Stories behind the Carols - Sunday Dec. 23, 2007

Merry Christmas from the Garners -

You've got to check out our elf song here

www.elfyourself.com/?id=1511856864

"Shout to the North"
Click here to read about Martin Smith http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Smith_(songwriter)
Click here to worship along with Delirious:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BUe_8I4j54
Click here to worship along with Charlie Hall
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBuakvHqE9E&mode=related&search=

"Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee"
The music for this hymn is by Ludwig van Beethoven . Taken from the fourth and final movement of his Ninth Symphony (completed in 1824), for four solo voices, chorus, and orchestra.
You can sing several different texts to this great hymn. We'll sing two Christmas verses this Sunday -

"Joyful, Joyful, we adore You,

God of glory, Lord of light;

Angels lifting praise before You

sing thoughout this holy night

In a manger lies a Baby,

child of Mary, son of God.

Voices joined in joyful chorus

praise you for Your gift of love."

All Your works declare Your glory;

All creation, joins to sing

Praise resounds as earth rejoices

in the birth of Christ, the King.

Shepherds kneel before the infant.

Trumpets sound and anthems raise

As with joy our hearts are lifted,

joined in wonder, love and praise"

*these verses were adapted by Linda Lee Johnson
Click here for Leonard Bernsteins' rendition of "Ode to Joy"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZJ1Tgf4JL8
Click here to listen to a hammered dulcimar
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VGhhxzP364
Click here to hear it on a clawhammer Banjo
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPsnX4HWTCg
click here to hear it played on chimes
www.youtube.com/watch?v=h54Zn47OZ0g
Click here for a German choir - absolutely beautiful
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMGKPajKs08

"Hallelujah Chorus"
The worship choir will sing a newer arrangement of the "Hallelujah Chorus" by Handel, click here for more reading on the song and the oratorio "The Messiah"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messiah_%28Handel%29#The_.22Hallelujah_Chorus.22
Click here for an article on whether you should stand when the song is sung or not - makes for interesting reading
www.lafolia.com/archive/skyley/skyley200412messiah.html
another article with several views on this
www.festival-singers.org.nz/haleluia.htm

Click here for the Robert Shaw version
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFXTJQY2SY4
Here is a fun youtube video that actually has the music where you can follow along
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnHksDFHTQI
Here is an interesting arrangement
www.youtube.com/watch?v=phhqYXTA5dA
Here is the arrangement that the choir will be singing Sunday with Anthony Berger playing the piano
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGG_Of0ccYM

"It came upon a midnight clear"
Click here to read more about this carol
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Came_Upon_the_Midnight_Clear
Click here to listen to Josh Groban
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DottUe8PSk8
Click here for a great acapella arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuBI9mkWY
here is an arrangement from Perry Como that starts with Happy Holidays:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NnnmnY_TGo

"Here I am to Worship"
We're adding the lyrics from "Away in a Manger" to this song for the second vers:
Click here to listen to the story behind the song by Tim Hughes.www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-196-HereIAmtoWorship-Hughes.mp3
Click here to worship along with Darlene Zschech in Australia leading the song.www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2d10n1Cpcc&mode=related&search=
Click here to read more about the composer Tim Hugheswww.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/worship/1227531/

"Hark the Herald, Angels Sing"
Click here to read more about his carol by Charles Wesley
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hark!_The_Herald_Angels_Sing
Click here to hear Jewell sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUqtKJ13eH4
Click here for the Mariah Carey arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWQzmb3xjn8
Click here for an acapella arrangement from the Duke's Co-ed Acapella choir
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLZlWmpDMTY

"Angels we have heard on High"
Click here to read more about this French carol:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angels_We_Have_Heard_on_High
Click here for a guitar arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBGAPYHx9gs
Click here for the Westminster choir arrangment:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2hsQS79YS8
Click here if you want to see a guy play the song on a big piece of Brocolli
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GabHGlGm14

Sermon Sunday is titled "Those who held our Lord"
Simeon Luke 2: 25-35

Offertory Sunday is Jennifer Reynolds singing "One Child"
click here to preview the song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND9uOzw-TZg

Stories behind the Carols - Sunday Dec. 16, 2007

"Joy To The World"
One of our most popular Christmas carols is the result of the efforts of Isaac Watts and Lowell Mason—and, some believe, George Frederick Handel. Watts was a frail, quiet man only five feet tall. Mason was an energetic publisher, choir director, and composer. Handel was a large, robust musical genius. Handel and Watts were contemporaries in London and one imagines they must have appreciated each other's talents. Mason lived 100 years later in Boston.
In 1719 Isaac Watts, already a notable scholar and author, sat down under a tree at the Abney Estate near London and began to compose poetry based on Psalm 98. Watts had begun writing verses as a small child. In his teen years he complained that the songs in church were hard to sing. His father said, "Well, you write some that are better." And so he did. For the next two years, young Isaac wrote a new hymn each week. (He would eventually write more than 600 of them, all based on Scripture.) Today, hymns like "Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed" and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" are hallmarks of the Christian church, and Watts is regarded as "the Father of English Hymnody."
In 1741 George Frederick Handel, who was already famous as the composer of several operas and oratorios, decided that he wanted to do a truly great work. After spending time in prayer, he arose from his knees and for 23 days labored almost continuously day and night. The immortal Messiah, now a Christmas tradition, was the fruit of that incessant struggle.
A nobleman once praised Handel for the "entertainment" he had furnished in one of his compositions. In no uncertain terms Handel let the nobleman know that his music was composed to make men better, not to entertain them.
Almost a century later, Lowell Mason set Watts's poem of "joy" to music. For years it was assumed that Mason used tunes from Handel's Messiah for portions of the arrangement, but the veracity of that claim is now debated among scholars. Listeners can judge for themselves. But this we know: It was Mason who ultimately brought the pieces together to give us "Joy to the world"
Click here to listen to the acapella group Take 6:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=evywpq32Oa0
Click here to listen to the Vienna Boys choir:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlhWQhtTfq4
Click here if you like Michael Bolton:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXY8Vtnrsxc
Click here to listen to a Mannheim Steamroller version: www.youtube.com/watch?v=inhQTvEhsiU
Click here for a solo guitar version:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiVamM-Uk6A

"Go Tell It On The Mountain"
Go Tell It on the Mountain, was the product of the prayers and faith of an unknown slave, probably before the Civil War. He was probably unable to read the Bible, but gleaning from stories he had heard, he imagined the emotions of the shepherds and wise men, though he did not mention them specifically.
Click here to read about the story behind the song:
www.niu.edu/PubAffairs/RELEASES/2004/nov/carol04.shtml
Click here for a Bob Marley arrangement of the carol:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkUjtl3sH_k
Click here for the Aretha Franklin arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-HHh-pSkiA
Click here for the Dolly Parton arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpSGps6Uqco
Click here for the Peter, Paul & Mary arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0nAyWVp-hY&feature=related
Click here for an acapella arrangement by the Voices of Liberty:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=es4UglURN9k
Click here for a great jazz arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBh4Y2m6Vqc&feature=related

