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Friday, February 27, 2009
Church gives it all away
LED light tunnel "Multiverse"
Villareal "Multiverse" National Gallery of Art, Washington DC from Walter Patrick Smith on Vimeo.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Met myself at Wendy's tonight
and say - hey, I saw you on vertical resonator blog.
How generations use technology
New data from the Barna Group reveals the breakdown of technology use between different generations. You can read all of the conclusions here. David Kinnaman comments about some of the results:
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Topeka Bible Church 2009 light show video now online
The testimony of the guy who wrote Dust in the Wind and Carry On Wayward Son
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Topeka Bible Church staff meeting goes wrong
Monday, February 23, 2009
How to create sheet music from audio MP3 - Kristian Stanfill "Kingdom"
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNdbIYSW5mFWdlZnAA08Ecieku1nbbdf37faoSIFhUSLrUcbuYa72zm7E7amibDqRjybAtFL3Zj8tVNXAkSaiWlFuOxDk4Bby3EH7KvpQlK3tBb7NWG7a5-5D7_dDoE2rlThqPw/s200/kristianstanfill_attentionepfinal2.jpg)
My wife has a website called www.mymusicwriter.com where she takes requests from people to create sheet music that hasn't been written yet from the audio of the music. Here is an example of some great worship music by an artist called Kristian Stanfill. I've never heard of him until now - and now that I've heard him, I'm a fan. Lisa just finished transcribing his song "Kingdom."
If you'd like to see an example of the chords/lyrics/leadsheet for Kingdom - CLICK HERE. Email if interested in the full version.
His full album "Attention" comes out 4.21.09.
Check out the video of Kristian's song...tasty stuff. By the way, the video is a montage of the First Free Will Baptist Church's youth group trip to Student Life in Memphis. The song is "Kingdom" by Kristian Stanfill. And I just noticed that Francis Chan spoke at the event - great communicator of the truth.
How to create sheet music from audio MP3 - Kristian Stanfill "Alive and Running"
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNdbIYSW5mFWdlZnAA08Ecieku1nbbdf37faoSIFhUSLrUcbuYa72zm7E7amibDqRjybAtFL3Zj8tVNXAkSaiWlFuOxDk4Bby3EH7KvpQlK3tBb7NWG7a5-5D7_dDoE2rlThqPw/s200/kristianstanfill_attentionepfinal2.jpg)
My wife has a website called www.mymusicwriter.com where she takes requests from people to create sheet music that hasn't been written yet from the audio of the music. Here is an example of some great worship music by an artist called Kristian Stanfill. I've never heard of him until now - and now that I've heard him, I'm a fan. Lisa just finished transcribing his song "Alive and Running."
If you'd like to see an example of the chords/lyrics/leadsheet for Alive and Running - CLICK HERE. Email if interested in the full version.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Movie producer mentions Topeka Bible Church on blog
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Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Kerry Livgren plays pipe organ
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
TBC transitions/future announced @ Wed TBC business meeting/potluck
anyone else! OK, that was a cheap way to get you to come to the
potluck/business meeting at Topeka Bible Church.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Can others tell what you believe, like an Honest Abe?
![](http://www.thedctraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/lincoln-memorial-flickr.jpg)
If not, then am I wasting God-given opportunities given to me? Just wondering.
Check out what USA Today, and others, had to say about Abe Lincoln's faith 200 years later...
200 years later, Lincoln's faith remains an enigma
Lincoln didn't make things easy for historians. He was reticent and often inscrutable about his personal faith. Moreover, his ideas changed over time, as he dealt with the deaths of two sons and the pressure of the presidency amid the Civil War.
Still, Lincoln never joined a church. Some say he just wasn't a "joiner." Others argue that he couldn't abide by complicated creeds.
Many agree Lincoln wasn't the type to open himself to the spiritual scrutiny often expected of church members.
"He was a very private man," biographer David Herbert Donald said.
Nevertheless, when Lincoln's son Edward died in 1850, he turned to a Presbyterian pastor for answers. "Why did God take my son?" he asked the Rev. James Smith of Springfield, Ill., at the beginning of their friendship.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Vocal Team Notes
![](http://www.redpencildesign.ca/images/RP-pencil-tip.jpg)
- Music is NOT the most important thing here, our relationships are (with God and each other). While we seek musical excellence, it's not the main driving force...worship is (meaning what we are singing/playing). In other words, don't be afraid to be a little messy if it means you are authentically worshiping.
- Wean yourself off sheet music ASAP. The music is there to serve the purpose of meaning something from your heart — rarely do others believe you mean something if you are reading it from something else. The video monitor screens in the back are there to help us lead without obstruction.
- Lead into the next song by keeping the energy going between songs (applause, amen, visually).
- Your visual expression of worship is more important than your musical execution. Both are important, but visual is more important.
- Take the stage in a casual fashion. Come up from the back of the stage or from the auditorium or wherever...and at different times. We'll leave the stage orderly though.
