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Bay Shore Community Church - Night of Worship

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:44:00 +0000

My wife and I were given the honor of sitting in with the worship team over at Bay Shore Community Church for a few songs during their Night of Worship. We had such a great time with Antionette Sands and the team. Bay Shore has a great tech crew also..... Joel Tice and Andy Mason and friends do an amazing job! Check out this video of me leading Go by Hillsong United and you will see what I mean.
(The mix was straight out of the board so it is a little off but not too bad.)

Worship Leaders - Give Your Job Away (part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 19:47:00 +0000

Last week I posted some thoughts on finding the right people to be part of your worship team and potentially, to become someone who would ultimately take your place. This week I wanted to take that a step further and share some ideas of how to begin to "give your job away."

There is really only one good way to become a good "worship leader" .... and that is to lead worship. Now, we could have a debate on what it means to be a good worship leader..... and argue about it for the next decade..... but lets assume that we agree a good worship leader is.......

a skilled musician/vocalist
a worshipper
able to direct a band during corporate worship times
help lead people to Jesus during corporate worship times.

These are general points but lets just go with it for the sake of this post. So.... though actually leading worship is the only real way to become better at leading worship, there are some things that we can do to help develop anyone who we are grooming to be our "replacement." These few points are things to encourage your team with but also something to use as observation points. I would even suggest that the points follow a good progression for someone being developed as a worship leader.

WATCH - PARTICIPATE -PLAY WITH EXPERIENCED WORSHIP LEADERS : Seeing an experienced worship leader in action (other than you) is a great way for someone on your team to begin to think about how they would lead if they had the opportunity. So give your team the flexibility to work with other churches, attend special events and conferences, and to network with worship leaders. This alone does not make a great worship leader but it goes a long way to help develop and expand their ability.
LEAD BY THEMSELVES DURING KID'S EVENTS : This is a great way for a wanna be worship leader to get comfortable in front of people. It allows someone to be creative and experimental but not feel the pressure of getting it perfect. And kids love to worship so it is fun.
LEAD A SONG : Not just be the lead vocalist, but encourage them to really lead the people into engaging the song and what it means. Allow them to take what they have learned in step 1 and 2 and apply in a manageable way. The thought of leading a whole service may be scary, but one song is doable.
PLAN ENTIRE WORSHIP SET : Allow them to develop the theme, pick the songs, plan transitions, etc. Help them to see that the worship set is not about good music or the best singer always singing..... it is about helping people see Jesus. Give them goals such as have 3 different people (or any number that is available to you) lead a song...... and sing at least one traditional hymn that corresponds with the theme. This allows them to experience the full scope of a worship leaders responsibilities but doesn't leave them by themselves or put the weight completely on their shoulders. It may even be good to have them plan the worship set knowing that they wont be playing or singing during that set.

This is where, as a worship leader, you may begin to feel nervous about letting go. Remember, someone gave you the space and chance to develop your skills..... now do it for someone else. Hope this helps.

Worship Leaders - Give Your Job Away

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:32:00 +0000

We just got back from our summer vacation. We headed south for 10 days for some much needed R & R. We were gone for 2 Sundays in a row, which is not something that we do very often, but it is something that we are more and more comfortable doing. There are a few reasons why that I thought were worth sharing here over a few blog posts. First up.....

FINDING THE RIGHT PEOPLE

This sounds a lot easier than it really is. As worship leaders, we live in the tension of wanting great musicians and wanting people to be involved. There are many people who would love to be on the team but they are just not ready and don't have the skill yet. At the same time there are great musicians who just don't know how to play with a live band and blend with others.... especially in a worship setting that changes and morphs throughout the "set". So, this tension is where we begin to find leaders and help shape them into someone who could ultimately do your job. Here are a few lessons that we have learned a long the way that may help you identify the right people.