"Carol of the Bells"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_of_the_Bells
click here to listen to the George Winston arrangement
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JYrOMK1aDA
click here for a Celtic arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tNbsQ8eDbA
Click here for the Tucson Boys choir
www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6TL1ll4nWo
Click here for the Bradford Barlow arrangement the choir will be singing:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=E74x_mdblWg

"O Little Town Of Bethlehem"
Click here for the story behind the song:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_Little_Town_of_Bethlehem
Click here for a traditional choir arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql0CnTY49mc
Click here if your a Nat King Cole enthusiast:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWq8HxloB6Q
Click here if Kenny Rodgers is your style:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIEVhgqMHso
Click here if you like Elvis:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLTUqVv6Klc
Click here for a contemporary arrangement of the song by First Call:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS7YK2CRfRs

"Untitled Hymn (Come To Jesus)"
"Untitled Hymn"This song by Chris Rice was on his recording "Run the earth and watch the sky". What a great name for a recording.
Click here to learn more about Chris
www.christianmusic.com/chrisrice/bio.html
Click here to worship along with the song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=39XD1ImxGWw&mode=related&search=
Click here to listen to worship along with song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_4g8_e16dc&mode=related&search=

"Away in a Manger"
Away in a manager is always the first carol that children are taught. Away in a Manger was originally published in 1885. The publication of Away in a Manger was in a Lutheran Sunday school book and this created the misconception that the lyrics of Away in a Manger were actually written by Martin Luther himself. The author is unknown. The music to Away in a Manger was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick in 1895.

Click here to read more about the Carol:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Away_in_a_Manger
Click here to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJO15vuC8g0
Click here to hear a great contemporary arrangement by Third Day
www.youtube.com/watch?v=s96m4Kk5BGU
Click here to listen to a Celtic arrangement
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOJb6uOF05Q

Stories behind the Carols - Sunday Dec. 9, 2007

"Glory to God in the Highest"
This gospel song was written by Daryl Williams. Click here to read more about his trio and Daryls' ministry:
http://darylwilliamstrio.net/index.php
Click here to listen to the Old Friends quartet sing the song on a Gaither video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tYaI7UL_NE
Click here to hear Ernie Hasses' quartet sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKMrhp5uS3g

"Everlasting"
Brenton Brown wrote this song after both he and his wife had being diagnosed with Chronic fatigue syndromeGreat song by Brenton Brown, check him out here. http://www.brentonbrownmusic.com/
Click here to listen to him share about how the song came about
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YePOcs88kqw
Click here to listen to Lincoln Brewsters' arrangement
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP2nz6PG8KM&mode=related&search=
Click here to listen to Brenton Brown & Paul Baloche
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bLWwnVBuF8

"Angels From the Realms of Glory"
James Montgomery was the son of Missionaries who went to the West Indies and left their son in a boarding school when he was only 6 years old. While his devout parents shared the gospel, their son was shuttled from home to home. He failed at school. He failed as a baker's apprentice. But, he could write poetry. In time, he worked for The Sheffield Register, a radical newspaper which he later bought out and renamed, The Iris. Because of addressing sensitive political issues in his paper, twice Mr. Montgomery was fined and imprisoned.On Christmas Eve, 1816, at the age of 45, James published his poem, "Angels from the realms of glory," in his paper.The stirring tune, Regent Square came from the pen of the blind musician composer, Henry Smart who was born in 1813 and lived until 1879. The name Regent Square was taken from the most prominent Presbyterian Church in London. Montgomery produced more than 400 hymns, surpassed only by Charles Wesley and Isaac Watts in the number of hymns now in general use throughout Christendom.
Click here to listen to an organ arrangement with Chimes
www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-t7koyC9QE&feature=related

"This is Christmas"
These are great words set to the tune of "Silver Bells". I'm really not sure where I got the words, but because the tune is so familiar, it works well in worship. Here are the alternate christmas lyrics that can be sung to "Silver Bells".

"This is Christmas, This is Christmas
Every pure heart is filled,
with a song that is praising the Saviour
For the glory and the blessing
that has brightened our way,
Since Jesus was born on that day
Wonderful (echo) Counselor (echo)
Down from His throne to a manger
Mighty God (echo) Prince of Peace (echo) Soon he is coming again"

Click here to read more about the song "Silver Bells"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Bells

Click here to listen to John Denver sing "Silver Bells"

www.youtube.com/watch?v=djfgoGAEU4E

"Good Christian men Rejoice"
This is a 14th Century Latin carol, translated by John M. Neale (1818-1866). The original Latin title of this song is "In Dulci Jubilo" meaning "in sweet shouting". This is known as a "macaronic carol" because it combines 2 or more languages. In this case, German and Latin.........with a 19th Century English rendering by Mr. Neale.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Dulci_Jubilo
Click here to hear a brass arrangement
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftdtocjj7i4

"One Day"
This is a new arrangement of an old hymn by Michael Bleaker worship pastor at the Village church in Flower Mound. The words were penned by J. Wilbur Chapman.Click here to play the song - scroll down to new worship songs
www.firsthurst.com/HURST_worship_resources.php
Michael on worship:
"At the Village church , we believe that worship is our response - both personal and corporate - to God for Who He is and what He has done, expressed in and by the things we say and the way we live."
One day when Heaven was filled with His praises,
One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin,
Dwelt among men, my Example is He!
Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever;
One day He’s coming—O glorious day!
One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain,
One day they nailed Him to die on the tree;
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected:
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He!
One day they left Him alone in the garden,
One day He rested, from suffering free;
Angels came down o’er His tomb to keep vigil;
Hope of the hopeless, my Savior is He!
One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore!
One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,
One day the skies with His glories will shine;
Wonderful day, my belovèd ones bringing;
Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!

Offertory "Breath of Heaven"
Amy Grant wrote this song. In 1992 she produced her second studio Christmas album, Home For Christmas. The album was a smash success, going multi-platinum and earning acclaim for its large symphonic arrangements. "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)", a song which told the nativity story from Mary's perspective, was one of the album's biggest successes. Grant had been pregnant with her third child, Sarah Chapman, during the writing of the song and has said that she was inspired by her pregnancy to reflect on Mary's struggle.
click here to hear Amy Grant sing this song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2egKS4d1oI
Click here to see sign-language of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrYVd5h5bro&feature=related

Stories behind the CAROLS - Sunday Dec. 2, 2007

What is a Carol anyway?

A song of praise or joy, especially for Christmas.
An old round dance often accompanied by singing.
To sing in a loud, joyous manner.
To go from house to house singing Christmas songs.
To celebrate in or as if in song: caroling the victory.
To sing loudly and joyously.

