Hey Everybody,

Here we are – the 68th consecutive week of “Sunday Setlists” – the blog carnival where we share our songs, creative elements, sermons, and recaps of our worship services.

For more details on the “Sunday Setlists” program, click here.
To receive a reminder email each week to post your setlist, click here.

Here’s a recap on how to participate:

1.  Blog about your worship services this week.  (Don’t have a blog, just leave it in the comments below)
2.  In your blog or worship service recap, please mention that you are participating in the “Sunday Setlists” blog carnival at FredMcKinnon.Com and link to today’s post, which is:
http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2009/11/08/sunday-setlists-68/
3.  Leave your URL in the “Mister Linky” box below, making sure the URL goes directly to your “Sunday Setlists” blog post (not your blog’s homepage)
4.  Leave a comment and visit the other links to see what is happening in worship services worldwide.
5.  Spread the word on FaceBook, Email, Your Blog, and Twitter.  (in Twitter, use #sundaysetlists hashtag)

My Worship Confessional for SSCC

Though our normal time of singing was cut short by 1 song (for extra time on baby dedications in both services), we had a sweet, great time in worship today at St. Simons Community Church.

Walk In:
“Glorious” (Martha & Dan Munizzi/Israel Houghton) … we used the Ableton Live track from Interactive Worship Live, and it rocked!

Opening Song:
“Glory to God Forever” (Steve Fee/Vicky Beeching, maybe my favorite driving rock tune right now!)

Second Set:
We did baby dedications a bit different today.  We had all of them come forward and then we had elders and/or staff pray for the families as we continued in corporate singing.  I chose a hymn that was appropriate for us to sing in giving our lives to God, and to sing “in faith” for the children who were being dedicated.

“Take My Life and Let It Be” (the older CFNI/Kari Jobe version)
“Revelation Song” (one of our church favorites!)

Sermon: Part 1 of 3 of a new series called “Go” …

Closing Song:
“If You Say Go” (Vineyard)

Share Your Worship Service Recap:

OK, so whether you led the service or just attended – here’s your chance to share your worship service recap!  If you use Twitter, be sure and include the #sundaysetlists hashtag and your tweets will appear in our “Twub“.  See the most current info here:

Posting your “Sunday Setlists” worship recap on a blog or website? Post the link below. Be sure and visit all these links for some great ideas!

Tweet This Post

Related posts:

1. Sunday Setlists #67 – Worship Service Recaps #sundaysetlists
2. Sunday Setlists #65 – Worship Service Recaps #sundaysetlists
3. Sunday Setlists #66 – Worship Service Recaps #sundaysetlists

I recently received an email from a person in our church who had some questions about one of my favorite new songs, “Glorious Impossible” by Carl Cartee.  She basically said “if with God ALL things ARE POSSIBLE”, the lyrics don’t make sense .. what did I miss, please explain”.

Well, Carl is a super guy, an incredible songwriter, and best of all – he’s accessible. I’ve known Carl for a few years, and even had him in my old church several years ago.  He replied to my email about the song within 24 hours.

Here’s his reply:

Happy to comment on the song. I guess stuff hits people in various ways…especially poetry which is what Glorious Impossible is.

Nothing is impossible with God, that’s true, but the song is intended to be a celebration of God stepping into what was impossible for us and making it glorious through his overcoming power. The verses try to set up pictures of things that seem impossible for us, the incarnation, walking on water, the resurrection and then invite us to believe beyond ourselves and look for miracles that move us to worship. Poetically using two words that don’t really go together normally, sets the listener up to have one word redeem the other…other songs that do that are “Beautiful Mess” by Diamond Rio or “Broken and Beautiful” by Mark Schultz (I think)

Outside of the verses, the chorus does not make sense, or stand alone. It’s a response to the truth in the verses. Full context is best and especially important for this song.

I am so glad you asked and thank Eileen for the question. I wish more people asked questions like this. It makes me want to be a better writer and work harder than ever to communicate truth for people.

Man … I love it when you can get info on a song directly from the songwriter.  Thanks, Carl.

Below are the lyrics:

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1. CCLI Top Songs – Blessed Be Your Name
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Hey Gang,

Worship Leader magazine has invited me to teach my “Worship + Web 2.0″ class on their live “webinar” next week.  Here’s the details – please consider tweeting this, sharing it on Facebook, etc.  It’s basically the same class that I’ve taught the last two years at the National Worship Leader Conference.  To register, click here.

