See Ya Later

This morning, I got the news that my friend, Kela had passed away. This was not a surprise, as she has been fighting her disease for a long time now. The only solace that I can offer to Kirk and her sons, is that we are not saying "Goodbye" to her. Because of Jesus, we can say, "See Ya Later".

Kela was a very vocal and loving supporter of the contemporary worship ministry at Broadway. Tomorrow will be bittersweet, as we do an entire service of music. I hope it will be a blessing to her family and friends. I know that I will be thinking of her as I sing.

See Ya Later kid...

Worship confessional

Hey guys,

It has been a while since I did a worship confessional, so here goes.

Today was a great day in worship. The band was on, we got to introduce a new singer, Rick brought great words of encouragement and love, we got to see baptisms, and our congregation got an opportunity to love our community. Let me 'splain.

Set list:
Trading My Sorrows
Come, Now is the Time to Worship
Heart of Worship

How Deep the Father's Love

Today was the first time in quite some time that I thought we (as a band and as a team) hit all our cues. Jason was reading us like a pro on Media Shout, the transitions between elements and between songs were spot on, and the stage looked great.

We had Will playing electric today. On Tuesday, for his 13th birthday (that is right, he is just 13) he got a new guitar (a semi hollow body, epiphone Wildcat with P90 pickups and an old school tremolo bar) and new amp (a really sweet sounding vox) and he put them to great use. He sounded like a pro today, and he played like a pro today.

The other cool thing today was we got to introduce a new singer to the congregation. Dana came in and we baptized her by fire, by giving her a solo. We had her sing the song that she used to audition with, "How Deep the Father's Love for Us", by Stuart Townsend. She did a great job with it.

The coming week will be exciting, because we are switching with worship team from our Greenwood campus. Diane and her team will lead worship at Melrose, and we will get to lead at Greenwood. I can't wait for that.

Later kids...

Yes...

I slept last night for 7 hours in a row. So this is what it feels like to have gotten a full nights sleep. Last night I must have been so tired that not even the nightmares could wake me. Whatever it was, I am grateful. Thanks all for your prayers.

On a side note, Quantum of Solace opens today. That is exciting.

Later kids...

It's that time of year again...

I really, really don't like this time of year. Christmas I mean. I know, as a minister and follower of Jesus, I shouldn't say that. I shouldn't feel that. But I do. My dislike is not about Jesus in any way, just what the world and the church has done to it. In most cases, it is no longer about Jesus. It is about buying christmas presents, and seeing who can have the biggest tree, or who can attract the most people to see their christmas program, or who can most make their sanctuary, or worship space, or front yard, or living room, look like Hobby Lobby threw up in it. I was physically sick when I saw christmas decorations going up a month before Halloween.

*side rant*
On that note: Why is it that people expect, that because I care what WORSHIP looks like and sounds like, that I would automatically want to turn the church into "Queer Eye for the Christmas Guy" every year?
*end of side rant*

In some selfish way, I am glad for the economic crisis that is currently afflicting America. Maybe people won't be able to spend as much this year and they will spend more time with the baby and less time with the boxes. Less time with the poinsettias, and glitter and icicles and trees and twinkle lights and, do I need to go on? I think the folks at Advent Conspiracy might be closer than anyone else.

There, I feel a little better. Thanks for the encouragement, guys.

Later kids...

New Dehut artwork

One of things that I look forward to, especially after a night of nightmares, is going to my Starbucks. So I was doubly blessed when I walked in and saw a new piece of chalk art by my friend Jeff Dehut. His work is fun and always makes me smile. You can see more of his stuff at his website. Enjoy...

Another nightmare

OK, so I woke up at 4:30 again, heart pounding, pulled out of a nightmare. This one was an anxiety type dream that drove me to write a rant filled blog post about this time of year (as much as I am capable with my limited writing ability), that I am really wrestling with putting out here. Stay tuned loyal reader, and we shall see if, when my heart rate goes down, if I will have the guts to put it out here.

Am I going crazy? We will see.

Later kids...

I love my wife

My wife knows how frustrated I get with campaigners coming to the door and wearing me out with all the bad stuff that the other guy has or will do. So she solved the problem by letting Bruce answer the door during the campaign season. Here is what they saw, as they heard the "Big Boy Bark"...



And here is what we saw...



I am not sure which view was worse.

Went to a rehearsal

and church broke out. I love having a Mac laptop. It allows me to capture things in the moment, even if the quality isn't so great. As I was sitting in the Singletary center here at UK, watching the All State choir go through a dress rehearsal for this afternoons concert, I had church. I don't know if anyone else in the room experienced this or not, but I sure did. It was beautiful. I captured a little of it on iMovie. Just close your eyes and listen...




More later...

New Series Graphic

My wife continually amazes me with her talents and abilities. This week we start our annual stewardship series (more on that later), called "Every Good Gift". Enjoy the graphic goodness...

