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Equipping Churches to Engage Their Culture in Worship
Center for U.S. Missions, December 2008
Christmas/Epiphany Issue |
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Dear Worship Beat Subscriber:
Merry Christmas and a Christ-filled New Year,
This issue is full of ideas for your Christmas/Epiphany worship
and more. Here are also some last minute ideas for videos
and more for the 12 days of Christmas
& Epiphany. "Joy to the world, the Lord is come!"
Those of you who were at the Mission Partners conference in November
will also find the promised video sources used in the opening worship
service. Enjoy!
Your fellow worshipper,
Rev. Mike Zehnder
National Missional Worship Consultant |
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SOS - Songs of Substance/ Songs of the Season
Songs of Substance answers the question, "Where's the Beef?" These are Praise & Worship songs with more than just great melodies. They have theological substance and/or clear Christocentricity. We commend these contemporary songs to you as valuable for corporate worship any time, but some (Songs of the Season) are particularly referenced in this issue for their usefulness on soon-approaching dates of Church or culture. To see the full text of these songs and/or to hear a sound sample or download a LeadSheet go to the SongSelect section of ccli.com.
 Jesus Messiah
- Chris Tomlin | Daniel Carson | Ed Cash | Jesse Reeves CCLI Song
No. 5183443 © 2008 Vamos Publishing | worshiptogether.com songs |
sixsteps Music | Alletrop Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music
Publishing) | (Admin. by Music Services) This is one of the
most incredible contemporary texts to come out so far in 2008 with
clear Christocentricity, Justification, Substitutionary
Atonement, Propitiation for Sins, Real Presence in the Lord's Supper,
Incarnation, God's love for Sinners - WOW! Partial Text Quotes:
"Jesus Messiah, Name above all names, Blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel, The
Rescue for sinners, The Ransom from heaven, Jesus Messiah Lord of all .
. . He became sin who knew no sin that we might become His
righteousness, He humbled Himself and carried the cross, Love so
amazing . . . His body the bread - His blood the wine, broken and
poured out, all for love, The whole earth trembled and the veil was
torn, Love so amazing love so amazing . . . All our hope is in You . .
. All the glory to You God, the Light of the world." Topics:
Incarnation, Justification, Christmas, Lord's Supper, Cross, Salvation,
Advent, God's love, Hope and Comfort, Ransom/Rescue, Good Friday,
Attributes of God. Don't forget that Chris Tomlin is a high
tenor and sings in the stratosphere not fit for congregational
singing. Most of his songs need to be taken down a fourth.
This particular song appears in the Key of B but works nicely in the
Key of G, the chorus simply soaring to a D, and keeps the verse from
going below middle C. For the uninitiated, you can change the key
at the click of a mouse for either Lead Sheet or Chord Chart using the
Song Select Feature that is available as an additional service on the
CCLI website. Highly Recommended.
This Is Our God with What Child Is This by David Moffitt, Sue Smith & Travis Cottrell
Incredible fusion of two great worship songs available at GreatWorshipSongs.com.
Download an Mp3, Lead Sheet, Chord Sheet or all three at the
aforementioned website. The question, "What Child is This?" is
answered both by the chorus of the same song as well as the primary
statement of the second song: "This is our God!" Wonderful,
touching arrangement, musically and textually, that only hearts of
stone manage to sing without appropriate moistness in the eyes over the
wonderful amazing grace of God made flesh - Emmanuel - God with
us. Remember when you sing it that "Even the angels longed to
look into these things." Worship teams: forget the congregation
is present and let this song carry you places where the amazed angels
first found their own craving satisfied and their voices rejoicing with
"Glory to God in the highest!" A winner for EPIPHANY as well as
Christmas as God is manifested to all: THIS is our GOD! Highly Recommended.