THEY MUST LEARN ON THEIR OWN - This is probably the toughest lesson we have learned because we have this notion sometimes that if someone is just willing to try then we can shape them into something great. There are many people who have a desire to play and sing with the worship team. Some have very little skill or training while others are amazing artists in their own right.... neither group (or anyone in between) will automatically make a member of your team or, therefore, a good leader. The first quality I look for is does this person have the drive to learn on their own? Will they challenge themselves to grow.... to learn the music.... to study their own instrument or voice? We have been amazed and equally disappointed by people on both ends of the spectrum. The person who led for us both weeks while we were on vacation started with us 7 years ago and was, at best, a mediocre drummer. Today she is an amazing vocalist and the best rhythm acoustic player we have..... all because she learned on her own. So, don't judge anyone by their skill level alone. Look inside them and see what they could be and if they have the drive to develop it.
LISTENS TO A LOT OF MUSIC - Musicians love music - all kinds of music. I am nervous when anyone who wants to play on the team and they say things like "I hate country music" or "I hate rap" or whatever the case may be. If I am looking for someone to eventually lead a congregation of diverse people in worship, then they will need to be able to find beauty in all kinds of music. Everyone has preferences but this goes beyond that in the way that a fine cuisine lover will seek out new tastes and flavors to excite their taste buds. This is a good marker of someone who has the desire inside of them to learn on their own and may make a good team member. I love when someone tells me about new (and old) music that they have discovered. Some of the toughest issues/conflicts we have had as worship leaders is when someone fights against a specific genre that we dip our toes into.

It is important to note hear that a musicians will have their own style that has developed out of their listening habits. Having a unique or even genre specific style is not a bad thing.... matter of fact it can make for a very interesting experience when people from very different musical influences converge on a song. I am not speaking of forcing people into playing a specific style but to appreciate and glean from all types of music.

SPIRITUAL EARS - I listed this last because this is one that we, as leaders, need to cultivate in our team. Often we engage with new believers who are excited about being on the band and it is our job to help them develop spiritual mindedness and lifestyles no matter where they are on the musical apitude test. But, it is important to try and identify their spiritual maturity from the very beginning. Allow the Holy Spirit to be your guide on this..... let's not pretend that we have anything in ourselves that allows us to do this. Beg God to show you how to not only develop a great band but spiritual leaders.

I am a worship leader because someone allowed this poor guitarist and even worse vocalist the space to develop. That is what I want to provide for others. Hope this helps someone. I will post more on giving your job as worship leader away in the near future.

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The Lord's Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Tue, 31 May 2011 13:09:00 +0000

A few weeks ago I challenged Corey Franklin and Micah Jayne, two very talented and experienced musicians, to a contest. Corey had written a song called "The Lord's Prayer" and we had worked on it off and on for over a year trying to get the feel and vibe of the song to be what Corey had in his head. As with a lot of things that we do, it was mostly talk, not a lot of action so I thought what better way to get moving on the song than a friendly competition.... WHO CAN MAKE THE BEST VERSION OF THE SONG ON THEIR OWN?

Corey recorded the acoustic guitar and vocal tracks to a metronome at his house and then sent Micah and myself the files. From there we could do whatever we wanted with the song. We set a deadline, then posted them on Facebook without letting people know who created them and allowed people to vote on their favorite version.

Corey, obviously, is talented and has a full studio album under his belt plus all the gadgets you would need to create a great sounding demo. Micah is extremely creative and has worked on a lot of projects which if you haven't checked out his website yet you should do so now and you will see what I mean. I, on the other hand, have played guitar on one song......

None the less, here is my version of the song.... "The Lord's Prayer"

The Lord's Prayer Mix #3 by coreyfranklin

As for who won..... let's just say that even cheating couldn't put me in first place. If you would like to hear the other two versions.... I posted them here as well. Feel free to comment below on which one is your favorite if you like. Corey's is #1 and Micah's is #2.

The Lord's Prayer Mix #1 by coreyfranklin

The Lord's Prayer Mix #2 by coreyfranklin

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New Blog by.... CURTIS JONES!!!???

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Wed, 11 May 2011 15:41:00 +0000

I thought it was very important to share with everyone some exciting news..... unexpected news even. There is a new blog in the virtual realm and I think you should take a look at it. I, for one, am proud to think that may have had some influence on it's author.

Curtis Jones has created a blog...... check it out here! So proud.