Later kids...

This post is part of the Creative Chaos @ Ragamuffinsoul.com

Here we go again

Once again, my night was filled with things that I want to forget. At least the ambien did it's job and I slept. I still don't know if not waking up through a nightmare is a good thing or not. I don't feel as tired this morning (now that my heart has stopped racing and the sweat is going away after sitting in front of my fan), but when you don't wake up, you have to have the entire nightmare.

I would covet your prayers during this weird time in my sleeping (or not sleeping) cycle. I wears on a man.

I guess I will go ahead and get up. Might as well work the stage and get it ready for Sunday.

Later...

My Family

I love my family. The reasons are happening all over this morning. Here are just a few...

Reason #1
Andrew just left for a guitar lesson. Not too unusual, except this week, he is preparing to play tomorrow in Worship @ 9:30. This is huge for him, and I am really proud of him. He has turned into quite the guitar player, and Wendell is giving him his shot. Drew has played in our Celebrate Recovery service a couple of times, but this is his debut in the early service. I hope I can get back in time to hear him. I am preaching at our Greenwood campus tomorrow.

Reason #2
Joey just made me breakfast. He is a good cook. He made eggs and Boca sausage. I had 2 pieces of toast with apple butter, and the whole thing was just 8 points. I didn't even have to ask for it, he just made it and said "come and get it".

Reason #3
Jenny is out in the back yard, right now, digging in the dirt. Last weekend, she broke her shovel, and I thought, her heart with it. She spent an entire week without digging. You see, that is how my wife relaxes. By working herself silly in her flowers. We have them everywhere, and we always have something in bloom. She works really hard and it shows.

Reason #4
Aaron is sitting at the piano, playing one of the many pieces that he has learned in the last year or so. It is really great to have music in the house. It seems to make everything brighter.

Have a good weekend all...

5:15

night·mare –noun

1.	a terrifying dream in which the dreamer experiences feelings of helplessness, extreme anxiety, sorrow, etc.

At least I got 5 more minutes today. Something is going to have to give. I am waking up even through Ambien, which is new. I read where if can make the room cooler, that might help get your brain to slow down... that didn't work.

I wonder if the nightmares can be counted as a workout since they get my heartrate up so much, and I am sweating.

Might as well go work on Sunday's sermon.

Later kids...

5:10am

OK, so it is 5:10 in the morning and my heart rate is just getting back to normal. I bolted out of bed about 20 minutes ago after having had another set of nightmares. I am not sure what is bringing them about, but I really wish they would stop. They are a combination of things from my life in the Army, and way whacked out stuff about responsibilities and such being left in disarray, and doing CPR and trauma care on people I know.

I have been having them almost every night for about 2 weeks now.

On Saturday night I didn't take an Ambien and was up every hour with one of these, and then wouldn't get back to sleep fully before another one would come and rip me out of bed. Last night, while I stayed asleep, I still had them, and finally woke up out of the last one.

I would covet your prayers on this situation. I am at a loss as to what to do, short of check into a psychiatric facility (he says jokingly?)

Thanks for listening...

Under the Radar

This is the Sunday morning MAC tech team in it's current form. These are "my guys": Mike (Bucky), Jason (The Ninja), Chad (Chad Norris), Aaron (the Runt), Duncan (D Mill), and Andrew (aka Andrew). People see the fruit of their work every Sunday. People don't see, and don't often think about, the enormous effort they put out. They are often unnoticed because most people never stop to think about the investment required to do what they do every Sunday.

You may not know the names, but I will guarantee that you have been blessed by the service.

You might be one who serves without applause or public notice. You have flown under the radar without thanks.

But God has not missed one single moment. He sees the roll you guys have played in His story. God smiles and is blessed by you. When you live out His story in your life through your service to His people, you are truly living out "His will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven".

Stay faithful. You matter...

I am proud to serve with you...

New Graphic

We are starting a new 3 week series this weekend called "Big Promises", and of course my beautiful graphics designer, (by beautiful graphics designer, I mean my beautiful wife) has climbed inside the head of our Pastor, and created a very cool graphic.

Enjoy...

This post is part of the Creative Chaos @ Ragamuffinsoul.com

Water Cooler Wednesday

This post is part of Randy Elrod's Blog, and his weekly "WCW"
The question today is who is your favorite band? That is a lot tougher than I thought it would be. I mean, I grew up listening to Journey and Heart, and they were fun, but I would have to say that Billy Joel was and still is my favorite. There is barely a day that goes by that I don't ask my 14 year-old to play "piano man" for me, and every time I hear "New York State of Mind" I get a little misty- eyed. He makes remember my favorite city in the world.

Later kids...