Worship + Web 2.0
taught by Fred McKinnon

Monday, November 9, 2009
11:00 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time (duration 1 hour)
(that’s 2:00 PM EST)

Facebook, Twitter, Blogs – can all these web-based technologies really enhance our worship services? Do you ever hit a creative “dead end” in your efforts to plan an impacting worship service? Join Fred McKinnon as we discuss how worship leaders and service planners are using the web to network, share, and collaborate on service planning through these tool

(Fred McKinnon is the Worship Pastor at St. Simons Community Church on St. Simons Island, GA. He is the founder of TheWorshipCommunity.com and blogs daily at FredMcKinnon.com about worship, leadership, faith, and ministry. Fred has been using social media as a tool in worship ministry and has been a guest speaker at the National Worship Leader Conference for the past two years.)

If you haven’t attended a Worship Leader Webinar yet, this is a great place to start. Offering the most accessible high-quality training available in the skills worship leaders need to lead their congregations, all you need is an Internet connection and a telephone. For only $39.00 a session, individuals or entire teams can attend.

REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR
(limited to 100 attendees)

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I’m being challenged every day as I read through the Book of Mark.  This morning I encountered the story in Mark 2 where the religious leaders challenged Jesus and His disciples because they “plucked heads of grain” on the Sabbath.  Jesus responded by saying “27 And he said to them, The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.28 So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”  (Mark 2: 27-28, ESV – YouVersion.Com)

It seems that Jesus’ response wasn’t challenging the existence of the “sabbath” so much; rather, He was challenging the layers of legalistic rules and regulations that the religious leaders applied to it.

Fast-forward to New Testament, modern-day Christianity.  What is our view of the “Sabbath”?

Immediately all of the church lingo comes to mind “every day is now a Sabbath”, “Jesus has become our Sabbath”, “the Sabbath was fulfilled on the cross”, etc. Blah, blah, blah – you see, I’ve been in church since I was steaming up my own diapers … I can quote all of the religious responses.  (and let me interject that I’m not trying to suggest that all of those responses are wrong!)

But this is my confession.  “I’m not sure I really understand all of those religious responses and how they truly apply”.

“Remember the Sabbath, and keep it holy” is one of the Ten Commandments.  That means it’s important.  If that no longer applies, how about murder and adultery?  Are they no longer relevant?

I am not trying to wander back into the legalistic rules of the Old Covenant – God knew we could never keep those to begin with.  We needed the “Law” so that we could see our sin.  I do wonder if we carelessly throw it out completely, though.

I’d like your input.  What do you believe about “keeping the sabbath holy”?  Do you practice “sabbath” – and if so, what does it look like?  If you scroll down a bit, you’ll see “Leave a Reply” …  and that’s where YOU come into this discussion.

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Hey Everybody,

Here we are – the 67th consecutive week of “Sunday Setlists” – the blog carnival where we share our songs, creative elements, sermons, and recaps of our worship services.

For more details on the “Sunday Setlists” program, click here.
To receive a reminder email each week to post your setlist, click here.

Here’s a recap on how to participate:

1.  Blog about your worship services this week.  (Don’t have a blog, just leave it in the comments below)
2.  In your blog or worship service recap, please mention that you are participating in the “Sunday Setlists” blog carnival at FredMcKinnon.Com and link to today’s post, which is:
http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2009/11/01/sunday-setlists-67/
3.  Leave your URL in the “Mister Linky” box below, making sure the URL goes directly to your “Sunday Setlists” blog post (not your blog’s homepage)
4.  Leave a comment and visit the other links to see what is happening in worship services worldwide.
5.  Spread the word on FaceBook, Email, Your Blog, and Twitter.  (in Twitter, use #sundaysetlists hashtag)

My Worship Confessional for SSCC

It was great to be leading again at SSCC this morning – by first time leading a full worship service in a few weeks.  I wasn’t sure what to expect with the GA/FL game, Halloween, and Daylight Savings Time happening on the same Saturday prior to the services.

The 9:00 AM service was packed and was quite lively.  This was a big surprise for me.  The 11:00 AM service was also pretty packed; though they came in a good bit later.  They also TOTALLY ignored my invitation to stand and sing along on the end of the “walk-in” song – so much that I’m pretty sure that my vocals weren’t up enough in the house mix for them to understand what I’m saying.  I’ve never had the entire room just ignore me when I say “let’s stand and sing” …

Walk In:

“When We All Get to Heaven” – my own rendition of this song with a funky/jazz groove all the way through 4 verses, ending with a campmeeting style, double-time chorus!

Opening Song:
“You, You Are God” (Walker Beach, my arrangement as recorded on “Worship Under the Stars”)

Middle Set:
“Glorious Impossible” (Carl Cartee, heard this song at the re:create conference this year and fell in love with it.  It’s the 2nd time doing it)
“Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone” (a favorite and standard)
“You Gave Your Life Away” (Paul Baloche, one of my favorite tunes right now, super sweet and clean)

Sermon: Last week “Lost & Found” – Prodigal Son series … Pastor David (blog) did a great job as always.