"O Come All Ye Faithful"
Also known in Latin as "Adeste Fidelis", this Christmas carol is credited to an English hymnist named John Francis Wade (1711-1786).
Click here to read more about the history of the song:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adeste_Fideles
Click here to listen to Bianca Ryan sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I8XAf4Rwa4
Click here to hear a traditional setting:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZKp4npV47Q&feature=related

"Lord I lift Your Name on High"
Rick Founds wrote this song.
It was written in 1989 during Found's morning devotion. Having developed the habit of playing guitar while watching television, he found it very natural to play while reading Scripture on his computer monitor.
"I'd just reach over and grab my guitar," he recalls. "I'd plunk along with whatever I was reading that day."
He remembers marveling one early morning at the love of God who created the world though He knew we would rebel and fall. It amazed Rick that God had a plan to redeem us from the very beginning. As Founds meditated over his cyber-Bible and touched his guitar strings, God's plan struck him as something of a cycle.
He thought of the cycle of rain that comes down, waters the earth, evaporates back into the clouds and then returns.
Suddenly, the now famous chorus emerged: "You came from heaven to earth to show the way / From the earth to the cross my debt to pay / From the cross to the grave / From the grave to the sky..." Interrupting his own lyric, Founds explains, "The response to grasping even a little bit of that knowledge is praise, and thanksgiving and gratitude!" When he completes the line, 'Lord, I Lift Your Name on High,' a moment of silent awe follows.

Click here to read more about this Carol
www.ccli.com/WorshipResources/SongStories.cfm?itemID=11
Click here to worship along with Rick Founds
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBezK_v_FqY
Click here to worship along with the group Petra:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cx5YmS7GXQ&feature=related
Click here to worship along with some great images:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OF5iaFNE7Q


"Unto the Lamb"
This great worship song was written by Brian Ming, worship director for CHRIST FOR THE NATIONS in Dallas.
Here is Brians' testimony in his own words:
Recently, God has called me out to the body of Christ to impart at local churches, at conferences, and various events. I feel called, not to one exclusive organization, or denomination, but to go where He opens the door. If you are interested in having me, my wife, and/or team come, send me a message. Well, a little background on me.....I've been in full time ministry since the age of 19yrs old (unless you count playing the drums for my parents church at age 9). I was youth pastor, college pastor, music pastor, young adults district cordinator, masters commission director, and the list goes on & on. I pioneered a lot of cool ministries (with the help of amazing people that God put around me).....I love working with young people who are passionate for Christ! We had a group that traveled all over the country leading people to the Lord through worship & dramas. God has allowed me to accomplish many things at a young age. I am very excited at what He is doing in my life NOW! I am currently the worship leader at Christ for Nations Institute & I have the privilege of being around some awesome students! God has put a desire in my heart to challenge this next generation to make a difference in their world, with a life of worship. As well as ministry on the platform, I feel just as called and anointed to be a loving husband to my beautiful wife Kristen, and a father to three amazing children.

Click here to worship along with Brian Ming - the song is on his stand-alone player
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=185732641


"This is Christmas"
These are great words set to the tune of "Silver Bells". I'm really not sure where I got the words, but because the tune is so familiar, it works well in worship. Here are the alternate christmas lyrics that can be sung to "Silver Bells"

"This is Christmas, This is Christmas

Every pure heart is filled, with a song that is praising the Saviour

For the glory and the blessing that has brightened our way,

Sin..ce Jesus was born on that day

Wonderful (echo) Counselor (echo)

Down from His throne to a manger

Mighty God (echo) Prince of Peace (echo)

Soon he is coming again

Click here to read more about the song "Silver Bells"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Bells
Click here to listen to John Denver sing "Silver Bells"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=djfgoGAEU4E


"Come Thou Long Expected Jesus"
In 1738, the love and grace of God gripped the heart of Charles Wesley, and he actively sought to share the knowledge of His love with others. Charles wrote over 6000 hymns, including "Christ the Lord is risen today," "Oh For a Thousand Tongues to Sing," "Jesus Lover of My Soul" and "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling."

In this Christmas carol, "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus," Wesley makes many references to who Jesus is and what He can mean to those who believe on Him. Take time to consider this carol of anticipation and fulfillment.

Click here to listen to a Bagpipe arrangement of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PuVoYnhcbU
Click here to listen to a great Pipe organ arrangement of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbgbS42n_U8
Click here to listen to a solo arrangement with guitar
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCCy9MvdHSQ

"Tell me the Story of Jesus"
This great hymn was written by Fanny Crosby, here is some short information on her testimony:
The story of Fanny Crosby is one of sorrow, yet of the deepest love. At the age of six weeks old, Fanny developed an eye infection. The family physician was unavailable so another physician was called. He applied hot mustard poultices to the baby’s eyes. This caused severe burns to Fanny’s eyes and she was permanently blind from then on.Fanny never felt bitter but instead grew into a young woman who “saw” God in everything around her and in every circumstance that life handed to her. Although she was physically blind, Fanny had the keenest of spiritual sight…which is reflected in her 9,000 plus hymns. Her love for God and her eagerness to share with others what Christ had done for them brought countless numbers to Christ.


Click here to hear a gaither video of the song great harmony:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cclh18f3Fc4
Click here to hear a great trio sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JezvAf3PGfU


"The First Noel"
The word Nowell comes from the French word Noël meaning "Christmas", from the Latin word natalis ("birth"). It may also be from the Gaulish words "noio" or "neu" meaning "new" and "helle" meaning "light" referring to the winter solstice when sunlight begins overtaking darkness.

Click here to read more about the song:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_First_No%C3%ABl#Animaniacs_parody
Click here to listen to Clay Aiken sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJhlB-CzCsc
Click here to hear Helmut Lotti sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=We4xRHMuCNg&feature=related
** Click here for an interesting arrangement - one person, two guitars: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cyWiw3cSOI



"Breath of Heaven"
Amy Grant wrote this song. In 1992 she produced her second studio Christmas album, Home For Christmas. The album was a smash success, going multi-platinum and earning acclaim for its large symphonic arrangements. "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)", a song which told the nativity story from Mary's perspective, was one of the album's biggest successes. Grant had been pregnant with her third child, Sarah Chapman, during the writing of the song and has said that she was inspired by her pregnancy to reflect on Mary's struggle.

click here to hear Amy Grant sing this song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2egKS4d1oI
Click here to see sign-language of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrYVd5h5bro&feature=related

Stories behind the songs - Sunday Nov. 25, 2007

For flowers that bloom about our feet;

For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;

For song of bird, and hum of bee;

For all things fair we hear or see,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee!

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"My God Lives"
We do this song a lot, but I love how it paints the picture of the gospel. This song was originally recorded at Fellowship Church in Grapevine. My favorite line is “He went to the cross for my sins and in three days He rose again, and on His throne He reigns for eternity”

"Come Thou Fount, Come Thou King"
This arrangement is by Thomas Miller, Worship Pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. I had the opportunity to visit with Thomas during my sabbatical, he said the added chorus came to him on a Saturday morning watching college football. He was singing through the order for that evenings service and wanted to have some kind of transition to the next song and the following simple chorus came to him.
"Come Thou fount, come Thou King,
Come Thou precious Prince of Peace;
Hear Your bride, to you we sing,
come Thou fount of our blessing."
The original hymn was composed by the 18th century Methodist pastor and hymnist Robert Robinson. The hymn is set to an American folk tune known as Nettleton, by attribution to the evangelist Asahel Nettleton who composed it early in the nineteenth century. Robinson penned the words at age the of 22 in the year 1757.
Click here to watch and sing along with the Gateway church version
http://www.blogger.com/www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BFNvhbuNg4&mode=related&search=
If you like more of a traditional arrangement check out this choir arrangement here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUhU0HgTq94&mode=related&search=

"Thou, O Lord"

This is one of our Choirs' favorite anthems, based upon the Psalm 3

Psalm 3
A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.