MEDLEY IDEA: try combining the traditional "O Come, All Ye Faithful" with the contemporary "All Bow Down" by Ed Cash and Chris Tomlin
Other winning Christmas and Epiphany season Songs you may not have heard or thought about:
1. You Came - David Moffit, Sue Smith, Travis Cottrell © 2007 New Spring, div. of Brentwood-Benson Music
2. Desired of All the Nations - Mike Hurst, David Moffit & Sue Smith © 2006 New Spring, div. of Zomba Enterprises - great for EPIPHANY, energetic chorus
3. All Over the World
- Matt Redman & Martin Smith © 2005 Thankyou Music - great for
EPIPHANY. The titles themselves of these last two show how they
fit into the Epiphany season.
4. Your Love Came Down
- Paul Baloche and Rita Baloche © 2007 Integrity's Hosanna! Music and
Leadworship Songs (Admin. by Integrity Music, Inc.). The
songwriter behind some of the Church's popular contemporary worship
tunes, including "Open the Eyes of My Heart," "I Love to Be in Your
Presence," and "Above All" has written a song that to my mind and ear
expresses the "Emmanuel-ness" wonder of the Christmas and Epiphany
seasons even though it is not written as such. Because the cross
is mentioned so frequently it probably sounds more like Lent. BUT
- that's WHY "love came down," or in Paul's words, "A King sent from
Heaven, And nailed to a tree, A Prince wearing thorns for a crown, You
suffered and died, So that I could be free...YOUR LOVE CAME
DOWN." A nice tie-in to the cross-driven purpose of Christmas joy.
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 Video Clip Resources from Major Films for Christmas/Epiphany
by Rev. Tom Van Duzer
Are
you looking for some good Christmas videos that tell the
Christmas/Advent story? Would it be great if they are FREE?
Wingclips.com offers
1-3 minute video clips from first-run commercial films for ministry
purposes. Best of all, you can subscribe and use medium
resolution (320x240) videos for free. Our church has found the
medium resolution fine for our purposes. While not as visually
sharp as high resolution (640x480), sound is excellent and many people
may not be able to tell the difference in resolution. If you want to
upgrade, the $15.95 per month or $139.00 per year fee expands your
resolution and the catalogue of offerings.
For Christmas and Advent, Wingclips offers 5 clips from "The Nativity
Story," the 2006 dramatization of the Christmas story. The clips
are:
Are You Afraid? (1:29) Mary and Joseph discuss their fears of caring for the child and how they will know that he is special.
Broken No Vow (2:24) An obviously pregnant Mary faces telling her parents and her fiancé about her pregnancy.
God made into flesh
(2:56) Adoration of the Magi at the (historically incorrect) manger,
commenting on the incarnation and the meaning of the gifts.
I believe you (1:17) Joseph tells Mary about his dream and believes her virgin birth.
Why is it me? (0:56) Mary talks to Elizabeth about the burden that she must now endure carrying the Son of God.
Other movie clips for Christmas include...(To download and read the rest of this article, click here).
Rev.
Tom Van Duzer is the pastor of Light of Life Lutheran Church, a mission
plant in Indio, CA, and he is also the Vice President of the LCMS
Commission on Worship.
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FREE Newly Composed Chrismas/Epiphany Downloads
From the pen of Rev. Tom Van Duzer
An Old Text Revised:
You Who Were Rich-Lead Sheet.pdf
You Who Were Rich-sample.mp3
You Who were Rich-text & story.doc
An Original Song
Come to the Cross of Jesus.mp3
Come to the Cross of Jesus.pdf
Any
problems with this or questions? Due to technical difficulties,
the clickables above did not work. For downloads, please contact
the author directly at
pastortom@lightoflife4u.com.
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WORSHIP AND MUSIC SEMINARS FEBRUARY 3 - 5, 2009
Three information-packed and enjoyable days
of Worship and Music Seminars led by National Missional Worship
Consultant, Rev. Mike Zehnder, are coming soon in February. You
may choose to attend the seminars as a package or a la carte.
Select 1 day, 2 days, or all 3 days of seminars.
Topics include "Designing Worship to Engage the Culture (Day One)," "Praise Team Basics (Day Two)," and "Spiritual Dynamics in Contemporary Worship (Day Three)."