Closing Song:
“Home” (Daughtry, a great way to take a well-known secular song and use it for God’s glory … we did tweak a couple of lines in the Chorus)

Share Your Worship Service Recap:

OK, so whether you led the service or just attended – here’s your chance to share your worship service recap!  If you use Twitter, be sure and include the #sundaysetlists hashtag and your tweets will appear in our “Twub“.  See the most current info here:

Posting your “Sunday Setlists” worship recap on a blog or website? Post the link below. Be sure and visit all these links for some great ideas!

Tweet This Post

Related posts:

1. Sunday Setlists #68 – Worship Service Recaps #sundaysetlists
2. Sunday Setlists #65 – Worship Service Recaps #sundaysetlists
3. Sunday Setlists #66 – Worship Service Recaps #sundaysetlists

You probably can’t hear me whispering in this video … but what you CAN see is a beautiful spot in Telfair County that I hunted this weekend. I didn’t see any deer at all … not even a single wild hog, and there are tons of them out there.

I enjoyed some incredible times of solitude and beauty, though!

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So a couple of days ago I wrote this post about being motivated during “the dip“.  I’ve been in a serious “dip” lately with my fitness routine, eating habits, etc.  I talked to our trainer, “Eric” this morning, and he said it happens to everyone.

We were out late last night enjoying a big fall festival with the kids in Savannah – so we didn’t even get home until after 11:00 PM last night.  The 5:15 AM wakeup call for regimen is the LAST THING I wanted to deal with – especially since my supper was a bag of chips and a Diet Coke.

I dug deep and showed up this morning – after all, I did PAY for it.  It was tough … my shoulders were on fire.

The routine was called “Progression”.  You progress from a simple squat (there’s nothing so simple about it really), into a full series of exercises.  The keys to this routine were:

* don’t go to fast – take your time, rest as needed
* hold each exercise, have good form – don’t rush through the motion, but stop in each “progression”

1.  50 squats
2.  40 squats, progress into a thrust position
(ie. standing, do a squat, go into a thrust position, which is like a pushup/plank position w/o the pushup, stand up do it again)
3.  30 squats, thrust, pushup
(ie. #2, but this time, when you go to thrust position, hold for a second, do a full pushup in that position, stand up, do it again)
4.  20 squats, thrust, legs out/in (ie. like a horizontal jumping jack), pushup
(ie. squat, into thrust/plank position, spread legs out wide, legs back in, do pushup, stand up, do it again)
5.  10 squats, thrust, leg in/out, pushup, full stand/jump burpee
(ie. squats, into thrust/plank,  legs out, in, do the pushup, and complete by standing and raising hands fully over head, repeat)

I think I was the last one to finish.  I joined my comrades for a bonus lap around the Coast Guard Station.  My issues this morning were all upper body issues.  I think my legs have gotten better, as the squats weren’t killing me like they used to.  But by #3 where we were adding the full pushup, my shoulders were burning like crazy … all out hurting.  I’d take a break for a few minutes, but found no relief.

No pain?  No gain.

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“You must be on Facebook all day – how do you get any work done”?

So this blog post has been “brewing” in my toolbox for a couple of months now.
(my toolbox, and what’s in it – coming soon)

Here’s the deal.  If I were on Facebook all day, I would NEVER get my work done. If I didn’t get my work done, you’d notice.

So here’s how I seemingly stay connected throughout the day (and even throughout the night, or midair during flight!) to Facebook.  (go to my Facebook Profile)

1.  Twitter
Plain and simple.  I have “Tweetdeck” on my Mac, and incredible application that allows me to view multiple twitter accounts simultaneously, including my Facebook feed.  (which I have turned off, by the way).  When I take 30 seconds to post a quick update (ie. in planning meeting with other staff folks), I will usually select my @fmckinnon twitter account to post this in addition to the “facebook” tab.  This makes my update go to Facebook.  All without logging in or “playing around” on Facebook.  If I’m not using Tweetdeck, I can opt to include the hashtag #fb at the end of any pics or tweets I may send from my cell phone to also be included on Facebook.

2.  Adium
Adium is an Instant Messaging client that I use to connect with co-workers, friends, and family.  It allows me to have my AIM/AOL/iChat screenname account as well as my @yahoo, @msn, @google, and yes …. @facebook accounts online simultaneously.  So, if Adium is open (and it usually is) – this gives the appearance that I’m “online” at Facebook.

So if you’re one of those who sees me as “available” on Facebook all day, I’m probably not really there … it’s probably my Adium software telling Facebook that I’m online.  If you send a chat via Facebook, Adium will notify me.  Typically, I’ll answer if it’s work-related, or if I have time.  If I don’t I’m sometimes forced to just ignore the chat request.  (sorry!).  Or, I’ll often go off to a meeting and totally forget I left Adium turned on.