1 LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! 2 Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him." 3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the one who lifts my head high.
4 I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain.
5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.

6 I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.
7 Arise, LORD! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. 8 From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

Click here to hear the Brooklyn Tabernacle choir minister the song:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=y284YvkYrZo

Click here to hear the Lee University Campus choir minister the song:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0yOfnwPNd4

"New Every Morning"
This song is based on Lamentations 3:22-23
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
click here to hear a recording of the song http://www.blogger.com/www.worshipmusic.com/vmd8076.html
Click here to learn more about the composer
www.scottunderwood.org/

"Amazed"

Click here to read an interview of the composer Jared Anderson

www.christianitytoday.com/music/artists/jaredanderson.html

You dance over me

While I am unaware

You sing all around

But I never hear the sound
Lord I’m amazed by You

Lord I’m amazed by You

Lord I’m amazed by You

How You love me

Click here to worship along with Jared Anderson
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO0adHGUdxo

Click here to watch a video montage of the song (clearer audio)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGBRkx--w7I&feature=related

"Offering"

This song is by Paul Baloche. Paul Baloche has written some of this generation’s most compelling worship songs, songs that have become the soundtrack for believers all over the world in times of worship both corporate and private. His approach to his calling is simple, yet profound: “The best worship songs come as a byproduct of worship.”

Click here to watch the iworship dvd of the song

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRovY3GoEUk

Click here to worship along with Paul Baloche

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxuyRyi8ulw&feature=related

"The Solid Rock"
One morning it came into my mind as I went to labour, to write an hymn on the ‘Gracious Experience of a Christian.’ As I went up Holborn I had the chorus,

‘On Christ the solid Rock I stand,All other ground is sinking sand.’
In the day I had four first verses complete, and wrote them off. On the Sabbath following I met brother King as I came out of Lisle Street Meeting…who informed me that his wife was very ill, and asked me to call and see her. I had an early tea, and called afterwards. He said that it was his usual custom to sing a hymn, read a portion, and engage in prayer, before he went to meeting. He looked for his hymn-book but could find it no where. I said, ‘I have some verses in my pocket; if he liked, we would sing them.’ We did, and his wife enjoyed them so much, that after service he asked me, as a favour, to leave a copy of them for his wife. I went home, and by the fireside composed the last two verses, wrote the whole off, and took them to sister King…As these verses so met the dying woman’s case, my attention to them was the more arrested, and I had a thousand printed for distribution.

Click here to listen to an arrangement by the Cadet sisters

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJnb3l9UuYU&feature=related

here is a gospel arrangement by the

www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkGv-2Yb8a4&feature=related

here is a more traditional arrangement of the song on organ

www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkGv-2Yb8a4&feature=related

Offertory this Sunday is Mark Kent singing "Thankful"

Here is Caedman's call singing the song:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0HS_ICk8Js

Click here to watch a video montage of the song

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhGAYc_ZIP0&feature=related

Stories behind the songs Nov.18, 2007

“God first seeks devotion to Him in the hidden place –

worship when no one else is watching.”

"Thank you Lord"

This song of thanksgiving was written by Paul Baloche & Don Moen.

We are commanded to give thanks:

Psalm 136:4-9 -

Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully. His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to him who placed the earth on the water. His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights -- His faithful love endures forever. The sun to rule the day, His faithful love endures forever and the moon and stars to rule the night. His faithful love endures forever

Click here to learn more about Don Moen

www.jjonline.com/biographies/donMoen.php

Click here to learn more about Paul Baloches' testimony

www.christianmusic.com/paulbaloche/bio.html

Click here to worship along with Don Moen

www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZwl_VJJ3xM

"We will Dance"

Click here for the lyrics:

www.worship.co.za/solo/renew12.asp

Learn more about David Ruis here:

www.davidruis.com/

Click here to worship along with song:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfIBQRT7UVY

"For the Beauty of the Earth"

This choir anthem was written by John Rutter. Click here to read more about this composer from England

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Rutter

Click here to worship along with the boys choir of St. Paul's Cathedral in London

www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_LfvZVwCOI

Click here to take a virtual tour of St. Pauls' cathedral

www.sphericalimages.com/stpauls/virtual_tour.htm

Click here for a great visual slide show set to the song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iRxZMudrAY

"Count Your many Blessings"
This beautiful hymn was written by one of the prolific gospel song writers of the past century, a Methodist lay preacher named Johnson Oatman.

Click here to read the lyrics and hear the tune:

www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/c/o/countyou.htm

click here to read more about the composition of this song:

www.webedelic.com/church/countt.htm

Click here to sing-along with the International Staff singers great piano duet along with the choir recorded in Sweden:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4hOYf6Mn5g

“Made Me Glad”
By Hillsong worship leader Miriam Webster
Miriam Webster is an Australian gospel singer-songwriter. Her career began at the age of 15, when she won the interstate music awards. She has since toured Australia, New Zealand and the United States, and released several albums, of which the first is Never Alone. She has been serving with the Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia since 1996 and featuring on numerous Hillsong Music praise-and-worship albums since 1997.

Click here to worship along with the Hillsongs worship ministry:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogQh89DDuyc

"How Great is Our God"

Click here to listen to the story behind the song:

www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-302-HowGreatisOurGod-Tomlin.mp3

Click here to listen to Chris share about how the song came about.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpfKli_4LQ0&mode=related&search=
Click here to worship along with Darlene Zschech
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIiBYMAs8Qo&mode=related&search=

Chris on the song:
Another simple song that started from the thought of God's greatness and presence. My hope is that it is simple enough to sing, yet profound enough to cause the heart and soul to stand in wonder. I've already been overwhelmed from the response I've seen from this song.

Message
Jobs of Jesus II: "Jesus as the Baker" John 6:26-35
Offertory The Doug Herring Band

Stories behind the songs Sunday November 11, 2007

"Our Heavenly Father loves us with an extravagant abandon. Passionate, undignified worship is our only reasonable response."