The first seminar on Tuesday, February 3,
"Designing Worship to Engage the Culture," consists of 1) Intro to
Missional Contemporary Worship; 2) Resources for Planning
Biblical Contemporary Worship; and 3) The Spiritual Art of
Word-Weaving and Worship Flow.
In Part Two (2), live, downloadable,
web-based resources will be shown that even a small church can utilize
with minimal cost. Part One (Intro) is designed for the
following people: Pastors, Worship Leaders, Worship Planners. Part Two
(Resources) is also appropriate for your Worship Technology people.
Attention
will be given to pastoral, music and leadership issues which affect how
we "make disciples" - reaching out to unbelievers so they might
experience a relationship with Jesus Christ and helping believers grow
in the faith so that they have an effect on the culture around them.
On Wednesday, February 4,
the topic is "Praise Team Basics." Designed first for Musicians
and Worship Leaders, and secondarily for Pastors and Tech People, this
seminar addresses six basics:
- Spiritual maturity
- Song repertoire
- Recruiting and developing instrumentalists and singers
- Sound equipment & instruments
- Technology
- Advertising and marketing
Thursday, February 5,
will feature "Spiritual Dynamics in Contemporary Worship." Topics
include Planning Contemporary Worship with Biblical Integrity, SOS -
Songs of Substance, "Where's the Beef," The Power of Encouragement, and
there will be a "free-wheeling, anything goes" Contemporary Worship Q
and A.
Special pricing is available for those who attend more
than one seminar and for groups from the same congregation. Plan
to attend the Center for U.S. Missions Seminar in New Braufels,
TX on February 3 - 5, 2009 where Rev. Mike Zehnder will lead WORSHIP
AND MUSIC SEMINARS at "On The Edge Leadership Training, Winter
2009."
To register or for more information, go to http://www.centerforusmissions.com/index.php?page=ote-worship
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The Unchanging Parts of Missional Worship
by Michael J. Zehnder, National Worship Consultant
In order to be more missional and culturally sensitive in worship,
churches around the globe have either changed or are considering
changing worship practices that have long remained the same. What gets
little discussion is what doesn't change. Here are five things that do NOT change in worship, no matter what techniques or styles are applied.
1. God Himself does not change.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
Jesus'
sameness yesterday, today, and tomorrow is our rock solid foundation -
the "rock that is higher than I." Cultural mores, modes, and methods
may change but God's means of forgiveness through Word and Sacrament
will never change, His faithfulness doesn't waver, His promises aren't
modified. Whatever He was yesterday, or will be tomorrow He can always
just say, "I AM"!
He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind. (1 Samuel 15:29)
2. God's Word does not change.
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever. (Is. 40:8)
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (1 Peter 1:23)
The
Word of God stands inviolable. Heaven and earth will pass away, but not
God's Word. It will never change, and it should never take second place
in our lives. The Word of God is a means that brings us to faith and
feeds that faith for living and all decisions, including those about
worship.
3. Sound Doctrine Does Not Change
Titus 1:9, speaking of leadership, says, "He
must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so
that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who
oppose it." Pilate and the world may ask, "What is truth?" but
doctrinal truth taught in Scripture does not change nor may it be
watered down. It is "God-breathed" and "is useful for teaching,
rebuking, correction, and training in righteousness." Sound leadership
hinges on sound doctrine and those who teach correctly from God's Word
about worship or any other subject are to be cherished.
4. Spiritual Needs Do Not Change
People
of every generation need a Savior because "All have sinned and fall
short of the glory of God and are justified freely by his grace through
the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24
The
Father wills that all men should hear this proclamation and come to
Christ, and according to his own word, Christ will not turn them away,
'Him who comes to me I will not cast out.' (John 6:37)
I've
been on numerous mission trips and every time I preach or teach in a
foreign land with a translator at hand, I am confronted with the
tremendous cultural differences between me and my audience. A lot of
preaching techniques I use in America to hold attention and advance
interest would be totally meaningless to foreign audiences. Sometimes I
start to fret about it and then I remember the great truths of the
passages above. Once I do that I am completely relaxed: they need a
Savior just as I need a Savior and they have human needs just as I do.