Bishops and paint

Yesterday was a really interesting and fun day. It started with what should have been a nerve racking time getting ready for the Bishop to visit our Greenwood campus. Now, I know that a lot of people get nervous about hosting someone of leadership importance, but I don't get nervous, I get excited. I rather enjoy hosting people in our facilities. Bishop Davis just began his stint as Kentucky's bishop 2 or 3 weeks ago, but he didn't waste any time getting out into the state and meeting all of the pastors under his leadership.

I wondered what he would be like, but I learned very quickly that I think I will enjoy him and his style. As I was standing at the front door of our Greenwood Campus, watching all the pastors come in, saying good morning and exchanging pleasantries, one man came in and put out his hand and said, "Good morning, I'm Lindsey." Not, "I'm the Bishop." He didn't have an entourage. Just plain Lindsey. As he spoke to the room of pastors, I got the same impression. He said at one point, "Where I grew up, you either owned horses, or cleaned up after them, and I came from a long line of people who cleaned up after them."

My favorite quote of our time with the Bishop came, not in a funny moment, but in a very serious moment. He was talking about reaching out to folks that don't yet know how much God loves them, and said, "a church that goes a whole year without 1 profession of faith should consider taking the word 'church' off their sign." I almost had a pentecostal moment.

After a good lunch and good conversation with my friend Ben, our ministry staff went to the Family Enrichment Center to paint a couple of their offices. This was part of our Staff's journey through Soul Life. This was our time of serving our community. The Family Enrichment Center provides help to families that need parenting help, and other needs that relate to children and the family.

I discovered several things during our time together there. The first is that I suck at painting. I know why my wife won't let me paint much. Second is that I love being around our staff. They are great people and great ministers. Whenever we are together, we laugh at each other and with each other. I never fail to learn something new about them.

Well, my fingers are tired and I am sure you are tired of reading so...

Later kids.

My son the animator

For Christmas, we gave our son, Joey, a Wacom tablet. This is essentially a pencil mouse. It is used for drawing things by hand in photoshop. Joey called me into his room to show me his latest drawing, and i wanted to share it with you. But it is more than a drawing, it is an animation of a rough sketch that he has been working on.




Joey also works on the website at Bowling Green High, and one of the pages that he edits features artwork from several students, including some of his own works. There are some very talented students at BGHS. Check them out here.

I love being around artists. Whether they use a pen, pencil, mouse or keyboard, their art is one of God's greatest gifts. I, for one am blessed.

Later kids...

9.21.08 setlist

Today we finished our sermon series, Soul Life, with an opportunity to live into the spiritual practice of "Service". It was a shortened service, in order to give everyone time to visit our ministry fair, and to meet the ministers and volunteers that help in that ministry. Our set list looked like this...

Beautiful One
Here I Am to Worship

You Are My King (offering)

I told you it was shortened. Even so, I thought that it was a good morning of worship. The congregation sang along with us, and was very attentive to Rick's sermon. Afterward, we had a lot of people come to the fair, and several new people signed in to get involved. I thought Cindy did a great job putting it together. We even had a visit from "Broadway" the clown to attract and play with the children, and make lots of great balloon animals and such. (Broadway the Clown is a local guy, Nick Wilkins, that actually went to clown college and runs a costume shop here, and he doesn't attend Broadway UMC, he just happens to have the same name... Clowns)


I’m posting my Sunday Setlist in collaboration with other worshipers at the Sunday Setlists blog carnival at FredMcKinnon.com Check out how others worshipped the King @ http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/09/21/sunday-setlists-9

Today

Did you know that today is "National Talk Like a Pirate" day? Well, it is. In honor of that, I give you the art of Jeff Dehut. I have talked about Jeff's artwork before. Jeff works at my Starbucks, and brings his own brand of art to the store. You can check out more of his stuff here and here. I have commissioned Jeff to do my office sign, and as soon as I get off my lazy butt and get him a picture, my office will be done.


Go out today and bust into work and yell, "Avast, ye land lubbers"


Later all...

I love the Muppets

Beaker is one of my favorite Muppets. He doesn't speak, he just makes beeping noises. Here is a video that I saw on Jason Bedel's blog and had to share.

Enjoy...


Ode To Joy from Beaker on Vimeo.

The new and improved MAC

Last week I told you that I was going to post the finished facelift. Well here we go. I have pictures from several different people who were here on Friday, or Sunday. This has been a great process, and I have learned a lot. Here are some of the the pictures... Enjoy.

MAC 1 week before

This is Russell. He and his crew of artists did an amazing job transforming the MAC.


This is the coolest thing I saw them do all week. You can see that there is a hard, straight line around the top of the MAC where the color stops and the black starts. This guy painted that line BY HAND.

Here is Russell putting the beginning touches on the black part of the stage.

This is my friend, and fellow worship leader, Jeremy helping me dry fit the Truss on the stage.


This was just a cool picture that Don took when Jeremy and I were getting ready for Soul Life on Wednesday.



