lower case worship

another question i received lately...

why are many of the lyrics we use in worship lower case letters? for example, the pronoun "I" is lower case. is this some sort of contemporary appeal to young people?

while it might appeal to younger people, that's not the reason the lyrics are lower case. lately, the first words in each line of lyrics are lowercase for a very different reason. this technique has been used in modern poetry (but avoided in traditional poetry), so it's not new. also, the pronoun "I" has radically been transformed to lowercase.

using lower case for everything, except for God's pronouns and names causes worshipers to reflect on God's true proper place in worship when it comes to the orthography of words we sing or recite. have you ever cringed when the pronoun "I" is capitalized, yet when sometimes we refer to God using a pronoun, "he" does not begin with an uppercase? let's question the place God has in all areas of our lives - not just in english literature and poetry.

i completely understand this isn't proper use of english for traditional form. however, there are a few times where even the rules of english are broken for a good purpose; for example, see pulitzer winner jorie graham's poetry. i hope you can view the time of worship through sung lyric as one of these special times to simply give God His place, circumventing language rules we've learned through the years.

What I Listen To

My music tastes are extremely diverse. I do have preferences, like everyone. It really depends on my mood. Sometimes I like rock (Yes, Toto, Boston, U2, Rush, Genisis, Kansas, Whitesnake, Van Halen). Other times, it's brass driven (Gabrielli, King's Brass, Empire Brass, John Rutter, Chicago). And other times it's funk and bluegrass (Tower of Power, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones). And sometimes guitar driven (John Mayer, Phil Keaggy, Dave Matthews Band). And of course, there's worship and CCM genre music (David Crowder, Todd Agnew, Chris Tomlin, Paul Baloche, Michael W Smith, Israel Houghton, Matt Redman, and the like). Then there is the far out stuff I like (Vocal Spectrums, Apocalyptica) - which I'd have to explain. As you can see, it's all over the place. It depends on my mood. I feel for Scott DeSanders and Patty Diliberto who have their offices closest to mine.

When it comes to 'classical' music...it's important to know that I'm a classically trained musician — both vocally and instrumentally. Classically trained simply means a heavy emphasis on music theory, music history, and performance of 'high-brow' music. It depends on the mood I'm in. Classically, some of my favorites are Bela Bartok, Gabrielli, and Aaron Copland. Most of my performance elements were 20th century composers on the tenor trombone like Hindemith, but I'd rarely pop it into my personal playlist.

If you really want to know the up to date of what I'm listening to — then check out the right hand column here on this blog where my iTunes and last.fm listening habits are revealed.

Why I Love Living in Kansas

This ain't going to be pretty.

So Few Vocalists?

Why the change from 6-7 vocalists in a vocal team singing to lead worship?

First, I select vocalists who are able and willing to sing in the mass vocal group (MVG). Why do I select them from the MVG? TBC vocalists have their start here. It's a group that leads worship once a month from September through April, having summers off. All TBC vocalists involved in leading worship sing regularly in the MVG. The MVG currently rehearses once a month on Thursday evening from 6:30pm to 8:00pm (childcare provided) to prepare. Individual vocal part rehearsal CDs are provided 3 weeks in advance as well as the sheet music. This way it's a perfect group for non-music readers as well as seasoned music readers. This assures that vocalists are regularly connected with our largest foundation vocal band. Is this the group where we get to know each other, learn to lead worship together, and learn much of the music.

Second, I look for three qualities during an interview/audition. I've covered before the three qualities I look for in vocalists to lead worship when the MVG (mass vocal group) doesn't sing. They are Heart/Attitude, Availability, and Ability (see my blog on 8/13/2007 for more details on these three qualities, archives below in right column).

Third, I typically select 1-3 vocalists to sing because it's easier to mix audio for a mass group of singers and a few (1,2,3) singers. It's a whole different ballgame to mix 6-7 singers - much more difficult. Also, having the MVG sing monthly and 1-3 singers the rest of the weekends creates a very different sound each weekend - something that is TBC's calling card (variety of style).

