Worship Recap: Home, Horns, and Accordion

Fred McKinnon —  June 11, 2013 — Leave a comment

Sunday Setlists
Hey gang,

Here’s a quick recap of the setlist from this past Sunday at SSCC.  I’m posting our songs in participation with the “Sunday Setlists” event hosted by TheWorshipCommunity.Com each week.

We had a really fun Sunday and had lots of comments about the music.  I’m enjoying the ability to use some other musicians and singers during these first few months of summer that typically would be serving back in the children’s areas.  They are taking a few weeks off before vamping into their summer series so it’s great to have new faces.

We opened with a classic, “Come Now is the Time to Worship” (D).  It’s a great song to use as an “on ramp” to help people transition from the busyness of getting to church to the setting our hearts towards God.

Next we sang “Our God” (G) which just doesn’t seem to get old to me.

After announcements I took a moment to setup the next song, “Home” by Phillip Phillips.  I explained that this wasn’t really a worship song but the message of the Kingdom was clear in the lyrics.  We are not alone and don’t have to face fears alone.  We have One who is with us and wants to make our hearts His home.

I produced a click track that included some of the additional elements from this song like the accordion and glockenspiel.  I also played accordion live which was a ton of fun.  I added trumpet and trombone as well to play the “oh oh  oh” parts.  One of our guitarist/vocalists, David Dantzler, led the song and did an amazing job.  The band stayed on the click and the congregation really got into the song.

From there we went into “How Great is Our God” (G) and “How Great Thou Art”.  It was a classic service of blending old choruses, hymns, newer choruses, and even a special song from pop culture that still brought the message of the Gospel.

Our final song was a special led by Kim Dixon Eden (she just got married and I’ve got to get used to using her new last name!) by Ginny Owens, “If You Want Me To”.  It was a special time of response.

Overall, great Sunday.  I diversified the vocal leadership throughout the service and really wasn’t the stand out leader on any particular song.  It was a true team effort.

How was your Sunday?

In Sunday Setlists, Worship Leadership (Ministry)
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That Kid in the Pew (God of Grace and God of Glory)

Fred McKinnon —  June 8, 2013 — Leave a comment

I grew up in church.  United Methodist, actually.  We sang hymns.   We had an organ and piano.  (see my tribute to our organist and my piano teacher for twelve years, Cue Herndon) Sometimes we had trumpet.  (Still think of Clark Jensen and hope he’s playing trumpet in heaven).  Eventually we even got handbells.  I even played them a few times, despite nearly shattering the big “G” bell.  I got ejected from that rehearsal, actually.

One would think I didn’t pay much attention.  One would think that I was too young to be in “big church” but in those days we had Sunday School for the kids but everyone came to “big church”.  There was no cool, hipster movie theater style kids’ church with skits and such.

Guess what?  It still sunk in.  It still left deposits in my soul.  And sometimes … quite often, actually, memories come back to me.

This morning as I was walking my dog Sadie and praying I found myself praying the first line of this old hymn.  The Holy Spirit, bringing up a tune and a hymn I probably haven’t sung or though about in probably 25 years.

Maybe you know it — maybe you don’t.  But take a minute and read these lyrics … slowly … intentionally … and make this hymn your prayer today.

God of Grace and Glory

Words:  Harry Emerson Fosdick
Music:  CWM Rhondda, John Hughes

God of grace and God of glory,
On Thy people pour Thy power.
Crown Thine ancient church’s story,
Bring her bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
For the facing of this hour,
For the facing of this hour.

Lo! the hosts of evil ’round us,
Scorn Thy Christ, assail His ways.
From the fears that long have bound us,
Free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
For the living of these days,
For the living of these days.

Cure Thy children’s warring madness,
Bend our pride to Thy control.
Shame our wanton selfish gladness,
Rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
Lest we miss Thy kingdom’s goal,
Lest we miss Thy kingdom’s goal.

Set our feet on lofty places,
Gird our lives that they may be,
Armored with all Christ-like graces,
In the fight to set men free.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
That we fail not man nor Thee,
That we fail not man nor Thee.

Save us from weak resignation,
To the evils we deplore.
Let the search for Thy salvation,
Be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
Serving Thee Whom we adore,
Serving Thee Whom we adore.

 

I couldn’t find a great video or recording of this song, but I’m a sucker for orchestration (even when it drowns out the choir) so here’s a clip I found on YouTube:

In Christian Faith, Worship Leadership (Ministry) , ,
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Parents: 2 Secret Advantages for Your Kids

Fred McKinnon —  May 29, 2013 — 1 Comment

picture_first_mover_advantageIn an earlier post I mentioned how proud I was that our kid made the Honor’s Program at his school.  On top of that, I was proud that all of the boys in my little discipleship group (called a 707) were also in the program.

I told Joy (my wife) that we had an advantage because all of these kids had one thing in common:  parents who were involved and cared.

Not all of the kids have Mom & Dad married and living in the same home, but they do all have parents who love them and care.

We realized that in today’s society, especially in public schools, this can be a huge advantage.  Just having a parent who cares, reminds you to do your homework, answers your questions, and gives you affection … this is huge.

Then Joy commented on 2 things that we do as regularly as possible with our kids that, in our opinion, give them HUGE ADVANTAGES.   They aren’t always easy to maintain but I believe they MATTER.

Our two secrets:

#1.  Breakfast Together

Yes, it’s hectic.  Yes, it’s crazy.  But, as often as possible, we gather around our table and have breakfast together.  It’s common knowledge that a good breakfast is a very important meal for people of all ages.  But just as important, it’s a time of togetherness.  We have a quick devotion, a Scripture memory verse, and a quick prayer.  It puts us all on the same page.  It brings a sense of normalcy and routine to our otherwise busy day.

#2.  Consistent Bedtime

This is the most difficult thing we do.  As our kids get older, they begin to resent bedtime.  Nevertheless, a consistent bedtime is a boundary that we believe is healthy.  It gives them discipline and most importantly, assures that they are getting the sleep that they need.   We have often seen a direct correlation with kids who “go to bed whenever they want” and their ability to do well in school.   Tired, exhausted kids don’t learn well.   They lose their discipline.

Let me be the first to say that we don’t nominate ourselves for any parenting awards, but I can say that these two secrets are important for us.  We believe in them and so far, they have helped our kids a lot.

Any thoughts from the crowd?

In Leadership (General)
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