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Here's Your Sign

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Tue, 10 May 2011 03:13:00 +0000

Take a look around your work area..... how many signs or labels do you see? If it is anything like our church office when I arrived 6 years ago, everything has a sign or label on it. Literally....everything. There were signs on every door fobidding this and warning against that.....line after line of instructions on how to use equipment hanging around every corner and on every workstation. There were labels on every drawer..... "FORKS" "PENCILS" "CANDLES" "POSTIT NOTES". There were even labels placed on the labeler with instructions on how to use it and to whom it belonged. You think I am exaggerating but it is completely true. Everything had a label or a sign..... and if a problem arose where something happened that was not what we wanted, the obviously solution was to post a new sign with new instructions.

Though many signs and labels remain, I have tried to remove as many as possible and ensure that very few new ones are created. It is accurate to say that Ideveloped a hatred for signs and labels. While I do understand why signs would seem like a good solution, I want to share a few thoughts about this before you form such a life controlling habit..... so here are 3 reasons why you should stay away from signs.....

THEY LOOK DUMB - Plain and simple. Sure labels look good on your neat expandable coupon folder and maybe even on your inventory closet shelves but dont think your visitors are impressed cause you have labeled the draw that the salt and pepper shakers go in or where the extra tithe envelopes are kept. Place labels only where absolutely needed. Also, your laminated print shop sign to make sure people don't steal your tape dispenser is not cool.

If you have decided that a sign or label is something you can't live without, learn from some great spaces (Starbucks, Panera Bread, Barnes & Nobles) and make sure that it fits into the design and layout of the existing space..... if the sign is needed then it is worth spending the time and money to make it look good.

THE MORE THERE ARE, THE LESS THEY WILL READ - Listen, it is just they way it is, the more cluttered your communications become, the less anyone is going to actually hear what you are saying. Running the coffee pot can a difficult task and the need for a step by step instuction manual on the wall may seem like a good idea, but if it is next to the sign about the microwave and the George Forman then chances are they may never get to the coffee sign which would be a tradgedy.

Guard against over signing and labeling. When a sign is absolutely needed, keep it simple and concise...... only what is absolutely needed.

IMMATURE LEADERS ARE SIGN MAKERS - This is really why I wanted to write this post....the first two points are important but there to soften you up for this one. Every time you make a sign to correct something that is being done wrong in your organization you miss an opportunity to provide important personal leadership to someone or a group. There are a few reasons why I think in most cases, direct communication is better.....

Signs rarely communicate "WHY." No one wants to do something just because someone else said so..... help your people to understand the reason their actions need to change and they are more likely to do so.
It is easy to take a sign the wrong way, especially if you feel you are the person being corrected by the sign. When you address the person or persons face to face you can make sure things are clearly understood and the tone and tenor of the message can be managed.
There is always someone who feels that the sign doesn't apply to them..... so if you tell people directly what you expect from them specifically, there is no room for passing the buck.

I know that there are very good reasons why signs are the right solution in certain circumstances, so I am not saying signs are always bad. What I am saying is you should not mistaken a sign as providing leadership. It is not always easy or comfortable to have corrective conversations with your team and staff but by providing direct personal leadership you can better acheive the outcomes you are working for.

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The Bruno Mars - Grenade Sermon

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:57:00 +0000

My son Chase, who is 11 and in the 5th grade, recently came to his mom and I and shared that he wanted to write a sermon to give during chapel at his school. He attends Lighthouse Christian School, which is a ministry of Dagsboro Church of God where I serve. Chase told us of how he felt the song "Grenade" by Bruno Mars was representative of how we treat Jesus. That even though we treat Him poorly, He would still "take a grenade" for us.

We thought it was great and encouraged him to finish writing it. So, he did and he spoke with his teachers and got permission to preach it at chapel. You can see a very poorly made video of the sermon below.....and yes that is me trying to play the acoustic to a hip hop song that I had never practiced before.

Chase Sermon -- April 2011 from Jeremy Ferruccio on Vimeo.

We are proud of Chase and his heart to find ways to communicate the gospel in creative ways. What is funny is the controversy that this sermon caused within the leadership of the school. Some of the teachers were really upset that a "secular" song was used. They said things like "our children's ears have been tainted" and "who approved this?!"

So, I guess I am looking to hear some of your thoughts about the use of "secular" media in a service.

I will post some more of my thoughts in the coming week or two.

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Lesson Learned The Hard Way

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:25:00 +0000

You may have noticed some issues with my blog recently....missing pictures, alignment problems, etc. The design for my blog is a simple Wordpress to Blogger template that a site offered for free. I really like the design and the way it funtions (used to function).