Fourth, the way the MVG is setup - it provides a modern worship choral sound. For the past 10 years, I've done traditional choirs - which have been inspirational and great for leading worship. However, traditional church choirs must adapt to survive the next 15-20 years. This modern choral style is what I believe the worship genre of music we are doing and will do calls for. Also, when listening to most contemporary worship recordings of today you will hear this vocal makeup (a mass Brooklyn Tab sounding modern choir, or simply 2 or 3 voices.) TBC has always been on the edge of contemporary worship music through the years, thanks to Nat's leadership. The MVG is just one step to keep TBC in this ever-changing stream of contemporary music.

Bottom line (whatever the makeup of the vocal ensembles) - worship will always happen no matter the style or makeup.

Some upcoming vocal front enhancements...
1. Now that we have a foundation established...the MVG will present a few "stand-alone" songs this upcoming season.
2. Rehearsal time will increase 15-20 minutes to include devotions and additional rehearsal.
3. Vocal tracks will be split-track with individual parts.
4. Auditions/interviews are currently being held to create a "sound bank" that I can potentially select from.

French Fry Cross - authentic one of a kind relic

Check out this one of a kind on Ebay at...

French Fry Cross on Ebay

Yes, it came this way. It's the real deal.

24 Hours of Worship

A whole day of worship. Could I make it? Several times in Numbers 28 and 29, and other places in the OT, whole days are set aside for worship (holy convocation). These days were holy (set apart). Sacrifices not only required burnt, grain, and drink offerings - but of time as well. I cherish time. It's a resource. Sometimes I waste it - other times I use it wisely.

God wants us to make Him a priority in worship when it comes to our money, relationships, material possessions, and our TIME as well.

When was the last time I set aside a whole day for the purpose of worshiping God? It would be difficult to do, but I have to ask if He is worth it (a whole day)? According to the OT, He is.

God help me to give you the sacrifice of time as well as the other parts of my life. You deserve the best part of my time - when I'm most awake and when I'm planning/scheduling. I want to spend time with You like my son likes to spend time with me.

Numbers 29 1 ‘Now in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall also have a holy convocation; you shall do no laborious work. It will be to you a day for blowing trumpets.

Worship From Prison

It happened in the Bible with Paul. It continues even today. God is given the glory from behind prison bars. Some of these guys are Grace College students...my alma mater. You go boys!

God Is In The Rebuilding Business

The business is called Varco Motors. They restore vehicles, sell used vehicles, and deal in auto parts. Every time I visit their shop and lot, I'm amazed at how they can turn totaled vehicles into pristine condition. It's not a chop shop - they do great work. It the great work of my wife's family up in Holton, KS.

It's similar to the lives God works on. Our lives can be a total wreck - in other words - like a totaled vehicle from an accident. Most people would think beyond repair. It might be a life that isn't drivable...just sitting on a lot or thrown into a junk heap. Maybe we totaled out life because of consequences to choices we've made - or maybe circumstance simply landed us there. Regardless, our life can be totaled at anytime...just like a freak accident on a sunny day on an open road.

Just like Varco Motors, God doesn't "write off" a life. Every life is salvagable. Most vehicles that find their way to Varco ends up being restored. The frame is pulled on some, others have two vehicles that are put together to restore one, and yet another vehicle the engine is overhauled. It's not that the vehicle was too far gone - it just needed to be 'loved' by some smart guys who know how to put them back together again.

God is the One who decides how our lives will be used in the process. And some vehicles are used for certain purposes - some for a complete rebuild and some for parts. Our lives are used for different purposes by God. Sometimes we aren't happy how God chooses to use our lives in the grand scheme of His kingdom business. It's important to remember, not every life gets rebuilt. It's up to the real "owner" to decide. Even though every life could be salvageable, sometimes God chooses not to fully restore the life. Why do some lives make it back from the brink and others do not? Sometimes it's the choices we make. You see, I think sometimes I actually "own" my life. Really, I don't. The only "owner" is God - I'm simply the manager. Being restored has a lot to do with which owner is making the decision. If the REAL owner left the decision up to the public as to how the vehicles get restored - the business would fail. It's up to the owner with the experience and understanding of the vehicle/life to decide. Who do you view as owning your life?

When it comes to putting the pieces back together again - God is the ultimate life mechanic. Why? Because He's the one who built the life to begin with. He knows what's under the hood. He knows what functions the vehicle is supposed to carry out. Who better to restore the vehicle than the One who designed it.

