Weekend Recap, Ft. Belvoir, Week Ahead

Posted on May 28th, 2008 in Events, Faith, Family, Ministry Trips by Fred

Hey Everybody,

Thanks to all those who prayed for our concert up at Ft. Belvoir, VA this past weekend. It was an awesome trip, and far from uneventful. You can catch some of the highlights of the trip in random Twitter updates and my previous post. Perhaps the biggest ordeal was my realizing that my Driver’s License had expired in November of last year. This morning, I’ll be going straight to the Georgia State Patrol’s office to get it renewed.

This trip was a great cultural experience as well. With the exception of Sonic Flood, all the other bands had a strong urban/black gospel sound. Even though twin sisters Mary Alessi and Martha Munizzi are “white girls”, it’s only in complexion. They are saturated with soul.

My appreciation for gospel music has soared through the roof. Bottom line … gospel musicians play far more complex arrangements, chord voicings, and rhythms than the “same-old, white/U2-rockish, pop/contemporary worship music” that we play over and over. I’ve got a degree in Music Theory yet I am sure I’d spend hours trying to “figure out” exactly that these guys were playing.

On Sunday, I stayed over and brought the Word to the congregation of the “gospel service” at the Woodlawn Chapel on Ft. Belvoir. Once again, with the exception of myself, Jay Sellers (my guitarist), his Mom, our wonderful escort, Lt. John Hunter, and a couple of others … we were the only “white folk” in that service. It was amazing. What rich culture of praising God. And let me tell you - these wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ were some of the most honoring and hospitable people I’ve ever been around. We were made to feel like royalty, and I have a deep appreciation and respect for them. I feel that I’ve found some great friends in the Kingdom and would go back in a heartbeat.

All reports are that Shannon Lewis (Associate Worship Dir) did an awesome job leading a rather mixed team of youth musicians and some of our newer adult vocalists in worship at church on Sunday. Apparently, I missed quite a Sunday - with quad baby dedications, a real pig on the stage, and Pastor David stomping around in full scuba gear.

Which brings me to today. Not only did my Driver’s License expire, but Joy’s AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) credentials have also expired. She’s headed down to Orlando, FL this afternoon and won’t return until Sunday evening. So - just like two weekends ago, I’m “Mr. Mom”. Pray for me to have the extra measure of grace that Mom’s take for granted! I’m looking forward to some quality time w/ the kids!

Speaking of Joy … knowing we were apart all this past weekend, and now will be apart for 4 more days … we had a great date last night.

Babysitter: $35
Sharing OutBack Special and 1/2 Order of Aussie Cheese Fries: $30
Two Tickets to Indiana Jones: $18

Time together: Priceless.
We certainly don’t have nearly $85 budgeted for date night in a week. That’s way over our entire budget for a full week of “eating out, entertainment”, etc. But it was one of those times when I said “Joy, we’ll figure out where to squeeze this out of our budget later … we’re going out, period”. She happily obliged.

So, I’d love to get some discussion on this blog.
1) If you (like me) are Caucasian, what has your experience (if any) been in a more African American church culture?
2) How often do you and your babe date? Do you budget for it?

Fred

TheWorshipCommunity.Com - 1,000+ Today

Posted on March 5th, 2008 in Cool Stuff, Events, General, Technology, Worship Leadership by Fred

Hey Everyone!

TheWorshipCommunity.Com just passed it’s 1,000th member today! With the exception of a little “members-only” referral contest and a mailing, it’s the only outside advertising I’ve done for TheWorshipCommunity.Com … of course, except for blogging about it.

TheWorshipCommunity.Com is a forums-based community targeted to those involved in worship ministry - worship leaders, pastors, technicians, musicians, singers, etc. It’s also a great place for people to hang out and just discuss worship.

There is an active section in “Technologies for Worship” where technology is being discussed. Lots of song, CD, and equipment reviews … and of course, the infamous “Worship Confessional” area where we share our setlists.

So, if you’ve not joined - check it out today. If’ you joined but haven’t made an appearance anytime soon - come join the party!

Bloggers - will you consider blogging this milestone to help further promote TWC?

For the Kingdom,
Fred

Event - Fort Belvoir Open Air Worship

Posted on March 3rd, 2008 in Events, Ministry Trips, Music by Fred

Hey Everyone,

Announcing a great worship event, the “1st Annual Fort Belvoir Open Air Worship Experience” at Fort Belvoir, VA.

I’m honored to be one of the guest worship artists at this event, along with incredible worshipers such as Antonia Lawrence, Bruce Parham, Jason Crabb, Martha Munizzi, Mary Alessi, Selah, and SonicFlood.

The event will be held on Memorial Day Weekend at Pullen Field. If you (or someone you love) is in the military and live close by, I hope you can come out for this great event!

“This event is intended to provide a worship experience for all military ID cardholders assigned to the Military District of Washington (MDW) area. This celebration is intended to provide a social event for all personnel assigned to Fort Belvoir, their families, as well as the general public throughout the surrounding communities.”

More details at:
www.myspace.com/fortbelvoiroawe

I’ll be leading worship along with the house band - time TBA!
So, come on out!

Fred