And Finally, Friday...

When Sunday came, you might think that we would have a bit of an anti-climax, but not so. The band and choir came out strong and brought it home. I don't think that we have ever sounded so good.

Thank you all for a great week.


This post is part of the Creative Chaos @ Ragamuffinsoul.com

Thanks Carlos.

Went to a rehearsal...

and Church broke out. That is right, last night we had a rehearsal with our mini-choir to prepare for worship on Sunday, and right in the middle of PRACTICE, we found ourselves in the middle of a worship moment that took us over. It is amazing what scripture from the mouth of a child, plus an incredible song, and a group of people that love to worship a great God can do. The song started out with Paige reading Psalm 1oo:4-5 while John David played the intro to Glorious One lightly.























As she finished, we started to sing and the spirit took over and we had a very personal time with God. It was beautiful. I love it when God takes over let's us know how much he loves us.

Another cool thing was that Paige just stepped back and started to sing with us. It was really cool to hear her sing praises.

Later...

MAC facelift days 5 & 6

Good evening all. This has been an incredible week. The facelift has been exhausting, but I think that you will agree that it has been well worth it.

Day 5

When we started this, I posted a video of Andrew taking the cloth down off the walls. Here is another one, this time it is Ted and I putting the cloth and truss up on stage. We had a really good time getting this ready.




Day 6

Also a couple of days ago, I posted pictures from the MAC before we started the facelift. Well here is what it looked like right before I left tonight...



This is just one shot, there are many others that I will post in the next few days. We are very excited about the new look and I cannot say enough about all the people that it took to, as my friend Jason would say, "Make the magic happen." People like Ted, and Dean, and Jeremy, who worked really hard lugging stuff, folding stuff and building stuff, to help us get here. Also, a huge thanks goes to Russell Simpson and his crew of incredible painters. They took us from empty old room to all the walls covered in time for Soul Life in just 2 1/2 days, and finished the room in under 5. They were truly amazing.

That is all for now. Maybe more later...

Facelift day 3

Have you ever had one of those days where you couldn't wipe the goofy grin off your face? That was my day today. I got to see the painters completely change the look of the MAC today. I am giving you some pictures of the old look for the MAC stage, and if you want a glimpse of what the new look will be, you will have to come to Soul Life tomorrow night.






























Another reason that I was smiling today was because I got to go see an old friend that I haven't seen in a long time. His name is Chris Carter, and he is a brilliant young lighting designer. Chris is the lighting director at Hillvue Heights Church We got together because I had told him that I was looking for some PAR cans, and he said that he had a few that the leadership at Hillvue told him he could give to me. It was really good to see him and hear about what is going on in his life. Chris will always be special to me.

Now I am getting ready to get something to eat and then spend some time with my boys, and my beautiful wife. Tomorrow is another early day that will end very late. Tomorrow, our greenroom gets shown some makeover love, with the help of one of the guys that is on our praise team, Dean Allen.

later kids...

And the facelift begins...

OK, so I have been kind of quiet the last week or so. Partly because I was exhausted and was taking some down time, and partly because I passed a kidney stone on Friday. Yes, that's right, I said I passed a kidney stone. It sucked and I don't want to ever have to do that again. So I have to start drinking a gallon of water a day.

The other reason that I have been quiet this week is because we are preparing for a big facelift the MAC (where we have our contemporary services). I will be posting pictures and stories along the way.

The first thing that had to be done was taking the cloth that decorated the side walls of the room down. I have a new program on my mac that allows my video camera to do a time-lapse video. I hope to make a video of the entire process when we are done. Below is said video of my son, (and indispensable right hand), striking the cloth on one side of the room.



Now, I am off to bed. I will start tomorrow at 6:30am with a bike ride to the church and start un-boxing the new LED lights and such.

Later kids...

Happy Birthday Ninja

OK, so I know this post is a little late. I had a long day yesterday. Anyway... Yesterday was my friend Jason's birthday. Jason is the MediaShout king at Broadway. He makes all the scripts, around 5 to 6 completely different ones every week. He runs the scripts on Sunday mornings, and sometimes runs 2 machines at the same time for 2 different venues. He is an amazing young man. He doesn't say much, but he is always there. Jason is the most quiet guy I know. We call him the Ninja around the tech ministry, because the only way you find out that Jason is around is when he walks up behind you and pops the top on his always present Dr Pepper. The first hundred times he did it to me I nearly jumped out of my skin.

And Dr. Pepper brings us to the theme of the day for Jason. Every one around Broadway knows about Jason and his DP. So when we arrived at the church at our normal 6am, there was already 2 cases of DP in the refrigerator in the booth under his desk, 2 at the tech booth in the Sanctuary, and 1 sitting on the stage in the MAC. It was at this point, my son Andrew brought out the ultimate Dr. Pepper gift... DP Cupcakes. Below you will see pictures and a video of what came next for him. I hope the rest of his day was great. His church family came together to let him know that he is important to us

The aforementioned Dr. Pepper Cupcakes...
.