Why would God take the time to restore a life that's been restored? It can still serve a purpose. Many of Varco's vehicles have gotten more miles than brand new stuff does. Could it be that they in the process of rebuilding that the vehicles are improved (factory recalls taken car of, etc.)? Don't write off a life that seems like it's destroyed. If someone is willing to give their life to God - He has the ability to turn a totaled life into a brand new vehicle.

God, thank You so much for designing my life - and then caring enough to restore me, if I choose to let You do so. While I never seek out to destroy my life - I'm human and live in a world that offers no hope of having a perfect life. I depend on You, my Creator and Restorer, until my life ends on this earth.

LINKS:
Varco Motors (re-build shop)
Varco Mostors West & Parts Division (used cars & parts)

U-Pick the Music: Top 5 Revealed

The votes are in for the U-Pick the Music Sunday at Topeka Bible Church. The voting was only open to the "worship arts family" - musicians, techs, and support volunteers. Each person was allowed 3 votes. A total of 159 songs came in and were tallied. If you snoozed, you lost out on voting. Sorry no late entries. The worship arts family has spoken and the top five songs are revealed below!

Next time, the whole church will vote! The comparison between the worship arts family and the worshipers will be interesting to see.





VOTES SONG TITLE
8 Days of Elijah
5 Shout to the Lord
4 Above All
4 Agnus Dei
4 Ancient Of Days
3 Amazing Grace (also with "My Chains Are Gone")
3 As the Deer (regular and downtown versions)
3 Awesome God
3 Be Thou My Vision
3 Draw Me Close
3 Here I Am To Worship
3 How Great Is Our God
3 In Christ Alone
3 It Is Well With My Soul
3 Mighty to Save
3 Your Grace Still Amazes Me
2 A Mighty Fortress is Our God
2 Amazing Love
2 Better is One Day
2 Come, Now is the Time to Worship
2 Cry Holy
2 I Could Sing of Your Love Forever
2 I Saw the Light
2 I'll Fly Away
2 Indescribable
2 Shine Jesus Shine
2 When the Roll is Called up Yonder
1 All Hail King Jesus
1 All Hail the Power of Jesus Name (Standard Version)
1 All the Earth Will Sing Your Praises
1 All things Are Possible
1 Ancient words
1 Arise
1 Awesome God
1 Be Exalted, O God
1 Be Still My Soul
1 Be Thou My Vision
1 Celebrate Jesus, Celebrate
1 Change My Heart, O God
1 Cry of My Heart
1 Friend of God
1 Give Thanks
1 Go Light your world
1 God of Wonders
1 He is Able
1 Holy is the Lord
1 Holy, Holy, Holy
1 I Am Crucified With Christ
1 I Bow Down
1 I Come to the Garden
1 I Give You My Heart
1 I Love You Lord
1 I Stand in Awe
1 I Surrender All
1 In the Secret of His Presence
1 Jesus, I come
1 Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken
1 Knowing You (All I once hold dear)
1 Let It Rise
1 Lord, I lift your name on high
1 Majesty
1 O Worship the King
1 Oh for a thousand tongues to sing
1 Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord
1 Our God Reigns
1 People Need the Lord
1 Praise Adonai
1 Precious Lord, Take my Hand
1 Protector of my soul
1 Seek Ye First
1 Shine on Us
1 Shout to the North
1 Soon and Very Soon
1 Speak O Lord
1 Take My Life
1 The Church's One Foundation
1 The Lord Reigns
1 The Potter's Hand
1 The Wonder of it All
1 There is Power in the Blood
1 Three Wooden Crosses
1 Trading My Sorrows
1 Trust and Obey
1 Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
1 Untitled Hymn
1 Victory In Jesus
1 White as Snow
1 You are Holy (Prince of Peace)
1 You Are My King (Amazing Love)
1 You Have Been Good
1 You Shine
1 Your Grace is Enough
1 You're Good, Lord

Vegetable Orchestra

Gotta give credit to John Bowes, a guitarist at Topeka Bible Church, for telling me about this first. I thought he was kidding, but he wasn't. A real-deal vegetable orchestra. Not sure how much longer this will be around with the price of food going up.