3.  Facebook Connect
Many 3rd party websites now use the “Facebook Connect” application.  For example, my blog uses “Facebook Connect” to allow people to leave comments via their Facebook login.  PlanningCenterOnline now interacts directly with Facebook.  TheWorshipCommunity.Com has a huge interaction with Facebook.  Any time I leave a blog comment, a reply to my own blog, or engage in a discussion on TheWorshipCommunity.Com (all of which usually are actions which would 100% fall under my “job description”) – it pings Facebook, and you see “Fred McKinnon has just replied to  ….” in your newsfeed.

4.  Automation

The beauty of technology and automation is another thing that gives the impression that I’m “online” all the time.  (well, I’m online a LOT, that’s for sure).  But here’s a few examples of how I’m “online” when I’m really not, thanks to the beauty of scheduled posts and automation.
* all of my blog posts are scheduled to “import” as “notes” and then later as “networked blogs” onto Facebook – with no action from me.
* many of my blogs are written and then “scheduled” to publish automatically as certain, designated times
* I use TweetAdder software daily.  In addition to allowing me to search and follow certain Twitter users based on keywords in their tweets and/or profile bio (ie. “worship pastor”), I can schedule “tweets” to post in the future.  It’s incredible software and well worth the small price if you are serious about leveraging Twitter to build your follow base, fight spam, manage followers, and schedule tweets.  (disclosure:  links to TweetAdder are my affiliate links)

5.  Communication
The reality here is that I’ve found myself “logging in” and actually clicking around in Facebook more than ever recently.  I’m seeing a pretty dramatic shift in communication preference, and to tell you the truth – I’m not sure what to do about it.

Over the last week, I’ve had a huge amount of “back and forth” emails between two worship artists who were in town this weekend for a concert, a new bass player from our church, a drummer who plays for us who has been sick, etc.  All of that interaction has been happening in my “Facebook” inbox.  So the trend I’m seeing is that I’m getting less direct emails, and more “Facebook” emails.

Summary:

So can Facebook be addicting?  You betcha!  Can people waste too much time there?  You betcha!  Have I let it happen to me from time to time ….?

YOU BETCHA.

I suppose this article could be viewed as a “defense” to those whose ongoing remarks seem to whisper “we don’t think you are getting your work done”.  And deep down, I guess that’s part of the intent.  But the truth is – all of these technologies that I mention are ways I’ve been able to broaden my ability to be accessible, to communicate, to lead, and influence others.  And if I’m living my life correctly, that influence should ultimately be something that honors the Lord and brings glory to Him.

Your Turn – what are your Facebook issues?  Please leave your comments below.

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Maybe it’s the fact that I was already tired from a long weekend …

Maybe all of that fatigue and the drizzly, overcast skies outside are the cause of today’s topic …

But we’ve all faced it.  “The Dip”.  That place where our motivation dries up and all the “get up and go” that we had is gone.

Long gone.

I’m feeling that lately.

In my fitness goals … I’m in the dip.
In my health and eating habits … I’m in the dip.
In my creative elements – songwriting, recording, music … I’ve BEEN in the dip.  Maybe I’m on a cul-de-sac.

Seth Godin’s book, “The Dip” was a great read for me earlier this year – and I find myself recognizing “the dip” more easily now.  But pressing through it (or quitting, which isn’t always a bad thing) is another thing altogether.

So … are you in a dip?  How so?  And how do you press through?

Tell the world.

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Hey Everybody,

Here we are – the 66th consecutive week of “Sunday Setlists” – the blog carnival where we share our songs, creative elements, sermons, and recaps of our worship services.

For more details on the “Sunday Setlists” program, click here.
To receive a reminder email each week to post your setlist, click here.

Here’s a recap on how to participate:

1.  Blog about your worship services this week.  (Don’t have a blog, just leave it in the comments below)
2.  In your blog or worship service recap, please mention that you are participating in the “Sunday Setlists” blog carnival at FredMcKinnon.Com and link to today’s post, which is:
http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2009/10/25/sunday-setlists-66/
3.  Leave your URL in the “Mister Linky” box below, making sure the URL goes directly to your “Sunday Setlists” blog post (not your blog’s homepage)
4.  Leave a comment and visit the other links to see what is happening in worship services worldwide.
5.  Spread the word on FaceBook, Email, Your Blog, and Twitter.  (in Twitter, use #sundaysetlists hashtag)

My Worship Confessional for SSCC

(from left-right:  Shannon Lewis, Jaime Jamgochian, Fred McKinnon, photo by Chris Moncus)

Today capped off a very long weekend of music with some of the artists from Centricity Music in Nashville, TN.  We rehearsed for several hours on Thursday evening in preparation for the annual beach concert and backed both Jaime Jamgochian and Daniel Kirkley.  (see “Way Radio Beach Concert Today” post)

We were blessed to have Jaime stay over and be our guest worship leader this morning at SSCC.  She did a “jam” up job (no pun intended) and I loved watching her flow, pressing our people deeper into their expressions of worship.  She was very gracious with us as our rag-tag band learned her material and how to follow a new leader.