"High and Lifted Up"
The worship choir will start us off with this anointed song by Joe Pace. Joe's intense scriptural understanding and anointing in the area of music ministry, has rendered him a phenomenal teacher and one of the most sought after workshop clinicians and speakers in the country.
Click here to learn more about Joe Pace
www.joepace.org/index_new.html
Click here to get a taste of Joe's music
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZKOQQtmUbQ

"Friend of God"
Israel Houghton serves as one of the worship pastors for Lakewood Church in Houston. Here are some links with information on this popular worship song. Here is a devotional thought on the song www.gospelflava.com/articles/songinword-friendofgod.html
Here is an interview with Israel that gives great insight into Israel’s walk with the Lord. www.cbn.com/700club/guests/interviews/israel_houghton_041205.aspx
Click here to listen to the song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty0SO7IvtXM

"When I get there"
The Crossroads youth will minister this song by Kirk Franklin - great phrase "you will exchange joy for my pain"
Click here to learn more about Kirk Franklin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirk_Franklin
Click here to worship with Kirk Franklin in Houston
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXc9l1IVw2w

"I will Boast"
Read more about Paul Baloches' ministry here www.leadworship.com/paul/about.html
This song is based on the verse Jeremiah 9:24
"Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
Click here to worship with the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yiAFexAeqc


"I Surrender All"
This powerful hymn was written by Judson W. Van DeVenter in 1896. He wrote the following in his journal:
The song was writ­ten while I was con­duct­ing a meet­ing at East Pal­es­tine, Ohio, in the home of George Seb­ring (found­er of the Seb­ring Camp­meet­ing Bi­ble Con­fer­ence in Seb­ring, Ohio, and lat­er de­vel­op­er of the town of Seb­ring, Flor­i­da). For some time, I had strug­gled be­tween de­vel­op­ing my tal­ents in the field of art and go­ing into full-time evan­gel­is­tic work. At last the pi­vot­al hour of my life came, and I sur­ren­dered all. A new day was ushered in­to my life. I became an evang­el­ist and dis­cov­ered down deep in my soul a tal­ent hi­ther­to un­known to me. God had hid­den a song in my heart, and touch­ing a ten­der chord, He caused me to sing "I surrender all, I surrender all, all to Thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all"
Click here to hear Ce Ce Winan sing this hymn:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjsz6fRnsDc
Click here to hear the Isaacs sing the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOq7p3RTm5w
Click here to watch a very moving liturgical dance to the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-VnQShgRYs

"Take my Life and Let it Be"
Frances R. Havergal wrote the following about how he wrote the song:
I went for a lit­tle vi­sit of five days (to Are­ley House). There were ten per­sons in the house, some un­con­vert­ed and long prayed for, some con­vert­ed, but not re­joic­ing Christ­ians. He gave me the pra­yer, “Lord, give me all in this house!” And He just did. Be­fore I left the house ev­ery one had got a bless­ing. The last night of my vis­it af­ter I had re­tired, the gov­ern­ess asked me to go to the two daugh­ters. They were cry­ing, then and there both of them trust­ed and re­joiced; it was near­ly mid­night. I was too hap­py to sleep, and passed most of the night in praise and re­new­al of my own con­se­cra­tion; and these lit­tle coup­lets formed them­selves, and chimed in my heart one af­ter ano­ther till they fin­ished with “Ever, On­ly, ALL for Thee!”

click here to hear a newer version of the hymn
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEzbwcMG9Gc

Stories behind the songs - Sunday November 4, 2007

Creation is alive with musicality; and every sound, note and strain is a response to the divine, pointing to the author of all life – God Himself.

"Did You feel the Mountains Tremble"
click here for the story behind the song:
www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-197-DidYouFeeltheMountainsTremble-Smith.mp3
Click here to listen to the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4Q5vVa0q8Q
Click here to read more about Martin Smith the composer:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Smith_(songwriter)


"Everlasting God"
Brenton Brown wrote this song after both he and his wife had being diagnosed with Chronic fatigue syndrome
Great song by Brenton Brown, check him out here.
www.brentonbrownmusic.com/
Click here to listen to him share about how the song came about
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YePOcs88kqw
Click here to listen to Lincoln Brewsters' arrangement
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP2nz6PG8KM&mode=related&search=
Click here to listen to Brenton Brown & Paul Baloche
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bLWwnVBuF8

"Breathe on Me" Soloist Karen Rutledge
This song was written by Natalie Grant click here to read more about her ministry
www.nataliegrant.com/?content=music

"Give thanks to the Lord"
This song was written by Jon Essen, who grew up at First Hurst. Here are Jons' thought on writing the song:

"I think there are seasons and times in our lives when seeing God as He really is, becomes not just a vain concept, but a heartfelt and tangible reality. I remember sitting down at the piano one night after reflecting on how great knowing God really is...the joy, the peace, the amazing relationship He opens up to us through Jesus. As I thought about it, it simply made me want to worship God and express that I was so grateful for everything He had done in my life...but more than that, I was grateful that in all His power and splendor, He would choose me, and call me His own. Honestly, it’s a concept that never gets old to me...I love knowing Jesus." Jon Essen

"The More I seek You"
click here to read more about Zach Neese who wrote this powerful worship song
www.gatewaypeople.com/churchinfo/index.php?action=staffbiodetails&sid=180
Click here to worship along with Kari Jobe (LD Bell High school graduate)www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3GijrnfStk

Psalm 13
Long enough, God— you've ignored me long enough.
I've looked at the back of your head long enough.
Long enough I've carried this ton of trouble, lived with a stomach full of pain.
Long enough my arrogant enemies have looked down their noses at me. Take a good look at me, God, my God; I want to look life in the eye, So no enemy can get the best of me or laugh when I fall on my face. I've thrown myself headlong into your arms I'm celebrating your rescue.
I'm singing at the top of my lungs, I'm so full of answered prayers.



"Great is Thy Faithfulness"

Thomas Obadiah Chisolm

While many hymns are born out of a particular dramatic experience, this hymn was simply the result of the author’s morning by morning realization of God’s personal faithfulness. Thomas Obadiah Chisholm was born in a log cabin in Kentucky. Without the benefit of high school or advanced training, he began his career as a school teacher at the age of sixteen, in the same country schoolhouse where he had received his elementary training. When he was twenty-one, he became the associate editor of his home town weekly newspaper, The Franklin Favorite. Six years later he accepted Christ as his personal Savior during a revival meeting. Later Chisholm was ordained to the Methodist ministry but was forced to resign after a brief pastorate because of poor health. Chisholm retired in 1953 and spent his remaining years at the Methodist Home for the Aged, in Ocean Grove, New Jersey.
In a letter dated 1941, Mr. Chisholm wrote; “My income has not been large at any time due to impaired health in the earlier years which has followed me until now, although I must not fail to record the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God, for which I am filled with astonishing gratefulness.”



Click here to see the lyrics:
www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/i/gisthyf.htm
Click here to see the Gaither video arrangement
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRT08LdEstw
Click here for an organ arrangement
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CIjceUj_oI
Click here for a guitar arrangement
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EDK4dLjeCo
Click here for a gospel arrangement
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjDfX7SOslQ




Sermon Series: "Jobs of Jesus III"
Maintenance Man (He Cleans Up Our Messes) Matthew 8:1-3

"For All You've Done" Soloist Nancy Hill

Oh cleanser of the mess I've made
Upon the hill our places trade
Stretched on a cross Your body crushed
By human hands You formed from dust

How wonderful Your mercy is
How awesome are Your ways
I come, I comeTo worship You
For all You've done

Oh cleanser of the mess I've made
Your boundless love for me portrayed
With patience for my learning curve
By holding back what I deserve

Oh cleanser of the mess I've made
With everything at Your feet laid
I watch as all my cares erode
And from my soul these words explode
Chorus

This song was popularized by Point of Grace click here to learn more about their ministry:
http://pointofgrace.net/

Stories behind the songs - Sunday October 28, 2007

“A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.”