Jason... scarfing


For all you Pyro's out there, here is the fire section of the post. Andrew placed 25 candles on a single, Dr. Pepper cupcake.


And finally, a serenade in G (really) FLAT


Happy Birthday my Friend. I hope it was great.

Why my Starbucks is the best, pt 1

I wondered into my local St. Arbucks this morning, saw this, and was reminded why the one by my house is the best. This is just one of the many reasons. The artwork. Not the standard starbucks stuff that you see in every store, but the stuff that is only found on Campbell Lane. You see, they have an artist who works there by the name of Jeff Dehut, you can check his work out here. He changes the signs up often and keeps them fresh and fun.

Just one of many reasons why My Starbucks is better than yours.

Nightmares

Do you ever have nightmares? I rarely even remember my dreams, let alone know that I had a nightmare. Last night (this morning) I had a nightmare. Things coming up from my army days, and other things. I was bolted out of bed at 4:30am from this one, having remembered everything in the dream, and covered in sweat. I like it better when I don't remember. I have been having night sweats again recently, and now I am wondering if they are not related to nightmares and I am being spared the memory of the dream itself.

I would covet your prayers on this matter.

Thanks,

L

Worship Confessional - 8.24.08

Set List
Famous One
Sing to the King
You Never Let Go
Grace Like Rain
Let it Rain
Surrender

Today was one of those days that I thought would never get here, but when it did, it was all I imagined and more. It really started last night with a really good nights sleep. I have said here before that I usually don't sleep very well on Saturday nights. I attribute this to my mind racing, being excited about worship, and just plain ADD. Last night I fell asleep around 9 or so and woke up 7 hours later in the same position that I fell asleep in. It was great.

I usually wake up at 5am so I can pick up our screen graphics guy @ 6. I like to get there really early because it gives me time to get some coffee down, get prayed up and warm up my voice. 2 out of 3 ain't bad. I don't know what was going on with my throat this morning, but I had something caught in there, and had the worst time during sound check. Luckily it got better before worship started. We had a good sound check, got to run through everything, and were ready in plenty of time to let the band go get some coffee.

When worship started the room was only half full, like usual. During the first song, people filed in, and started to sing right away. Laura did a great job with the welcome and sermon set-up, and then we went into the next 2 songs. Again, the voices of the congregation were strong, and we could hear them on the stage.

Rick was speaking today and gave the second message in the Soul Life series ( this was actually #3, but the 2nd spiritual practice), speaking on submission. The biggest face slapper for me was the question, "Can I trust Christ enough to lay down the terrible burden of always needing to get my own way?" Now, I am a selfish kind of guy. I like to get my own way. I am going to be praying hard about this week. Thanks Rick.

At the close of the sermon, Rick led the congregation to stand and we sang "Grace Like Rain" together. The congregation sang it really well, and we ended it with just the voices singing the chorus. It was beautiful. As "Grace" ended, I started "Let It Rain" and we built it up into a reading of Ephesians 1:7-8 that Laura did.

For offering Jon and I did the song "Surrender" by Marc James. I hadn't heard this song until last weekend when I went to Crossland for worship. The lyrics fit perfectly for the sermon and was a good way to end our time together.

Over all, today was an amazing day of worship. The tech teams were spot on with lyrics, and video, the sound was really good and the band was as tight as we have been in a long time.

And I get paid to do this? The grace of God is good.

Later

Soul Life Wednesday

I am trying to get back into the swing of doing worship confessionals for all our experiences here at Broadway. Wednesday night we had our first installment of "Soul Life Wednesday", the weekday component of our current series, Soul Life. Wednesday nights programing is not a regular part of life here at Broadway. But in the last year of so we have heard much from our congregation that they are longing for this kind of opportunity; a time to eat together (we are Methodists aren't we?), and study together. We heard, we listened, and last night we answered.

The schedule for the night was: Meal from 5 til 6:15 with 15 minutes then to get the children checked into Kid's Zone and get back so we could start @ 6:30. Teaching and discussion time from 6:30 til 7:30.

I think that Wednesday night was a red letter day for our congregation. We had 280 adults & students, and over 90 children participate and everything went off without a hitch. I am posting a couple of pictures that Don and Shirley took of the night down at the bottom of the page.

During the meal time there were people sitting together that don't normally get to see each other on Sunday because they go to different services, or their times of serving in Kid's Zone are on opposite weeks. The sound of community reverberated throughout the MAC. It was amazing to hear the laughter, and see the hugs and the smiles.

After the meal, our attention was centered on the spiritual practice of simplicity, and the scripture, "seek first the kingdom of God". Adam, our associate pastor, led the discussions and for the next hour, people engaged in teaching and discussion that led them to a deeper understanding of bringing simplicity to our lives.