Opening Song:
“For Your Glory” – by Jaime, with her click tracks and loops

Opening Set:
“I Am Free” (Ross Parsley version)
“Blessed Be Your Name” (Matt Redman version)

Second Worship Set:
“Mighty to Save” (Laura Story version)
“Hear My Worship” (Jaime’s song)
“Here I Am to Worship”

Closing Song:
“Heal the Wound” (Jaime, solo on piano)

It was a great day and we had a blast hanging out with Jaime and her labelmates, Daniel Kirkley and Downhere (who cleaned up in the Canadian Christian Music awards a couple of nights ago, only to pack up and fly down here to play!)

Share Your Worship Service Recap:

OK, so whether you led the service or just attended – here’s your chance to share your worship service recap!  If you use Twitter, be sure and include the #sundaysetlists hashtag and your tweets will appear in our “Twub“.  See the most current info here:

Posting your “Sunday Setlists” worship recap on a blog or website? Post the link below. Be sure and visit all these links for some great ideas!

Tweet This Post

Related posts:

1. Sunday Setlists #68 – Worship Service Recaps #sundaysetlists
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I’m up early and headed out to Jekyll Island, GA for the annual “Way Radio 90.7 FM Beach Concert” on Jekyll Island.  This year I was asked to put together a “house band” for two of the Centricity Music artists, Daniel Kirkley and Jaime Jamgochian.

So I’ve put this band together and we’re going to try and rehearse with these artists this morning on Jekyll for the first time and miraculously pull off the task of learning about 12 of their songs in a couple of hours.  (yes, you read that right – we haven’t had an opportunity to rehearse with the artists until this morning).

So if you’re in the area – jump in the car and drive over to Jekyll Island.  The concert starts at 2:30 … I’ll be leading the band for Daniel and Jaime, and then “Downhere” will be headlining and closing out the concert with their full band afterwards.  Bring a beach chair and have some fun.

Jaime Jamgochian will also be staying over and leading worship for us at SSCC tomorrow morning at both the 9:00 and 11:00 services!

See you there!
Fred

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I’m giving one of each of these away to someone this weekend.  And it may be you.

All you have to do is:

1.  Leave a comment.
2.  Comment must include:
* Your Name
* Where You Live
* How you saw THIS blog entry (ie. RSS feed, Twitter Link, etc)

And … if you tweet about it, or blog about it … the trackback comment that happens as a result will count as well.
Since I’ve gotta pay the postage out of my own pocket, this contest is limited to residents of the USA.  Sorry, folks!  If you wanna register and you’re international, you’d have to PayPal me the shipping fees!

Let the fun begin.  Drawing will be on FRIDAY AFTERNOON.

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These are some of the final words Jesus had with His disciples.  It’s the last two verses of the book of Matthew.  What were His last words?  What was his final wish?

He told us to “go”.  Make disciples of ALL nations.

As I meditate on those words this morning I’m deeply convicted.  I am a full-time, professional “Christian”.  I work for the “church”.  Yet, when I evaluate how I spend my time and energy, very little of it is “going” to make disciples.

I dunno – maybe that’s not true.  I spend hours upon hours every week in prayer, reading, study, and conversations … coming up with ways to make our worship services at SSCC a place where the Believer can be edified, while creating a space where the Seeker can come to know Jesus.  We strive to create a space where the lost can be found, and where the found can be discipled into a greater understanding of God’s plan for their lives.

But that’s all part of the job, right?  How about those of us who don’t work for the church.  The real heroes – the Christians out there in the workplace, doing the jobs, rubbing elbows with those “in the world” all day.

One thing is for sure … this culture we live in has us all “going”.  But how can we add the “and make disciples” to our “going”?

Would love your thoughts!
Fred

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When I tell you that this is my favorite CD of all 2009 – that’s no understatement.  I’ve received and listened to tons of CDs this year – and this one is amazing.  I’ve told everyone I know about it.

Shannon Lewis wrote an excellent review about this when it came out on TheWorshipCommunity.Com.

Seriously – this would be the best $10 you spent all month.  Help these guys get into the Top 10 and go buy Sojourn Music’s “Over the Grave” today on iTunes!