C. S. Lewis

"Say So"
Another great song by Israel Houghton click here to read about his ministry with "NEW BREED"
www.newbreedmusic.com/
Click here to listen to Israel in the studio singing "SAY SO"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayuUrynTMy0
Click here to worship along at a worship event the song "SAY SO"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGlVQzUweso&mode=related&search=
Click here to watch more of Israel sharing a new song "If not for Your Grace"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgizH3sIizU&mode=related&search=

"You are so Awesome" Worship Choir with Soloist John Brewer
This dynamic song is from the group "Youthful Praise" click here to read more about J.J. Hairston and the ministry of "Youthful Praise", you can also scroll down on this website and listen to the song
www.gospelflava.com/articles/youthfulpraiseliveaudio.html
Click here to worship along with "Youthful Praise"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTg1mfo_81k
Click here to worship along with the New Life Inspirational Gospel choir
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxVFTPUwXjo

"At Calvary"
Daniel Brink Towner (1850-1919) was an American Gospel music composer and teacher. In 1885, entered full-time evangelistic work and was associated with D. L. Moody, L. W. Munhall, Major D. W. Whittle and others. Music director at Moody Bible Institute from 1893 to 1919. Composed over 2000 hymns tunes, including the music for "Trust and Obey," Anywhere With Jesus," "Saved By the Blood," and "At Calvary."
Click here to read the lyrics of this great hymn
www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/t/atcalvry.htm
click here to listen to a gospel organ version
www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8uBu3Ix7Wk
click here to worship along
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYxRPEZSYLo
click here to worship along with Lynda Randle & Jessy Dixon on one of the Gaither videos
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTsREFcTKbE

"Untitled Hymn"
This song by Chris Rice was on his recording "Run the earth and watch the sky". What a great name for a recording.
Click here to learn more about Chris www.christianmusic.com/chrisrice/bio.html
Click here to worship along with the song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=39XD1ImxGWw&mode=related&search=
Click here to listen to worship along with song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_4g8_e16dc&mode=related&search=

Message - 2020 Vision Team and Personnel Reports

"Wherever He leads I'll go " Click here to read the lyrics and listen to the song http://home.fuse.net/rust/130.html

"I love You Lord - Medley"
A remote mobile home gleams faintly in the crisp Autumn sunrise. Within that metal refuge in the high deserts of central Oregon, a young mother is having a quiet time with the Lord. Her toddler is still asleep. Her husband is a full time college student, and the couple is surviving on $400 per month. They have no home church, no friends nearby, and she does not drive. Even the expense of a long distance phone call might leave them without milk or bread in weeks to come. Such is the backdrop of Laurie Klein's classic praise song, "Love You, Lord", written in 1974.
"It was a very hopeless time, a very depressed time," she summarizes. "I felt the poverty of my own life keenly at that point, both emotionally and physically."
"That morning I was so empty," she says, recalling her time with the Lord. "I knew I didn't have anything to offer Him. I asked if He would like to hear me sing . . if He would just give me something He would be in the mood to hear." Klein describes "I Love You, Lord", as a gift from God that emerged spontaneously: "I sang the first half and put the chords with it with no effort," she says.
I love You Lord and I lift my voice To worship You O my soul, rejoice!
Intrigued and moved by these words, she remembers thinking, "maybe I should write that down." She stopped long enough to get a pen. When she came back, the last two phrases came just as easily:
Take joy, my King in what you hear May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear.
Laurie's husband, Bill, recognized the simple beauty of the song and encouraged her to play it for a local pastor and some visiting musicians. Eventually the song surfaced at Jack Hayford's Church on the Way in Van Nuys, California. There Buck and Annie Herring learned the song and included it on Annie's Kids of the Kingdom. But its greatest exposure was on Maranatha! Music's Praise 4 in 1980. Since then, Bill Klein has lost count but estimates the song has been released on 60 or 70 recordings. As of this writing, the most recent recording is a classic rock arrangement on Petra Praise 2: We Need Jesus. Laurie's personal favorite is Phil Keaggy's instrumental on The Wind and the Wheat. "I Love You Lord" has emerged in at least a half-dozen dialects, but the author particularly enjoys a Pidgin English version that starts, "Me like-a You, Papa-God". Pondering the enduring popularity of the classic, she says, I feel like God not only gave me the song, but He kissed it. He has kind of a "Midas touch." The things He touches are golden ... and I think people recognize this. I also think that's why it has translated well into other languages and cultures.

The Kleins, now parents of two grown daughters, live in Dearpark, Washington. Both have served on staff at various churches over the years, but their focus these days is House of Mercy, through which Bill acts as consultant to worship leaders of various denominations. A sampling of their song writing, including a stunning version of "I Love You, Lord", is available on a 1996 independent recording called All My Days.
Now 47 years old, Laurie Klein is more driven by a thirst for intimacy with God than ever. God has placed the phrase, "prepare Me a place" on her heart as a personal theme for this year. "We're called to prepare room for Him," Laurie explains. The heart of a worshiper becomes evident as she speaks. "We must be prepared to meet Him no matter who we're talking to or what we're doing, whether we're worshiping in church or worshiping with all the tasks that make up our day." That, she has come to understand, genuinely makes a "sweet, sweet sound" in God's ear.
Click here to hear an acapella version
www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6QE2k1FepQ
Click here to hear the DaeGu male choir sing the song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHmi3kr-JWY
Click here to hear Bill Gaither and the Homecoming friends sing the song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUbeq90ZsCM

Stories behind the songs - Sunday October 21,2007

Worship Quote this week:

“To sing a wrong note is insignificant, to sing without passion is inexcusable”

Beethoven

"Sing for Joy"

This song was written in 1996 by Lamont Hiebert who considers himself an abolitionist. He set aside his music career for three years while he worked to confront child trafficking, click here to read about his work to abolish slavery
www.lamontsongs.com/
He is involved with the work of LOVE146 click here to watch a disturbing video on child trafficking http://www.jfci.org/
Click here to read more of about Lamonts ministry.
http://lamontsongs.blogspot.com/
Click here to hear a short sample of the song "Sing for Joy"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8sJsFFl3zs&mode=related&search=

"Say So"
Another great song by Israel Houghton click here to read about his ministry with "NEW BREED" http://www.newbreedmusic.com/
Click here to listen to Israel in the studio singing "SAY SO"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayuUrynTMy0
Click here to worship along at a worship event the song "SAY SO"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGlVQzUweso&mode=related&search=
Click here to watch more of Israel sharing a new song "If not for Your Grace"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgizH3sIizU&mode=related&search=


"No More Night" Soloist Ben Mclallen
Click here for the song sung by David Phelps and narrated by Joni Erickson Tada
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDQijZ0OpaU&mode=related&search=

Walt Harrah is a noted song writer, session singer and record producer.His songs include Think About His Love (Integrity Music), In The Lord Alone (Maranatha Music), and No More Night (Word). He has been a session singer for 20 years, appearing on dozens of film soundtracks from "King Kong" to "Amistad," and numerous television programs, including the Oscars and the Tonight Show. He served as producer and singer with the vocal group Haven, a regular contributor to Haven Ministries radio programming. He has appeared on numerous recordings for Integrity Music, Maranatha Music, Word and other Christian recording companies. He received a bachelor of church music from the University of Southern California and a masters of divinity from Fuller Seminary. He serves as worship minister at Grace Evangelical Free Church in La Mirada, California.

