job at Spring Woodlands. I'm still certain that God has been good in putting me there for this time, but now I'm wondering more and more about where I'll be headed next. I know I need to be patient and faithful ("one day at a time"), but I'd sure like to get things rolling toward the next part of my journey! So. . . I keep looking and searching and praying and waiting. . .
Scattered other thoughts:
Happy Birthday today to my wonderful Mother-in-law, Gladys Maki!
Looking forward to going to the ACU Lectureships later this month. And yesterday I learned that my dad will get to fly down here and go with me! Also, friends Rex Hamilton and Ike Graul will be there.
I brought out a whole bunch of new music at the SWCC Praise Team rehearsal last night. I felt like I hadn't really been leading "my own" choices of songs the last two weeks, so we read a lot of new things. It was fun, but by the end of practice they convinced me to maybe cut back on a couple of the new ones for this week! We will introduce "How Great is Our God" this Sunday; that should be a good one.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Dad's Birthday
Today is my dad's 67th birthday. And so I'm reflecting on things I'm thankful for about my dad:
Thanks for doing lots of things well. For showing me a "you can do it" spirit about life. I guess I always thought you could do anything and that helped me to believe that I could try about anything too. I guess I never thought it unusual that you could be a choral conductor and a carpenter, or that you could serve as an Elder and also be the guy that wired in lights or put up sheetrock at church.
Along those line, thanks for lending expertise and hands-on help in so many "projects". I still vividly recall when we built our own house back in Ontario and lots of other remodeling and fixing of things over the years. I have a love of doing my own projects because of those experiences with you.
Thanks for surrounding me with music. Music was always a part of the environment around our home when growing up. I appreciate you for doing vocal music well. When I finally got down to choosing a college major, I decided I'd had so much music around me and that I just couldn't let that go to waste.
Thanks for being a man of faith and prayer and grace. I appreciate the exposure to a bigger world of Christian faith than just our own church. I know I've been shaped by your attitudes and acceptance of change in forms and styles while never abandoning any foundations of our faith. I'm thankful for your example in leading worship. And I'm thankful that you're a man teaching and living by God's grace.
Often now as a father myself, I recall times when you took time out to shoot baskets, times when you insisted I do chores, times you included me in discussions or experiences in worship and music, and on and on. And I'm reminded to do similar things with my own children.
Happy Birthday, Dad!
Thanks for doing lots of things well. For showing me a "you can do it" spirit about life. I guess I always thought you could do anything and that helped me to believe that I could try about anything too. I guess I never thought it unusual that you could be a choral conductor and a carpenter, or that you could serve as an Elder and also be the guy that wired in lights or put up sheetrock at church.
Along those line, thanks for lending expertise and hands-on help in so many "projects". I still vividly recall when we built our own house back in Ontario and lots of other remodeling and fixing of things over the years. I have a love of doing my own projects because of those experiences with you.
Thanks for surrounding me with music. Music was always a part of the environment around our home when growing up. I appreciate you for doing vocal music well. When I finally got down to choosing a college major, I decided I'd had so much music around me and that I just couldn't let that go to waste.
Thanks for being a man of faith and prayer and grace. I appreciate the exposure to a bigger world of Christian faith than just our own church. I know I've been shaped by your attitudes and acceptance of change in forms and styles while never abandoning any foundations of our faith. I'm thankful for your example in leading worship. And I'm thankful that you're a man teaching and living by God's grace.
Often now as a father myself, I recall times when you took time out to shoot baskets, times when you insisted I do chores, times you included me in discussions or experiences in worship and music, and on and on. And I'm reminded to do similar things with my own children.
Happy Birthday, Dad!
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