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Today’s blog was inspired by an incredible article I read this weekend over at “TheWorshipCommunity.Com”.  Written by Sarah Markley, this article (it’s called “Sitting Down – For the Record“) revealed a side of the worshiper in our congregations that many worship leaders need to know.  (image by Mark Beeson)

Let’s talk about “posture” in our praise and worship settings.  Specifically, sitting down.  I know, I know – we don’t find any mention of someone “sitting” in praise or worship before the Lord in Scripture … I’m afraid I’ve probably used that one to manipulate those I’ve led … But then again … since when is the “singing” portion of our worship services the only time we are “in worship”?

I will never forget this time I was at a Hillsongs concert in Jacksonville, Florida.  It was several years ago and I was with a group of friends … we were down on the 4th or 5th row.  Darlene Zschech was leading that fun song, “You Have Turned My Mourning into Dancing” … you know, the one where everybody is standing, spinning around, hands in the air, dancing, carrying on in radical praise …

And I was sitting.  Bent over, face in my hands, elbows propped on my knees … having an encounter with the God of the Universe. I forget exactly what we were talking about, but it was a more serious encounter where we were “having words”.  In the midst of this time, I remember it was like God called a “sidebar” … we’re just having dialog back and forth, and then totally non-related to our conversation, He calls it out …

“Fred, you know if these people are anything like you … they are assuming you’re totally bored and disengaged from this worship time”.

I found that humorous because of the intensity of the encounter I was having with God; yet, I found it humbling as He was nailing me … blasting me of the judgment I’ve held so many times as I look at the postures and expressions of those I’m leading.

For the most part, I think we can discern when someone is (or is not) engaging.  Posture says a lot in most cases.  Scripture gives plenty of instruction and examples of Biblical postures of worship and praise.  But I think we can use those to manipulate people.  Worse, we can judge where they are and become a Pharisee ourselves.

What do you think?

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3. Teaching on Praise, or UnTeaching on Religion?

Hey Everybody,

Here we are – the 65th consecutive week of “Sunday Setlists” – the blog carnival where we share our songs, creative elements, sermons, and recaps of our worship services.

For more details on the “Sunday Setlists” program, click here.
To receive a reminder email each week to post your setlist, click here.

Here’s a recap on how to participate:

1.  Blog about your worship services this week.  (Don’t have a blog, just leave it in the comments below)
2.  In your blog or worship service recap, please mention that you are participating in the “Sunday Setlists” blog carnival at FredMcKinnon.Com and link to today’s post, which is:
http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2009/10/18/sunday-setlists-65/
3.  Leave your URL in the “Mister Linky” box below, making sure the URL goes directly to your “Sunday Setlists” blog post (not your blog’s homepage)
4.  Leave a comment and visit the other links to see what is happening in worship services worldwide.
5.  Spread the word on FaceBook, Email, Your Blog, and Twitter.  (in Twitter, use #sundaysetlists hashtag)

My Worship Confessional for SSCC

Hands down, coolest part of today?  Seeing my friend, Russ Hutto – now “officially” living here in the Golden Isles, and up on stage, wailing on our keyboard and piano as a part of our SSCC Praise Team.  WOO-HOO!  Maybe he can leave his own “Sunday Setlists” recap of what it was like as a musician!

So, as you probably noticed (unless you don’t follow this blog except to post your links!), I’ve been in Peru all week with Compassion International.  If you missed it – go back one post and watch the video, please!  I flew in yesterday afternoon and had the day off – so I went to SSCC as a regular person, enjoying both services.

Harriet Jones (the lady who helped start the church and who was the founding worship leader … she laid the foundation for the incredible worship ministry that was already happening at SSCC prior to my arrival!) led worship today and it was glorious.  Here’s a snapshot:

Walk In:
(for whatever reason, I can’t remember the first song – she added it after I’d left for Peru??)
“The Rock” – a rockin, gospel blues groove.  Russ laid down a mean piano solo on this tune!

Opening Song:
“Hosanna” (the Paul Baloche, Brenton Brown tune)

Special Music:
“I Can Only Imagine” (long story, but Todd Hendrix, one of our vocalists, used to always sing this song.  It’s a signature song for him, and he’s battled cancer for the last year.  He’s alive and well, though his life will never be the same.  This was a Sunday that he was back on the praise team and people have always asked for him to sing this.  It was awesome)

Sermon: Still going in the “Lost & Found” – Prodigal Son series … Pastor David (blog) did a great job as always.

Communion Worship:
“Come to the Table”
“You Are My King/Amazing Love”
“In Christ Alone”

I love “In Christ Alone” – it’s one of most theologically rich “hymns” out there by a modern-day writer.  Top notch.

I enjoyed mixing around and having more of an opportunity to meet and talk to so many from our congregation.  A lot of people were praying for me as I was in Peru so I had a lot of conversations about that.