"Pass me not O Gentle Saviour" This hymn was writen by Fanny Crosby here is the story behind the song: As ear­nest Christ­ian pas­tor told of a young man about whom he had long felt much an­xi­e­ty, as he had seemed so un­con­cerned about his soul, and was, in re­al­i­ty, a real cause of dis­turb­ance and in­ter­rupt­ion in class­es for other young men. Meet­ing him one day, the lov­ing pas­tor sought once more to in­flu­ence him, urg­ing, “We want you for Christ and his ser­vice.” There was a cer­tain change in his man­ner which did not es­cape the eye of the pray­er­ful watch­er for souls, and—lack­ing time to do more—he seized the op­por­tun­i­ty to se­cure the pre­sence of his young friend at a Christ­ian En­dea­vor meet­ing soon to be held. True to his prom­ise he was there. When an op­por­tun­i­ty was giv­en for some of the young men to choose a song, it was seen that he was urg­ing his com­pan­ion to se­lect some par­tic­u­lar hymn. The other, yield­ing to his re­quest, asked if the hymn, “Pass me not, O gentle Sav­iour,” might be sung; and both young men joined in the sing­ing with ev­i­dent in­ter­est and heart­i­ness. Lat­er in the ev­en­ing it was re­quest­ed that all who were def­in­ite­ly on the Lord’s side would con­fess their al­le­giance by stand­ing. Where­up­on the one over whom the heart of the pas­tor was spe­cial­ly yearn­ing rose at once, and with de­ci­sion.
“Tell me about your con­ver­sion,” the thank­ful pas­tor re­quest­ed at the close of the meet­ing, when hands were clasped in glad, bro­ther­ly wel­come and re­cog­ni­tion.
“Oh, yes,” as­sent­ed the other. “It was all through that hymn we have just sung. I was work­ing on the canal at G–, and there was a meet­ing be­ing held at the Mar­in­er’s Cha­pel, near­by. The words float­ed out over the wa­ter, and from the tug where I was work­ing I could hear them plain­ly enough. When they were just go­ing to sing those lines—‘While on others Thou are call­ing, Do not pass me by!’ a great fear came over me, and I thought, ‘Oh, if the Lord were to pass me by, how ter­ri­ble it would be!’ Then and there, on the tug, I cried out, ‘O Lord, do not pass me by.’ And”—with a bright smile—“he didn’t pass me by. I am saved.’”

Click here to hear a gospel organ version of the song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmDDUSpD7PI click here to see a moving clip of the song sung by Fantasia Barrino http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvzB9C7lSlc&mode=related&search=music%20church%20gospel%20christian%20saviour%20jesus Click here to hear Romance Watson sing it on a Gaither video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8O4zEkIs1Y&mode=related&search=music%20church%20gospel%20christian%20saviour%20jesus

"We Fall down" Click here to learn more about the song with an interview with Chris Tomlin & Steven Curtis Chapman www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWVrKOzxuQg Click here to worship along with Chris Tomlin www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEswcXc-CCU

"In the Secret" Click here to listen to Andy Park share the story behind the song: www.theheartofworship.com/stories/Story-340-IntheSecret-AndyPark.mp3 Click here to learn more about Andy Park www.andypark.ca/bio.shtml Click here to worship along with Shane & Shane http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWHaHK4kHUs

"My Jesus, I love Thee" Sixteen year old William Featherston of Montreal, Canada wrote this simple but profound hymn in 1862, not long after he was converted to Christ. William wrote no other hymns that we know of and his brief life ended just before his twenty-seventh birthday. Here is a story about the influence of this song: A Protestant Episcopal Bi­shop of Mi­chi­gan once re­lat­ed the fol­low­ing in­ci­dent to a large au­di­ence in one of the Rev. E. P. Ham­mond’s meet­ings in St. Lou­is. “A young, tal­ent­ed and ten­der-heart­ed ac­tress was pass­ing along the street of a large ci­ty. See­ing a pale, sick girl ly­ing up­on a couch just with­in the half-open door of a beau­ti­ful dwell­ing, she en­tered, with the thought that by her vi­va­ci­ty and plea­sant con­ver­sa­tion she might cheer the young in­va­lid. The sick girl was a de­vot­ed Christ­ian, and her words, her pa­tience, her sub­mis­sion and hea­ven-lit coun­te­nance, so dem­on­strat­ed the spir­it of her re­li­gion that the ac­tress was led to give some ear­nest thought to the claims of Christ­i­an­i­ty, and was tho­rough­ly con­vert­ed, and be­came a true fol­low­er of Christ. She told her fa­ther, the lead­er of the the­a­ter troupe, of her con­ver­sion, and of her de­sire to aban­don the stage, stat­ing that she could not live a con­sis­tent Christ­ian life and fol­low the life of an ac­tress. Her fa­ther was as­ton­ished be­yond mea­sure, and told his daugh­ter that their liv­ing would be lost to them and their bu­si­ness ru­ined, if she per­sist­ed in her re­so­lu­tion. Lov­ing her fa­ther dear­ly, she was shak­en some­what in her pur­pose, and par­tial­ly con­sent­ed to fill the pub­lished en­gage­ment to be met in a few days. She was the star of the troupe, and a gen­er­al fa­vo­rite. Ev­ery prep­a­ra­tion was made for the play in which she was to ap­pear. The ev­en­ing came and the fa­ther re­joiced that he had won back his daugh­ter, and that their liv­ing was not to be lost. The hour ar­rived; a large au­di­ence had as­sem­bled. The cur­tain rose, and the young ac­tress stepped for­ward firm­ly amid the ap­plause of the mul­ti­tude. But an un­wont­ed light beamed from her beau­ti­ful face. Amid the breath­less si­lence of the au­di­ence, she re­peat­ed:
‘My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;For Thee all the follies of sin I resign;My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art Thou;If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.’
This was all. Through Christ she had con­quered and, leav­ing the au­di­ence in tears, she re­tired from the stage, ne­ver to ap­pear up­on it again. Through her in­flu­ence her fa­ther was con­vert­ed, and through their unit­ed evan­gel­is­tic la­bors ma­ny were led to God.”

Worship along with Avalon by clicking here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at67q_staZ8 Worship along with Paul Baloche by clicking here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENJB2rZ-VE8 Worship along with an acoustic guitar version here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvzq0-Qe2TI

Message "For You These Things I Pray"

"What a Friend We have in Jesus" Click here to hear the story behind the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLnfqpBQbnU

Stories behind the songs Sunday October 14, 2007

Worship Quote of the Week:
“We cannot choose our path in life, but we can choose to walk down it with a worshipful trust in the sovereignty and Father heart of God.”

"Freedom"
This powerful declaration song was written by Darryl Evans. Darryl lives in Haltom City, Texas with his wife and two kids. You can read more about his ministry on his website http://www.darrellevans.com/ .