Well, let me warn you, if you are using a template be sure to download all of the source files, images, scripts, etc. that the creator is hosting and upload them to your own server (flickr, picasa, whatever)......because if they move, delete or change the name of those files your site will be ...... well like mine.

This is probably blogging 101 for most of you but a lesson that I learned the hard way......

New Stage Design Complete

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 21:09:00 +0000

As a follow up to my previous post, I wanted to show you what we finally decided to do with our stage design change. I am very happy with the way this turned out. I actually got the idea from this website.... Production Musings.

Basically we bought 7 sheets of luan... cut them into 6 inch strips using a table saw. Then with scrap 2x4's built the frames and stapled the luan strips to them. The cost for the material was minimal.... luan is about $10 bucks per sheet so even if you have to buy the 2x4's you should be able to do this project for around $100. 2 of us were able to complete this project in about 6 hours, so it is very simple.

If there is one thing that I would have done different it would have been to paint the 2x4 frames black so that they weren't visible (which, of course, would have made the project time much longer)....and we may go back and do that now even though it will be much more time consuming working around the luan strips.

Lighting for the backdrops is accomplished by simply up lighting the structures with 4 LED Colorstips. I also would like to have a little more color wash on the luan so since this picture has been taken we have ordered two new LED Color Palettes. I have found that these two different lights give about the same result so both are interchangeable.... but with the LED Color Palettes being $50 cheaper, I would recommend them if you are interested in some low end, LED color lighting solutions.

This is a project that any church with any size budget can accomplish. I think it is elegant and modern at the same time and could work in almost any setting. Hope you find this useful.

12 Years At Dagsboro Church of God

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:48:00 +0000

A few nights ago, my pastor invited me to share at the small group that he has at his house. It is called Lead Group - 10 to 12 people who spend time with Pastor talking about how to make the church more effective in our community. The group meets for about 6 months then a new group starts up. Pastor gave me no instructions on what to talk about. He just asked me to come and share whatever I felt God wanted me to share.

As I began to talk with my wife about what we could share, I thought it would be cool to share the story of how we became leaders at DCOG. As we began to think and remember we realized that it is almost 12 years now that we have been at Dagsboro Church of God!

That realization was very humbling. What a great feeling to look back over our history here and see what we have been through and how we have grown. There were times when we wanted to give up....times when we were on top of the world.... moments that we thought we were not making a difference.... and times we thought we were changing the world. What I think I am most grateful for is the grace that God gave us to stick it out. There is so much that goes into that statement.... such as friends and mentors who gave us wise counsel..... leaders that instructed us biblically, etc. But we can look back and know without shame that we have served with all of our hearts..... and when things got tough we were able to push through. I know that God calls people to serve in different places and He will move people where He wants and I am okay with that..... but I know without doubt that God has placed us at DCOG and that we will serve with everything we have - whether in famine or plenty - defeat or victory, until God calls us elsewhere.

So, today be encouraged.... just keep pushing ahead, seeking God not success or fame. If you are consistent and constant, before you know it you will be able to look back and see the great work that God has done through you and in you.

23 And I do all things for the gospel’s sake, that I may be a joint partaker thereof.24 Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain.25 And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.26 I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight I, as not beating the air:27 but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected. 1 Corinthians 9:22

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Stage Design Ideas and Resources

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:12:00 +0000

I have been doing some research here and there looking for cost effective stage elements that we could use for our stage here at DCOG. I have found some really cool stuff that I wanted to share with everyone so.... check out these links and let me know what you think.

This, I thought was AMAZING....I was blown away with the beauty of this simple idea. Only problem is that this was done on expensive paper with an expensive printer.... but it got me thinking....what are other ways to create something like this. Anyway, if you have any creative solutions to accomplish this please share. The creator of the original shared his process here.

Also, in general The Church Marketing Lab on Flickr has been a huge source of inspiration and learning not only on stage design but on graphic design for web and print also. Great creative resource.

For anyone looking for some professional advice on getting the most of what you have when it comes to your ministry environments... take a look at one of my partners, Clark. I have personally attended churches in which they have assisted and they are some of the best designed environments I have been in. They focus on not getting more stuff but on doing the most with what you have, and I like that. So, if you are ready to make some major changes they could be a huge resource.