Share Your Worship Service Recap:

OK, so whether you led the service or just attended – here’s your chance to share your worship service recap!  If you use Twitter, be sure and include the #sundaysetlists hashtag and your tweets will appear in our “Twub“.  See the most current info here:

Posting your “Sunday Setlists” worship recap on a blog or website? Post the link below. Be sure and visit all these links for some great ideas!

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1. Sunday Setlists #64 – Worship Service Recaps (#sundaysetlists)
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Are you moved yet?  Sponsor a child today.  Questions?  Ask away.
Go to:  www.compassion.com

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2. Peru Trip with Compassion – Follow Us!
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We spent some time this morning getting some tours en route to the church where today’s Compassion project was hosted.  (click the image for a larger picture) … this is one of the big city squares.

We spent a good amount of time with the kids today – for the first time we spent some time with the teenagers today and saw that they are learning marketable skills at the Compassion projects.  For example, they were learning to make silk screen design T-Shirts calendars, printing, and they made some incredible chocolates that they typically would sell.  I say “typically sell” because we ATE THEM today instead.

We also spent time with 3 students who are part of Compassion’s “LTP” (Leadership Training Program).  This is a program where some of the best students get scholarships and leadership training to the colleges and universities.  If only I could have pictures and videos of “Elizabeth” and her story.  She grew up as a sponsored child and now is in the LTP and is studying in the university to be an elementary teacher.  When asked what she wanted to do, she said “go to the farthest parts of Peru and teach the children about my faith in Jesus Christ”.

Last night I shared a once-in-a-lifetime treat with my friend, Scott Copeland.  Scott is a worship pastor up in the Atlanta area and we met at the re:create conference earlier this year.  In addition, Pastor Francis Castañeda from Lima, Peru attends the conference.  We kept thinking it would be a shame to visit Lima, Peru and not see Pastor Francis whom we’d grown to love from our visits at re:create.

In addition to being a full-time Worship Pastor here in Lima, Francis founded the Allegro Institute, a training center for the arts  – worship, music, arts, etc.  His passion for teaching and training worship leaders is contagious – I’m ready to fly back to Peru soon and teach these students in music theory, arranging, and the spiritual aspects of worship leadership.

Scott and I became true locals – as everyone else on our team from Compassion was headed up to bed, we joined Francis and jumped in a cab and toured Allegro Institute.  We toured all around Lima, seeing some sights that I’m sure we’d never see otherwise.  We enjoyed coffee and some incredible “steak-kabob” type dish in a beautiful restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean together.  We returned to the hotel around midnight – exhausted, but exhilarated from our time with Francis.

Finally, I captured a great video today with a couple of the sponsored kids.  I’ll post that as a separate blog, it’s still processing.

Thanks for your prayers.  A few of you have emailed or messaged me and asked “how can I sponsor a child”?  Just visit www.compassion.com and it’s so simple.  Have questions, just ask me!

Fred

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2. Peru Trip, Day 2
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Over and over, we talked to these kids about how their Compassion sponsors have changed their lives.  One young lady (she was 17) said she had just graduated and was hoping to get accepted into the Navy.  She’s been a sponsored child since she was 4 years old.  She said “Compassion has changed my life”.

I met a great little boy today – I tried so many times to comprehend his name, but I can’t recall it and I’m sure I can’t spell it.  He was my buddy.  He was so shy at first, but a few hours into our day and he was saying “your name is fred”.  I love hearing them say “Fred” – they roll the “r”.  So do I, now.

Our home visit was a moving experience, as expected.  We hiked up these hills as our bus couldn’t make the climb.  We kept saying “I think I can, I think I can” like the little train who could.

Our home visit brought us to a place where once again I was amazed at the poverty.  A tiny hut with a cloth roof, a stove, some chickens – but this actually had two rooms.  The mother weeped with joy as we blessed her.  Her two daughters are 5 and 3 … the 5 year old is in the Compassion project.  They are all Christians walk to the church.  Loving this woman, encouraging her as a good mother, praying a blessing for her, and seeing those kids excitement over the visit and the food … words can’t express.

I have a video of the actual visit inside, but it’s still uploading to YouTube … so enjoy today’s clip of our hike down to her home.  Maybe I can get some videos of our “competition” today – my team won, we jumped through hoops and crawled through the church in a maze race.  I was glad I’d been doing regimen!

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Awesome first day in Lima, Peru.  We visited one of the urban projects here in town at a local church.  Did you know that ALL of Compassion’s ministry is carried out through the local church?

We were greeted by the most beautiful people ever with song and dance, as you can see from some of the videos I’ll post.

Today we learned about Compassion’s “CSP” – or “Child Survival Program”.  This is an amazing ministry where Compassion workers reach children before they are even born.  Those who are pregnant or who have recently given birth and who are part of this program are ministered to on every level, from spiritual to social, emotional, and intellectual.