Suddenly the gap closes and I remember my preaching style matters
nothing in comparison to their spiritual need for Jesus to be their
Lord and Savior - same as for me!
5. Spiritual Hunger Does Not Change
The Father seeks to draw all people to Himself in every generation. Paul preached:
"From
one man he made every nation of men that they should inhabit the whole
earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places
where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us."(Acts 17:26-27).
Paul
was preaching to spiritual seekers of his day and making it clear to
them that God was seeking them and smoothing the path for them to seek
Him.
- Hebrews 11:6 informs us that God rewards those who "earnestly seek Him."
- It is a biblical fact that we will always have spiritual seekers among us; this will never change, nor should our attempts to reach those seekers with the Gospel.
Some things may change in planning culturally relevant worship; some things must never change!
This article first appeared in the December, 2008, issue
of Mission Moments, from the Center for U.S. Missions. Permission is
given to copy this article for distribution within your own
congregation/ministry. Please credit the author and the Center for U.S.
Missions in Irvine, California, www.centerforusmissions.org. For more
information, contact the Center at 949-854-8002 x1780.
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Job Seekers
Seeking a Ministry...
 Congratulations to WB advertiser Eric Larson who has accepted a new position at Baltimore Lutheran!
Congratulations also to WB advertiser, Tim
Dommer. He has accepted a position as Worship Pastor at Home
Church, near Cincinnati, OH.
Seeking Parish Administrator position.
Currently living (and would like to stay) in Omaha area. Former
purchasing agent for Alegant Health Care System. Dedicated church
member, faithful Christian and resourceful individual; able to relate
well with other staff members and an eye for innovation and challenges
in serving Christ.
For more information, contact Pastor Kenton Rohrberg, Messiah Lutheran Church, Hays, KS at krohrber@ruraltel.net or call 785-625-2057.
Contemporary and Diverse Worship Leader - I am a person who * Leads people to the throne of God in worship with a mission to reach the unchurched arts community. * Envisions, writes, produces, directs and leads worship services of every style. * Manages
the church's Worship and Music Department for such widely diverse
events ranging from week-to-week operations to more extensive
productions. * Organizes people into effective ministry in a large church setting. Involves many people in leading the worship experience. * Implements special events and projects resulting in significant growth for the church. * Utilizes
various media within the worship experience including video,
projection, sound, light and special effects. Willing to
relocate. Contact mike.zehnder@worshipconsultation.comfor more information. [Editor's
note: This anonymous advertiser's resume and picture are on file with
me. He is HIGH quality, mission-oriented man with multiples
abilities, an infectious smile and a super-positive attitude.
Team player. I highly recommend you ask me for his
information.]
Contemporary Worship Leader
I
believe in reproductive leadership and want to encourage others to
share the love of Jesus. My gifts and passion are with contemporary,
but respects all styles of worship. Can sing and perform with
keys, guitar, bass, and other instruments. Have professional level
technical skills in audio, video, graphics, and lighting. [Editor's
note: This leader wishes to advertise anonymously so please contact me
for more information. I have on file his resume, cover letter and
picture. He has greatly understated his abilities in my
estimation.]
Contemporary/Alternative Worship Leader Seeks FT Position
Graduate
of Concordia University, Irvine with strong background in several
musical styles but especially with rock and alternative music. Four
years experience. Looking to obtain a position requiring strong musical
skills where I can carry out my calling to empower others, lead
passionate Christ-centered worship and grow the kingdom. Similar
artists include Phil Wickham, Tim Hughes and David Crowder. Lead band
with voice and acoustic or electric guitar. Ministry Values:
Excellence, Integrity, Cultural Relevance, Community & Empowerment.
[Editor's note: This young man is advertising anonymously. I
have his resume and pic on file. So contact me for more info: mike.zehnder@worshipconsultation.com or
480-861-5000. He is a very talented, up-'n-coming worship leader
with a heart for the Lord and is a real team player with a kind
spirit. Humble. Doesn't even mention he's great with
percussion as well.]