As I come across more resources that I like as I am researching I will definitely share them here with you. If you have any to share with me I would be very appreciative. Till next time.

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Stuck (Guest Tony Sutherland)

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:00:00 +0000

“…Having done all, to stand. Stand…” (Ephesians 6:13-14 NASB)

As I type this blog I am grounded in the Salt Lake airport due to a state of emergency in Atlanta. My hometown got nearly 9 inches of snow and it halted over 1900 flights in and out of Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. What a perfect opportunity for God to speak to me.

Moses had run completely out of options and was at a dismal dead end. He was stuck and there was no turning back. All he could do was stand still and prepare for deliverance (Exodus 14:33). Many times I have felt immobilized in God’s purposes for my life and no matter what I did, it was completely ineffective and unsuccessful to create movement or momentum. In these life and ministry experiences, there are 5 valuable lessons I have learned over the years about being stuck…

1. Expect Chaos. Just because everything is going wrong doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. Obeying God doesn’t disqualify us from challenges. Anyone who ever stood firm in their assignment had to overcome trials of every kind. In fact, success doesn’t eliminate obstacles; it creates new ones. Faith doesn’t prevent adversity; it keeps usthrough adversity. Those who don’t experience setbacks are usually sitting back. If you’re getting kicked in the rear, it’s often because you’re the one out front.

2. Wait on purpose. Don’t let waiting take you by surprise. Wholeheartedly expect it. The waiting part is as critical in the process as the doing part. When a seed is planted in the ground it must be left alone to take root and grow. If we try to manipulate our circumstances it’s like constantly pulling the plant out of the soil and inspecting the roots. What you don’t see is often the most important stage of a God given vision. Interruption is disruption. Wait with eager expectancy. God is moving.

3. Ignore the threats. If Moses had listened to the raging mob or the roaring sea he wouldn’t have been able to discern the voice between. If he had given into their demands, the result would have been disastrous. Conversely, Gideon allowed the Israelites to pressure him into fashioning an ephod (reserved only for priests), which resulted in Israel experiencing only temporary peace from their enemies. Gideon’s presumptuousness caused the next generation to return to their oppression after his death (Judges 8:22-33).

4. Let God work. When we work, God rests but when we rest, God works. Like Moses, we have to throw our hands up in surrender, which means we have to take our hands off the situation. If it doesn’t take a miracle to do what God has called you to do, then most likely God didn’t call you to do it. You cannot manufacture the miraculous. What God initiates He orchestrates. It’s impossible to finish what God started. Only He can do that. You might be stuck but you’re not stranded. Help is on the way.

5. Behold God’s glory. Moses was in a pinch: between a rock and a hard place. However, he knew how this felt because God had previously wedged him into the cleft of the rock (Exodus 33:18-23). There he beheld the glory of God and it well prepared him for his Red Sea moment. Being pinned to a hard place is the perfect opportunity to see the impossible come to pass. If we submit all our faculties (emotional, physical, spiritual) it won’t be long until we behold God’s unfolding glory (Psalms 46:10).

Remember… A dead end is only an open door to a new direction!

Father of Lies (Guest Tony Sutherland)

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:20:00 +0000

“…Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44 NASB)

Right on the heels of 2011, with promises of this being a breakout year for me, I awoke very early in the morning with voices of doubt, fear and failure circling my head. Without my permission or advance notification, the arguments raged concerning my family… my finances… my future…

It was as if these thoughts had been waiting at my bedside ready to pounce me. I knew it was the enemy but I felt somewhat paralyzed. Maybe it was because I was too tired to sit up or my brain wasn’t fully awake… I’m not quite sure… But I do know this… As I lay there I started to feel myself drifting deeper into these fearful and discouraging imaginations when suddenly the Holy Spirit whispered… “Disregard him. Everything he says is a lie anyway.”

Satan is by his very nature a supplanter of accusation, a conceiver of deception and a breeder of lies. He is the founder and original architect of lies. Like a father he impregnates his victims with his evil seed. If we give consent, he will sow into our wombs his profane conspiracies about who we are and Whose we are. Rape victims are most often attacked in dark, isolated and remote areas. That is the enemy’s desire: to rape our souls. He accomplishes this by distorting our faith and isolating our thoughts from the truth that is IN CHRIST. He is searching for earthen vessels to give him consent to nurture his demonic embryos of lies.