- Continue to sing if the worship leader backs away from the mic...they are letting you take the vocal lead.
- Track with what is happening. Eyes and head should track with someone who is giving announcements or talking on stage during worship. People are watching us.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Stage view from the video production room
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Kids musical cranks up
Monday, February 09, 2009
Father son creative project
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiea0YHw7zDHB_k_QFolQEbQLIqkFYHw0v59v_88DogbwX_34QfJaYQZBClCAYp9MJZcnkjmcEzDPUIr36YtO4m7ooJs6mhNj3jeHR-85HKOOJu5-cyui3PFBqi_9SU-PMv17c9YQ/s320/Picture+3.png)
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Christians and atheists duke it out in marketing campaign
Wonder if anyone will trust Jesus because of this. What do you think?
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Deadly worship lyrics
![](http://www.crashstuff.com/wp-content/gallery/military-plane-crashes/aviation-show-jet-fighter-crash-photo-mid-air-plane-collision.jpg)
The fighter jet and its pilot God has hurled into the sea. The prime minister's tanks and his army God has cast into the sea; And his top administrators are drowned in the ocean. The deeps cover them; They went down into the depths like a stone. Terror and dread fall upon them; By the greatness of Your arm they are motionless as stone;
I don't know about you, but I'd probably look at my wife and say, "We're outta here," with my eyes while clutching my kids — hoping none of the ushers TASER us on the way out.
The words are more important than anything else in a worship song. What do the lyrics say about God yesterday, today, and in the future? Do they accurately describe God? Will the lyrics resonate with those who use the lyrics as a vehicle of worship.
Now check out the lyrics that the Israelites sang in worship to God as they remembered what God did for them as they fled Egypt.
The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea. Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea; And the choicest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea. The deeps cover them; They went down into the depths like a stone. Terror and dread fall upon them; By the greatness of Your arm they are motionless as stone; Exodus 15 (excerpts)
How 'bout them worship lyrics? They helped the Israelites remember what God did as they passed this song on from generation to generation. And here you are reading the lyrics. It must have been important to remember what God has done in the past. It's still important today — because we forget so easily how God worked in our lives just this past year.
Lord, help me wisely choose songs that speak of who You really are, what You have done, and what You mean to us. Help me not forget what You have done for me.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Wondering what difference I can make, I'm just one person
How about me? If God has placed me here on this earth to make a difference, what should it be? Can little me really make a difference? If so, how?
Or do I shy away from making a difference because of the old thought that I'm only one person — what could I possibly do?
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Thursday, February 05, 2009
TBC rockstars and moviestars, oh my!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiML4I8AUYjmuttKLGW2rRVpQ3XKPevESdoAEnH0oNpDin-aBuWJ09q1qZDFYHY_rkilqC6LiWCnEMrFrJ9ayclnh9BZ2gUTnzhic9gwZFg-nbTFxWV8Ajdus6wT_loxjE_fw5ulw/s200/Picture+4.png)
Check out the trailer below. TBC's own Kerry Livgren plays a significant role in the new movie "The Imposter" showing at Westridge 8 Theater on February 22 @ 1:30, 4:00, and 6:15pm. Several of Kerry's songs are featured in the film, including "Carry On Wayward Son" sung by Kevin Max of DCTalk. Pick up FREE tickets in the TBC lobby on Sunday AM — or during the week during office hours (M-F 8:30a-5:00p) 785-234-5545. Each show is limited to 270 people and first come first serve.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
White Church Guys (Can't) Rap
Hard Times from Granger Community on Vimeo.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Lunch with two Topeka worship leaders
We had lunch at a great place in Topeka — becoming one of my favorites. It's called Via Pizzeria. If you haven't tried it...try it. It has a little place for kids in the corner, and a Foosball table in another corner. Anyway, enough of the great place.
Why did we have lunch together? It's because I wanted the skinny on their churches, the dirt, the tricks, slick moves — you know...all the stuff that we are in competition with them on and makes us jealous. OK, that was only half of it... (seriously)
It was a lunch simply to talk shop, hang out, and get out of our box. You see, we rarely sit down over grub to discuss what's working and what's not with others NOT in our church. It offers a fresh perspective. And it also promotes teamwork. Listen, these guys are on my team. What they do is what thousands of churches do every weekend. We all want the same thing. We want to see people led to Christ and respond in worship to Him. If our goal is the same, and we are on the same team — then by all means, let's huddle together.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Are you second or first?
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjTdSuyzqpvf2unWib7fNGwjWtm0q82AwmonW2TODZKxpo-5jlxCccZtyNeMAWoV-lOTVYOd8gDAUxMymq6QsEF2aWUlVMp2PlXwLbRfHOy_pIReQfabqNYt9tO6cNSqiYmzlig/s200/Picture+1.png)
Thanks to David King (drummer/librarian tech) for sharing this great website with me.