All in all, it was an amazing night. Thanks to all the volunteers and staff that made it happen. I can't wait to see what happens next week.

Here are some of Don and Shirley's pics
from Soul Life Wednesday...

Good food and good company



Ditto



Adam bringin' the Word

Caption Please

Disappointed

Even as I write this, I am in shock. I cannot tell you how disappointed I am to find out that Mike Guglielmucci was exposed today as not having cancer, and that the whole story behind the song "Healer" was a hoax. It saddens me to think that he thought he had to make up a cancer in order to get people to listen to the song. He tried to manipulate worshipers and the leaders of churches around the world. My heart is broken, not for Mike Guglielmucci, but for God, who I know has been disappointed by this deception. But I also know that God's grace has already been given to him.

Because of this, worship leaders will be painted with the same brush as he is, by association. I hate that.

Later...

2 reasons why I love my church.

This is a picture of my friend Duncan (He is the one with the thumbs up). He is a sophomore in High School, and good student, runner and a member of the media team here at Broadway. This picture is from the first night of the fall season of our Student Ministry called Rhythm. Duncan serves every Sunday running camera for our 9:30 service, and whenever he can, he helps me with lighting. He also is a member of the cast of our Kid's Zone Live children and family worship time. He is a great kid, and an example of how youth should live out their lives.

I say all that to say that 2 of the reasons that I love my church is 1) I get to work alongside people like Duncan, and 2) We have a Student Ministry that loves our kids, and lets them know how much God loves them, and also gives them a solid foundation in their faith. The bulk of our Sunday morning tech crew is either currently involved, or have recently graduated from the Student Ministry and are headed to college. They are prepared for life and for ministry.

That is just 2 reasons why I love my church.

Happy Birthday

Today is my beautiful wife's birthday. Her day started by sleeping in, which is a luxury that she does not get very often. We started the celebration with lunch at Wah Bah's. For those of you who don't know, this is a great steak roadhouse kind of place. It is also somewhat of a biker bar. Great atmosphere and even greater steaks.

Afterward, we went to Wal-mart so that Andrew could buy something to put candles in. He always buys something and then puts the appropriate number of candles into the smallest piece of cake he can. For his mother, he put them into a creme-filled chocolate covered donut. Here is a picture.



He also bought her a princess crown, because "she thinks she is anyway..." Here is the picture that we took as the boys and I were about to give her the real present. An afternoon of playing in her flowers and in the dirt, without interruption from us.



Happy birthday babe.

Morning Worship @ Crossland

Today is one of those rare days when I am not leading worship at Broadway. I got a great opportunity to go to worship at Crossland Community Church. I really enjoyed worship from start to finish this morning. I knew a couple of the guys in the band and it was great to get to see and hear them. The band was well rehearsed and sounded great. The set flowed smoothly and the vocals were tight. The songs they did were not familiar to me but were very easy to pick up on and sing. They did a song for offering (and ended the service with it as well) that was really sweet. I am going to email the worship leader and find out the name of it, and try to get copy of the chart.

They were starting a new series called "Family Secrets". The sermon today came out of Ephesians, one of my favorite books of the Bible. The pastor is, like me, the product of an Italian home. I felt right at home with his movement and talking with his hands. I particularly enjoyed that he owned the fact the scriptures were going to be tough to swallow, but that if you look at them with desire to be more like Christ, they swallow a lot easier.

All in all a great service. It was good to get to worship and not have to concentrate on anything but worshipping my Savior.

Where have I been?

Man. I looked at my own blog today and realized it has been a really long time since I blogged anything. Lazy bum.

The reason that I looked at it was that I am going to be participating in a national blog initiative called Blog Action Day. This is where the power of the blogging community comes together to bring awareness to the plague that is poverty. I will be taking part in this and I hope you few, the proud, will as well. Go to the site and check it out.


Blog Action Day 2008 Poverty from Blog Action Day on Vimeo.


More later... I hope.

3.22-23.08

Set List

I Can't Stop Praising Your Name

My Redeemer Lives
My Savior Lives

You Raise Me Up
Holy Holy Holy (hymn)
Holy Holy Holy

Saturday and Sunday Easter Services ROCKED!

I have to tell you, last night and this morning Rocked. We had a choir up with us, and the energy that they added to the team was infectious. They came in, and adapted to using microphones instead of choir mic's. They are amazing. They worshiped and laughed and sang their hearts out.

The other stand out for me was our tech guys. They stepped up and did a great job. On Saturday night, we had 2 of our regulars out, and the rest of the team stepped up and did a great job.


I love getting to worship. It is both an honor and privilege to lead worship along side the great worship leaders in the contemporary worship ministry. They are the best.