Mornings are most often the most unguarded moments of our day. Therefore, the first words we should utter from our lips are words of praise and positive confession from God’s Word. By doing this we post a NO TRESPASSING sign and unleash the dogs on the enemy’s intrusion. Praise silences the avenger! (Psalms 8:2) Therefore we must spend time regularly meditating in God’s Word and receiving and abundance of Grace (Romans 5:17). If there’s no Word in us then no Word will come out of us. Speaking the Word of God by the authority of Jesus’ blood has brute force to crush satan’s lies. We must seize rampant thoughts by force and take them captive. When evil imaginations attempt to create a mental riot we must strong-arm them into submission (Revelation 12:10-11; Mathew 11:12; 2 Corinthians 10:5).

The Holy Spirit reminds us of what’s RIGHT about us (not what wrong about us). Our future isn’t dismal; it’s DAZZLING! Our blessing is secured and cannot be retracted or reversed. Satan has been dethroned and disarmed. No weapon formed against us can succeed (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 11:29; Isaiah 54:17; Colossians 2:15). Discouragement does not originate from the Holy Spirit. Rather it spews out from the darkness. However, we are IN CHRIST and in Him there is no darkness AT ALL. Be convinced of the Father’s deep love for you and His incredible promises for your life! (1 Corinthians 14:33; Colossians 1:13-14, James 1:17; 1 John 1:5)

Tony

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Guest Blogger - Tony Sutherland

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:30:00 +0000

Hey everyone, wanted to introduce you to a good friend of mine who will be guest blogging here next week. I met Tony Sutherland about 4 years ago while he was in the area ministering at a few churches. We were blessed to have Tony stop by DCOG for an evening service. Tony ministered through his music and the word. It was a great time and we have been blessed to have Tony back several times.

Tony has really made a point to stay in contact with me personally and encourage me and be a source balanced perspective. I am blessed to know him and believe that God has placed Tony in my life for a purpose.

Tony is a great singer/songwriter. He has a long list of accomplishments and is a celebrity in his own rite but is down to Earth and relate-able as anyone. You can find all kinds of great stuff from Tony and about him on his website. And....if you are looking for a great worship album, his latest release is available on iTunes..... download it!

Look for posts from Tony next week.

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New Stage Design....Maybe

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 03:52:00 +0000

So, I am getting the itch to change up our sanctuary stage layout and decor again at Dagsboro Church of God. The most recent design is simple, what you see above. The colors are created by RGB L-E-D strips on the floor. Not a whole lot going on, I know. I am not looking to have crazy motion lazers, fog machines, and all that jazz (though I dig them). Just some subtle changes to keep things fresh.

Our church has a fair amount of natural light from the side windows. And, as you can see the ceilings are not that high. So, colors and floods are accents more than anything else. The stage depth is only about 12 feet so that is tricky as well.

So... I would like your help. I am looking for simple, inexpensive ideas for stage design. Share your links, your stories, your secrets. Thanks everyone.

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Great Quote

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 22:20:00 +0000

Just heard this and wanted to share it....

"You can only think as big as your vocabulary."

Think about that for a moment. Apply it to worship....not just singing, but our life in worship to God and corporate worship. That is deep stuff. Share your thoughts if you wish.

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Don't Get Stuck In The Past....Build On It

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 21:40:00 +0000

I had the opportunity and privilege to fill in for my pastor, Kim Tephabock, this morning behind the pulpit as he spent time and ministered to his family this weekend during the passing of his father-in-law. The message that I gave helped me gain some more perspective on a previous post that I made.... here.

I was going to post my message here for you to listen to but the truth is Erwin said it better here (message title "Time To Make A Change").....this message hit me in a place that was needed and I was able to use digest this and share it with our congregation at Dagsboro Church of God.

Thanks to Billy Reese for pointing me to it. Billy always has something to give because he is always consuming books, podcasts, etc. Love that. Thanks man.

