Alastair Vance | Thoughts from a Irish worship leader and software developer from Durham, NC.

But Even If He Does Not… (Daniel 3:17-18)

Alastair — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:09:28 +0000

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.

Jesus, Matthew 28:18-20

Alastair — Sat, 18 May 2013 23:47:43 +0000

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Review: Star Trek Into Darkness

Alastair — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:30:03 +0000

May 16th is Liz’s birthday, and a day that I traditionally take off work. We send the kids off to school and normally hit some local place for breakfast together.

This year we went to Parker & Otis in Durham and had a good yarn and a dose of eggs before driving out to Southpoint to watch the new Star Trek Into Darkness movie on iMAX 3D.

I enjoyed the 2009 installation of Star Trek and I was excited to see the actor from BBC Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) playing a role in the new movie. In fact I think in these last two movies they have done a great job at casting altogether.

I usually do like J.J. Abrams work, but sometimes I feel that while he starts off great, he is not so good at bringing things to a conclusion – at least to my satisfaction. I’m still mad at how he concluded Alias, and then there was LOST – don’t get me started on that ending.

I have no such complaints about this movie. I loved the character development and the story from start to finish and it was well worth the extra dollars to watch on the bigger screen. The sets and special effects were excellent and convincing. I don’t usually bother with 3D versions, but I think they made good use of it here.

We decided it wasn’t suitable for our kids though. Normally I’ll let my kids watch PG-13 movies (Liz and I vet them first), but there were a couple of short scenes in the movie we wouldn’t want them to see, and there was also a good bit of bad language.

After seeing what J.J. Abrams can do with something like this, I’m really looking forward to (hopefully) the redemption of the Star Wars franchise, if this movie is anything to go off.

Lyrics from “Across The Great Divide” by Mark Altrogge

Alastair — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:00:53 +0000

There is no more fear of judgement;
The Father’s wrath is satisfied.
You have brought us near, O Jesus,
Across the great divide.
There’s a way beyond the curtain
Through our Priest and King on high.
You have brought us near, O Jesus,
Across the great divide.

Protected: Worship Matters Week 5 (Chapters 6-9)

Alastair — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:30:57 +0000

STORYCHURCH Set List – 12 May 2013 (Mother’s Day) #sundaysetlists

Alastair — Mon, 13 May 2013 22:30:46 +0000

Here For You – Matt Redman (B)
The Same Love – Paul Baloche (B)
Everlasting God – Lincoln Brewster (B)
God Of The Redeemed – Jeremy Riddle (B)
God With Us – Mercy Me (B)

Well, Sunday was Mother’s Day. I hope all the mom’s (mum’s for UK readers) had a great day. At STORYCHURCH we gave the mom’s a shout-out and a free gift. We also had a baby dedication (photo above).

Joel preached on Sunday, following the a similar theme from last weeks message – all about following Jesus. Following the narrow road instead of the wide road. Being different to those around us in the world – appearing “weird” in a way – because we have stepped out of the normal.

I think it’s probably the first time we’ve ended a service with God With Us. After the service, a couple of people asked what the song was called because they liked it. It’s funny how many times you can sing something and then just that one time it stands out and resonates with you.

When I was thinking before-hand about what I would pray at the end, part of the song really stood out to me. I guess the whole theme of grace has been on my mind recently, but I loved the lyric, “Lord you know, our hearts don’t deserve your glory, still you show a love we cannot afford.”

How powerful is that? That is grace. This is God’s love. And no matter who you are, and what you have done, God loves you as deeply as anyone else. Let that sink in for a minute. We don’t deserve it, I know that, we were all born into sin. But Jesus made a way and all we have to do is follow.

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39

- John Maxwell, The 5 Levels Of Leadership (pg. 243)

Alastair — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:12:50 +0000

One of the keys to developing leaders – at any level – is seeing people not as they are or as others see them, but as they could be. You just finished reading - John Maxwell, The 5 Levels Of Leadership (pg. 243)! Consider leaving a comment!

Protected: Worship Matters Week 4 (Chapter 5)

Alastair — Tue, 07 May 2013 03:26:55 +0000

STORYCHURCH Set List – 05 May 2013 #sundaysetlists

Alastair — Mon, 06 May 2013 02:40:27 +0000

Happy Day – Tim Hughes (A)
Your Love Never Fails – Chris McClarney (A)
Like A Lion – Daniel Bashta (A)
Came To My Rescue – Hillsong (G)
Set A Fire – United Pursuit (G)

Andy Stanley was at STORYCHURCH today via video screen. We watched the first message in his FOLLOW series. It was really good.

Jeremy and the gang are in Guatemala this week drilling for water with Living Water. We can’t wait to hear about their trip next week.

Worship Central // The Same Power (Video)

Alastair — Sun, 05 May 2013 01:22:54 +0000