"Trading My Sorrows"
Here is a short description of how this popular song came about:
This song was birthed out of a prayer and worship service at Open Bible Fellowship in Tulsa, Okla. It was an ordinary night. The room was filled with voices lifting up the name of Lord and worshiping Him. Toward the end of the service people began to step forward for prayer. Darrell watched as one by one, people came - their hearts heavy, some weeping and some still dealing with deep sorrows. Kneeling before the Lord, they allowed their deepest pains to be exposed and their lives to be healed.
As he watched, the Lord began to speak to his heart about his own internal condition. Evans had been holding onto personal shame that was consuming him. His gaze once again moved to the people bowing before the Lord. The worship continued and Darrell in agreement with the Lord said two words, "Yes, Lord." He kept singing. The words of what would become 'Trading My Sorrows' simply came to him as he recounted all that he was experiencing. People were coming forward heavy hearted but leaving with their burdens lifted. It was one of those rare times when the Spirit decides to speak succinctly, and the result is part of the Church's musical history.
At that very moment "Trading My Sorrows" was written, nearly word for word. It is an expression of the miraculous love and grace of the Lord being poured out onto a people full of sorrow and pain: "I'm trading my sorrows/I'm trading my shame/I'm laying them down for the joy of the Lord." The words flowed not only from what he could see God doing in the lives of the people, but also from what he knew God was doing in his own life.
Evans felt the mood of the room change from the tenderness of the moment to a joyful celebration, for the Lord had made this exchange possible - a literal trade of mourning for dancing. People laid down their emptiness, guilt, pain, and sorrows and in exchange, received joy and love from the Lord.

Click here to hear the Women of Faiths' version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GglZPS7dWho
Click here to listen to Darrell Evans songs on his standalone player:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=36203670

"Be Thou My Vision" Violin soloist - Morgan Mclallen
Click here to read about the origin of the hymn:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Be_Thou_My_Vision
Click here to listen to Rebecca St. James version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XZ3ja-quhA
Click here to hear Fernado Ortego's version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfhsOQyZqtg&mode=related&search=


"Shout to the North"
Click here to read about Martin Smith
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Smith_(songwriter)
Click here to worship along with Delirious:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BUe_8I4j54
Click here to worship along with Charlie Hall
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBuakvHqE9E&mode=related&search=

"There is Name I love to Hear"
Click here to read through the lyrics of this great hymn:
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/h/ohiljesu.htm
Click here to listen to a gospel version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3glsjnbJuc
Click here to listen to the Crabb Family's version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sV9EJ2IgbeQ

"The More I seek you"
click here to read more about Zach Neese who wrote this powerful worship song
http://www.gatewaypeople.com/churchinfo/index.php?action=staffbiodetails&sid=180
Click here to worship along with Kari Jobe (LD Bell High school graduate)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3GijrnfStk

"Doxology"

A doxology (from the Greek doxa, glory + logos, word or speaking) is a short hymn of praise to God in various Christian worship services, often added to the end of canticles, psalms, and hymns. The tradition derives from a similar practice in the Jewish synagogue.[1]

All people that on earth do dwell, Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice
Him serve with fear His praise forthtell, Come ye before Him and rejoice

For why? The Lord our God is good, His mercy is forever sure:
His truth at all time firmly stood, and shall from age to age endure

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heav'nly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

This text, which was originally the seventh and final stanza of "Glory to thee, my God, this night", a hymn for evening worship written by Thomas Ken in about 1674. The lyrics are usually sung to the tune Old 100th, but also to Duke Street by John Hatton, Lasst uns erfreuen, and The Eighth Tune by Thomas Tallis, among others.

Click here to hear and see the Doxology
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHCGwJvKRBY&mode=related&search=
Click here to hear one of the most accomplished guitarist present a unique version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBE6dfT87yo&mode=related&search=

Stories Behind the songs Sunday October 7, 2007

Worship Quote of the week:

“Otherness gives us a sense that God is so pure, matchless and unique that no one else and nothing else even comes close.”

"Faithful"

We'll start the service with a song by the Crossroads Youth choir & the Worship choir with soloist Kaylee Dean & John Brewer

This song is by Hezekiah Walker. In 2006 Hezekiah was slandered by an online gossip column, he went through a deep valley and this song came forth through that experience. You can hear his testimony and the song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soTeXr6sAMk

Faithful, Faithful Faithful is our God (repeat 4x)

I'm reaping the harvest God promised me

Take back what the devil stole from me

And I rejoice today, for I shall recover it all

Yes I rejoice today, for I shall recover it all.

"The Happy Song"

This worship song from 1994 was written by Martin Smith of the band Delirious. Martin was involved in a near-fatal car crash that was instrumental in him surrendering his life to full-time music ministry. Click here to read more about his journey. The band he belongs to "Delirious" was at the fore-front of the modern worship renewal.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Smith_(songwriter)

Click here to listen to the song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ9jOr-1xpA&mode=related&search=Delirious%20live%20Revival%20Town%20Happy%20Song%20funny

"Incredible God"

Click here to read more about James Hairston who wrote this song the Crossroads youth choir will sing. Soloist are Jordan Garner & Rhyanna Thomsen.

http://www.gospelflava.com/articles/youthfulpraiseliveaudio.html

Click here to listen to the song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBIaDVQ3-lQ

"He Keeps me Singing"

Click here to read through how the song was written:

http://chi.gospelcom.net/DAILYF/2003/05/daily-05-27-2003.shtml

Click here to read through the words and listen to the tune:

http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh380.sht

"When the night is Falling"

Click here to read more about Dennis Jernigan

www.dennisjernigan.com/

Click here to listen to the song:

http://wordmusicnow.com/Song.asp?SongID=305

"Revelation Song"

I was at an Integrity music conference listening to Paul Baloche take some Q&A after a large group session. There were about 15 people standing around when I noticed the name tag on the lady beside me. Her name was Jennie Riddle, I turned and asked her "Your name sounds familiar, how do I know your name?" She said, "Well I did write the song "Revelation Song". Since then I've run into her at the Lamar Boschman worship pastor luncheons. She is housewife in from McKinney, Texas who simply heard what I would call a song from the "other side". You can listen to "Revelation song" on Jennie's myspace, the recording is by Karen Wheaton.
Here is Jennie's myspace:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=92675621
This song is sweeping the country and literally being sung around the world.Click here to listen to the song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FObjd5wrgZ8

Sermon Sunday is

2 Kings 6

"The unseen host Elijah with the army of God - we don’t see with the physical eye."

Offertory -

"He's Always Been Faithful to Me"

Carrie Hollingsworth, Georgia Phinney, Kim Souther

Here are the lyrics

Morning by morning I wake up to find

the power and comfort of God's hand in mine.

Season by season I watch him amazed,

in awe of the mystery of his perfect ways

All I have need of his hand will provide.

He's always been faithful to me
I can't remember a trial or a pain he did

not recycle to bring me gain.

I can'tremember one single regret in serving

God only and trusting his hand

This is my anthem, this is my song, the theme of the stories

I've heard for so long.God has been faithful, he will be again.

His loving compassion, it knows no end.