Digital Uprise

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 13:00:00 +0000

I wanted to briefly let you know about one of my partners......Digital Uprise. Digital Uprise is a local Professional Grade audio production company. Owner/Operator Garrett Davis is a certified Pro Tools instructor and Audio System designer. He has worked on albums for some of today's biggest artist such as Shinedown, Mylie Cyrus, Corey Franklin (:D), and others.

I personally worked with Garrett on the Truth Be Told with Corey Franklin and can say that the guy knows his stuff, has the right equipment, and made it fun to record. Garrett also recorded Jimmy Akers' new album, Daybreak Is Upon Us. They did it in 2 days to meet Jimmy's needs!

If you are looking to record some music, there is no better place on the Eastern Shore than Digital Uprise. No matter how big or small the project, Garrett and company can get it done right. Also, if you are interested in designing a studio or learning pro tools, Garrett is your man. I can't recommend them enough. Tell Garrett I sent you!

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Reasons I Won't Be Getting Verizon iPhone.....Yet

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 17:44:00 +0000

Listen, I am not going to try and fake it.....I have always wanted an iPhone. I am drawn in by the design and the functionality of it is amazing. I have whined for years about the AT&T network and how I refused to switch from Verizon because I never heard anything good AT&T coverage. Now that the iPhone is going to be made available to Verizon customers, my mouth is watering with anticipation.... I can almost picture myself holding the phone to my ear, looking like one of the cool people. I can see myself video chatting with friends from trendy coffee bars and art galleries while wearing scarfs, v-neck shirts and Chuck Taylors. I am ready to own this phone!!

But..... I think I am going to wait till the next generation of Verizon iPhones are released before making the jump. I have a few doubts and questions that need to be resolved before I convert. Here are a few reasons why I will not be getting the first Verizon iPhone......

I LOVE MY DROID - Seriously, my Droid Incredible is incredible. The Android system works great and with the Google integration, I can do anything from my phone that I need. It has a better camera and the display seems to be just as clear although slightly smaller. How well does the iPhone sync with Google?
VERIZON iPHONE STILL DOESN'T ALLOW SIMULTANEOUS VOICE & DATA - One of the best reasons for getting and iPhone is not available on the Verizon network yet. Not to mention, the iPhone doesn't work with Verizon's 4g network, meaning that it will be slower than people who have the AT&T iPhone.....not cool.
THERE ARE BOUND TO BE BUGS - The Verizon and AT&T networks are completely different animals, no doubt there will be some fixes. I have waited this long I can wait another year to not have to be a guinea pig.

So, even though I have long awaited this announcement, I am willing to wait a little longer.... at least until all of my Verizon buddies begin getting theirs.

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Daybreak Is Upon Us

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:41:00 +0000

This past weekend I had the opportunity to jam with a good friend of mine, Jimmy Akers. We rocked out Saturday in Dagsboro, De at DCOG and then again Sunday night at New Covenant Community Church in Bel Air, MD as Jimmy debuted some of the songs from his new album, Day Break Is Upon Us. Jimmy released his most recent album, an acoustic album with just him and his wife Amber, Daybreak Is Upon Us.

You should take sometime and read through Jimmy's blog and hear his heart for this album and for the church..... and I just want to add that what you read there is the real Jimmy Akers..... and the music on this new album is his and his wife's heart. Jimmy serves as the youth pastor at Dagsboro Church of God where I serve as Staff Pastor and I have known Jimmy and Amber for over ten years. They are the real deal. You can email Jimmy here to find out how to get a copy, which he is giving away for a donation of any amount. Get it and be blessed by it.

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Chasing The Heart of God

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 14:48:00 +0000

As I have been doing some thinking and praying about this New Year, there has been one thing that I keep going back to. Every time I try to think out a set of goals or a plan of action I am side tracked with this one thought. It is not complicated but in a way it makes me nervous.... or at least forces me to admit I am not in control. It is not anything new necessarily. I would say that I have always tried to do this one thing but maybe now I am beginning to see (or finally believe) that if we "seek ye first the kingdom then all these things shall be added."

The phrase that continues to echo in my mind is simply "run hard after God."

When I think about my wife and kids and our home and all of the things that I want to accomplish with and for them..... I hear "run hard after God."

When I dream about the Church and how much I want to make it shine in our communities....."run hard after God."