We had the honor of visiting the home of one of the mothers who is in this program.  She was a young, single mom with a beautiful little girl.  She lived in the “Squatter” area — in a tiny hut that was probably not much larger than a 12×8 room.  We were able to witness the Compassion worker as she worked with the infant and checked the various assignments and homework that had been given the mother.  I had the pleasure of praying for this mom and her young daughter and speaking a blessing over her home and family.

Totally had a blast with the kids today.  This one little boy, Ernesto – he grabbed my heart.  He was such a sport-model … and I was pretty surprised at how quickly the Spanish came back to me.

Tonight we’re having dinner with three of the local pastors here in Lima who are part of the Compassion ministry.

Looking forward to Day 2.

Here’s a quick video we made outside after our home visit. We were also able to give this young mother a big basket full of groceries. My perspective of life, people, love, and what’s important … is changing already.

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1. Peru Trip with Compassion – Follow Us!
2. Peru Trip, Day 2
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I’m in Houston right now and have met several members of the team that’s going to Peru with Compassion International.  Our flight leaves in less than one hour – about a 7 hour haul over to Lima, Peru.

I’ve been told that we should have internet at our hotel … that will be great.  Not only can I blog and “tweet”, I can call my family and talk to them via Skype.  Of course, you never really know until you get there.

I hope you’ll follow along during the trip.  I hope to upload pictures, videos, and updates throughout the trip.  I’ll post here on the blog (which will update on Facebook as well), but will post more frequently via my Twitter account.

Would love your prayers!

For the Kingdom,
Fred

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3. #sundaysetlists announcement and Night of Worship

Hey Everybody,

Here we are, sharing our 64th consecutive week of the “Sunday Setlists” blog carnival here on FredMcKinnon.Com, where we network and share our song setlists, sermon ideas, creative elements, and worship service recaps.

For more details on the “Sunday Setlists” program, click here.
To receive a reminder email each week to post your setlist, click here.

Here’s a recap on how to participate:

1.  Blog about your worship services this week.  (Don’t have a blog, just leave it in the comments below)
2.  In your blog or worship service recap, please mention that you are participating in the “Sunday Setlists” blog carnival at FredMcKinnon.Com and link to today’s post, which is:
http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2009/10/11/sunday-setlists-64/
3.  Leave your URL in the “Mister Linky” box below, making sure the URL goes directly to your “Sunday Setlists” blog post (not your blog’s homepage)
4.  Leave a comment and visit the other links to see what is happening in worship services worldwide.
5.  Spread the word on FaceBook, Email, Your Blog, and Twitter.  (in Twitter, use #sundaysetlists hashtag)

First:  A Prayer Request

Before I get into the Worship Confessional/Recaps … I’d like to ask for your prayers.  I’m leaving in the morning for Lima, Peru with Compassion International.  Please pray for our trip.  More details on my blog posted a couple of days ago.

My Worship Confessional for SSCC

We had a sweet time of worship today at SSCC.  We’re on the 3rd week of the “Lost and Found” series based on the story of the Prodigal Son.  Today was about the “older brother”, and I could tell a lot of people were impacted.

We also had more extensive use of “loops” or “backing tracks” today with Ableton Live.

Walk-In:
“Again I Say Rejoice” – Israel Houghton
*used the Ableton Live track from Interactive Worship Live and the added B3 and horns really filled this one out!

Opening Song:
“Let Everything That Has Breath” – Matt Redman
*an oldie but a goodie, straight ahead with our band.

Second Set:
“Doxology” (the version from Don Poythress’ album, “Wash Away”)
“Be Unto Your Name” (Robin Mark, Revival in Belfast)
“A Mighty Fortress” (Christy Nockels)
*first time for us on this ballad, performed by our own Kim Dixon.  See the backing loop we used for this on this post.

Closing Song:
“Surrender” (Lincoln Brewster version, sans “LB solos”!)

—————-

It was great having friend and fellow blogger, Russ Hutto in the house today.  Russ and his wife are relocating to our area and he’s already jumping in head first.  We was manning the “LiveStream” position during our 9:00 — which you can watch at any time by going to SSSC Live.

—————

Share Your Worship Service Recaps!

If you use Twitter, please spread the word and tag your links, images, videos, and tweets with the #sundaysetlists hashtag.  Most recent tweets and media using this hashtag will appear in our “Twub“.  See below:

Lastly – if you’ve blogged or posted notes about your worship service, please leave your link below. Please link directly to the actual post, and not your blog’s homepage. And please spread the word!

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Related posts:

1. Sunday Setlists #68 – Worship Service Recaps #sundaysetlists
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