Teacher/Musician
- I am a teacher/musician from Michigan looking for a music position in
a Lutheran church near the Phoenix area. I am planning to move as soon
as I find a job. If your church or a Lutheran church you
know are
looking for a pianist, music/choir director, I am very interested in
applying for open positions. Lauren Ford 734.347.6734
flauren00@yahoo.com
These ads are free. Send your 50-75 word ad with contact
information (or let me know if you prefer to advertise anonymously
through me) to my email above. Mike Z. | |
Employers
Positions open. . .
Congratulations
to WB advertiser, Lord of Life Lutheran in Westfield, IN which is
currently interviewing 3 candidates for their position. We join
them in praying for God's guidance through this process.
Director of Music
to lead our music ministry to new and exciting heights. The
congregation currently worships in 3 weekend services (2 traditional
and one contemporary). We are looking to enhance and expand our
current offerings which have been led by gifted lay people and
volunteers. In this position, we seek to bring all music under one
leader. If you have questions or know of someone who may be
interested, please contact me. My phone number is: (319) 366-1569
ext 224. A ministry description is available and we would welcome
the chance to speak with any interested individuals. OfftJ@TrinityCR.org
Minister of Music
- Growing congregation in New Berlin, WI, is looking for an individual
to build and develop an exciting music program. This
is a part-time position, that includes not only performance
and musical leadership, but planning, as well. Individual must
have excellent organ/keyboard skills and have a heart for people and
Christ's mission to the lost. Primary duties to
include: organist for traditional worship; worship leader
and keyboardist for contemporary worship; accompany adult
choir; worship planning. Our goal is
to encourage God's people in their musical participation to
enhance all expressions of worship. Contact: prankin@peacelutheran.org
Director of Music
to lead our music ministry to new and exciting heights. The
congregation currently worships in 3 weekend services (2 traditional
and one contemporary). We are looking to enhance and expand our
current offerings which have been led by gifted lay people and
volunteers. In this position, we seek to bring all music under one
leader. If you have questions or know of someone who may be
interested, please contact me. My phone number is: (319) 366-1569
ext 224. A ministry description is available and we would welcome
the chance to speak with any interested individuals. Worship Leader -
Lead worship at a dynamic church plant outside of Raleigh, North
Carolina. Job includes teaching music classes during the week in the
target area. Two years experience and a college degree are preferred.
High proficiency with keyboard and guitar is desired. This full time
position includes benefits through the Concordia Plan. Please send your
resume to: pastor@jordanchurchnc.org
Part-Time Worship Leader Needed
Ascension
Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO, part-time Worship Team leader, skilled
in electronic keyboard playing and programming capability, working with
Pastor on music selection, helping to develop band and singers.
Contact pastor@ascensionstl.com or arlo@ascensionstl.com.
These
ads are free. Send your 50-75 word ad which includes your contact
information (or tell me if you prefer to advertise
anonymously) to: mike.zehnder@worshipconsultation.com |
| Worship Consultation Services
Everyone can use
some expert feedback, further training and new resources - the
landscape changes so fast it's hard to keep up. Here's help in
not only keeping up, but in getting ahead for your future!
Onsite Worship Consultation
- Improve your contemporary, blended, or traditional worship, start
something from scratch (like a new service or a satellite ministry), or
kick it to the next level. Consultant: Rev. Mike Zehnder, National
Missional Worship Consultant
Worship Seminars for your congregation, local worship team, conference or group.
Worship Consultation Services - fuller description of all worship consultation services available as PDF.
National Missional Worship Resources
at the Center for United States Missions located on the campus of
Concordia University in Irvine, CA can provide worship issue
consultation or assist your ministry in a catalytic way for growth and
change. This link takes you to the "Worship" area of the Center
for U.S. Missions website.
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Preservice:
VIDEO COUNTDOWN: "EVANGELISM QUOTES COUNTDOWN" - ("Evangelism Quotes
Countdown" by Media Fuel, found on www.churchfuel.com - the first quote
is by Martin Luther, so you know you found the right one)