When I think about writing or singing or creating things that will inspire people toward our Creator......."run hard after God."

One thing that I have clearly learned from 2010 is that there are many things out there that will take your time and energy. Good things, meaningful things that will take all the effort you are willing to give them. It is easy for me to mistaken working hard for God .... for .... being close to God.

So, as we enter this New Year.... New Decade, may we Chase the heart of God with everything that we have and may everything else be added after that.

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Life Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 11:56:00 +0000

I got to tell you, I was a little disappointed in myself that I allowed the new year to arrive without spending some time in prayer and meditation concerning what my priorities were for 2011. The year end really snuck up on me. I have been feeling like a failure for about a week now.....

But maybe it was because I needed to read this great blog series by Ron Edmonson.... this is some great stuff and I am gonna chew on it over the next week or two and layout some goals for my family and I. Better late than never!

You should check this series out and I pray if you are like me and have entered 2011 a little unprepared, that it will help you get on track as it has me.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5

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Some Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 17:46:00 +0000

Okay, so I am going to put a few of these out there so that maybe I will be pressured into keeping them. Last night after the ball dropped and I kissed my wife, we sat down and talked about what some of our resolutions would be. I honestly had not thought too much about it until that moment. 2010 was a busy year in so many different ways and its close came rushing in on me. But once I began to think about my regrets from 2010, it was easy to identify a few areas that I want to improve. Not that any of this is interesting or important to you, but here are a few things I want to do better in 2011.....

I want to read more. I read less in 2010 than I have maybe ever.... that is sad. 2011 I want to set a goal of at least 2 books a month. Nothing crazy. That doesn't include the blog reader that I neglected for the second half of 2010. I am going to refine my blog feeds and stay current on them.
Write better and more. I want to write not just more stuff but better stuff. This includes blog posts, songs, sermons, lessons, etc. I want to right at least 100 blog post in 2011. I want to right at least 25 complete songs (good or bad) this year.
I want to take my family on more adventures and make more memories with my kids. This one I am ahead of the curve on....we bought season passes to Six Flags which are all over the country.... we plan on seeing as many as possible. As a tag to this one, I want to take more pictures....which means I need to get a good camera.
I want to finish some projects around my house that we have been talking about for a few years.

Remodel bathroom #2
Enclose the back porch
Completely finish kitchen molding

Work out schedule...... I know.... but I am putting it on here anyway.

So, maybe this will help hold me accountable to these.

New Year Already

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:22:00 +0000

It is impossible to see the New Year arrive and not be somewhat reflective of the year that has passed. For me, I think about the new resolutions that I need to make BECAUSE I remember the ones that I didn't keep last year. Blogging is one such resolution. To prove my point, this post written last January - I Am Still Alive - was the first of what was to be my best attempt at this discipline, though I did not make to the end. The title alone says enough.

I have had an amazing year though. So much has happened. Here are a few highlights, follow links to learn more about it.....

I have realized more and more how much I need and love my family....My wife and kids are the reason I get up each day.
Tony Morgan Coaching Network
Unite Sussex was formed.
Staff Retreat was awesome!
I got a DROID....changed my life.
My first trip to Disney....kids stayed home.
First time in music studio.

There is so much more that made 2010 a great year. New friends, new experiences with my wife Ragan, new places visited. I have a feeling that 2011 is gonna be a very important year in our life.... hope to share it with you. God bless you this year.

Truth Be Told

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Ferruccio) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 17:57:00 +0000

So, you are probably tired of me talking about this song because we have been working on it for some time now but it has finally become available on iTunes! And I personally think it was worth the wait. The song is well written by Corey Franklin and the production was great thanks to Garrett Davis, Jeff Juliano, and Brad Blackwood. I am really proud of the work that we did..... and since this was my first studio experience...I learned a lot.

You can purchase the song for download through iTunes. We hope to have a website up soon that will help share the story behind the song a little. And, of course, there are many more songs that we would like to record. But this is where we need some help......

There are a few ways to support us in big ways....

Buy The Song! - Rate It, Share It, Tell Everyone about It!
Place ad on your site - Copy the image below or create your own.

If you would like to place an ad on your site but are having trouble in any way, let me know via a comment and I will do my best to help out. Thanks so much and I hope you enjoy the song.