I am going to bed. I am exhausted. This week I will be traveling to West Virginia for a few days of rest, and rehearsal. I will be staying with my friend Tom, who is going to be leading worship with me at our Greenwood campus this coming weekend. I will be back on Thursday afternoon.

Until next time...

Peace

Week 11 of WW

Starting Weight - 221.4
Total lbs lost this week - 5.4
Current Weight - 179.2

Total lbs lost to date: 42.2

OK, so this week, in the midst of all the craziness of this week, I still had to weigh in. I expected to lose a little, and I am really happy with this week. I went last night and bought a new suit. I found one that fits well and looks nice. I was very excited to figure out that I have lost 6 inches off my waist since I started this journey. That is exciting for me.

Well, it is time to get ready for the first of our 5 Easter services. Please pray that all goes well and that Jesus is celebrated.

Until later...

Peace

3.16.08

Set list

Wonderful Cross 

Here I Am to Worship

We Fall Down

At The Cross

Mighty is the Power of the Cross

Today was a really sweet day in worship.  I think that worship for today started on Wednesday night when we were in rehearsal.  As we were doing At the Cross, the Holy Spirit showed up and we had CHURCH.  It was great, an just shows that our worship team can really worship, an we don't need a crowd to do it.  

We started today off with the congregation singing out (I can usually tell in the first song if they are going to sing with us or not).  We baptized 2 babies and then went right into a really well received worship set.  I think that Here I Am to Worship is one of our congregation's favorite songs.  They always sing loudly with it.  It blesses the whole team's heart when they sing with us.  

Today was also cool, because Rick wasn't traveling.  He was in the room from the beginning, and that allowed the team to relax a little I think.  They knew they didn't have to worry about whether he would make it back before we had to go to a back-up song.

Rick brought a great semi close to the sermon series.  After the sermon, I got to do something that I haven't gotten to do in a while.  Do a song with Wendell.  It was just the 2 of us on Mighty is the Power of the Cross.  I love singing with Wendell.  He reads me and my sometimes different way of getting through a song.  He and I just click like that.

I can not wait for Easter next week.  Check out the graphic that Jenny did...

I like the juxtaposition with the difference between "Famous Last Words" and Famous First Word.  (Can you guess the first word?)

I will post more later about the Prayer Path.  Right now I have to go and finish the mix-down of the voiceovers.

Until next time...

Peace

Week 10 of WW

Starting Weight - 221.4
Total lbs lost this week - 5.0
Current Weight - 184.6

Total lbs lost to date: 36.8

We went back to WW tonight, after having to miss the last 2 meetings due to snow. It was a nice surprise to have lost 5 lbs. But the absolute highlight of the day, was when they handed my son his jewel for having lost 53.8 lbs. He is really incredible. I am so proud of him. The look on his face was amazing. He was actually feeling good about the huge accomplishment. I will be interested in how we do in the coming weeks.

Until next time...

Peace

3.09.08

Set List

Everlasting God

Beautiful One
Spirit Song
Hungry


Give Us Clean Hands

Today was my first time leading worship in 2 weeks. It was great to be back leading. Today was time change Sunday, so a lot of people were either late , or didn't make it at all. The people who were there sang out though. Also, it was good to have Rick back in the Pulpit. He is back just in time to finish up the "Famous Last Words" series. This week he talked about commitment. He did a great job.

I am still having a lot of trouble with my voice though. I am now going on 5 weeks of this crap. It is driving me crazy. I am going to try to get an appointment with an ENT here in town that I have seen before with my voice problems.

This week I will be getting the prayer path ready. I will be writing a lot and recording the voice overs. Until next time...

Peace

3.02.08

Today was a Red Letter Day for Broadway. We did 13 Baptisms, and confirmed 38 6th, 7th and 8th graders. To see the looks on their faces as they confirmed that they were followers of Jesus Christ, I was crying like a baby today. I ended up crying several times today. I can not say enough about what Jason Brown is doing with our students. Over the last 2 months, Jason has led them through the story of God, and where they fit in that Story. He is an incredible young man, and I am proud to be on staff with him. This was a great day for him, but when you talk to him, he says that it was great day for his kids. I think it was a great day for the entire Student Ministry at Broadway. Way to go JB.

I can't believe that I get to do this for a living. Until next time...

Peace

Check it out

Hey guys,

As most of you know, I have a couple of tattoos, this is my first. A blogging friend (who has an amazing tattoo with a really cool story) put out a call to all his peeps to send in a picture of their tattoos and then tell the story behind it. Here you go Los.

This was my first tattoo, it is an icthus with the comedy and tragedy masks in the middle. I got this as a gift to myself when I joined my first church staff as the Pastor of Creative Arts. I had it re-colored by a friend that owns a tattoo shop with a bible study. It is quite special to me.

Peace...

Quick bit of greatness

Here is a post from Chris Elrod, a pastor from Florida that is working hard to love on people that others would give up on, or write off as a lost cause. Check it out here

later...

Week 8 of WW

Starting Weight - 221.4
Total lbs lost this week - 3.6
Current Weight - 189.6

Total lbs lost to date: 31.8

This morning, I got up and realized that the funky feeling I had been having for the last 2 weeks has turned into a full fledged "I feel like CRAP". I thought I was on the mend. I have the headache, the sinus and ear pain, and I can not get warm. I guess I am sick... Poop.

Anyway, enough whining. Today was a great day for the WW thing. I went over 30lbs lost. This was one of those private goals for me. I wanted to lose 30lbs before Rick (our Pastor) got back. This also marks the halfway point to my goal. My goal is losing 60 lbs. We will see.

Well, I am going to bed. Until next time...

Peace

My kind of Pastor

I saw this on a blog that I follow. This guy's name is Carlos Whitaker,(you can find his blog here, Ragamuffin Soul) and he is the Service Programming Director at Buckhead Community Church in Atlanta. Now, it is not a secret that I have tattoos and really love the symbolism that is possible with them. Carlos got his tattoo on "LA Ink". Here is the clip from the show. During the show, Los preaches the Gospel, and for that I have much respect for him. The tattoo is amazing as well. Enjoy...

Week 7 of WW

Starting Weight - 221.4
Total lbs lost this week - 3.8
Current Weight - 193.2

Total lbs lost to date: 28.2

Today I went in with one thing in mind, getting over the 25lb mark. Last week I missed it by 6/10 of a pound. I wasn't real sure that I would get there today, since my crohns has acting up this week, it didn't feel like I had lost any, in fact, I felt like I had gained a little. That is something I will have to get used to, I guess.

Today is the day. We are going to join the parks and rec gym this afternoon. I am little apprehensive about it though. I have heard stories about people starting to work out and instead of losing weight, they gain weight. I know, muscle weighs more than fat, but still...

I am hopeful that I will be running consistently by the time it gets warm enough to run outside, and by the time road running season gets here, I will be back into running the 5Ks and 10Ks, with an eventual goal of running a half marathon.

Until next time...

Peace

2.10.08

Set List

Salvation is Here

Holy is the Lord
Beautiful One
You Are Worthy

It is Well
Famous Last Words (Jars of Clay)

We kicked off our Lenten series, "Famous Last Words". We put up a new stage set, which included repositioning the cloth, adding a couple of flat screen computer monitors that ran the sermon series graphic package, and we also had the graphics printed and mounted and put on stands. We mixed in color and such. I was pleased with the look.

Adam gave us a really good start to the series with "Forgive". He said that he was a little nervous about doing 6 weeks with Jesus on cross, that people would end up depressed. I think he did a great job with balancing the fact that Jesus was getting ready to die, with He had a really important thing to say that has relevence for us today, stuff that can effect our lives.

And now, we get look to next week, and the next service. "Today" will deal with the thief on the cross next to Jesus. A dying Jesus chose to talk to, and offer grace to, a thief that he didn't have to. The question is, are you a thief?

Until next week...

peace

Week 6 of WW

Starting Weight - 221.4
Total lbs lost this week - 1.8
Current Weight - 197.0

Total lbs lost to date: 24.4

I must say that I was a little disappointed in my loss this week. I was looking for a little bigger number. At least it was a negative number. I got a little loose with my points this week, and maybe that is what happened, either way, this is a new week and a new start.

One really big thing is that we celebrated losing 10% of our starting body weight. That is pretty big for both of us. I will see you next week

Until next time...

Peace

2.03.08

Set list

Friend of God (Michael Gungor)

Glorious One
Sing to the King
Everything Cries Holy

Immortal Invisible

Today was one of those weird feeling days. We had an unknown entity for the message, (a friend of Adam's who absolutely ROCKED) and I was still feeling sick and coughing a lot. It turned out to be a pretty good day. We had several people let us know that they enjoyed what we did.

I had one disappointment... we were scheduled and rehearsed to do "How to save a life" by The Fray. We ran a little long on the worship side, which is a first, and we would have been late getting out, which would have messed with Kid's Zone. Some times we have to lengthen what we do, and rarely we have to cut it short. Today was a day for cutting. Oh well.

One really cool thing, at least from my prospective, was the countdown clock that we used. It was an original one that my son's and I created in the basement with a dry erase board. Andrew shot and edited it, while Joey and I did all the writing and doodles. It was fun and I am glad we did it. We are working on a new one for the next series that should be fun and tie in really well.

Next week, we kick off our Lenten series, "Famous Last Words".
This is exciting for me because I will get to preach in the middle, and Rick will be back for the last 3 sermons. While I have really enjoyed getting to work with Adam in Rick's absence, it will also be good to have Rick back.

Until next time...

peace

Week 5 of WW

Starting Weight - 221.4
Total lbs lost this week - 3.6
Current Weight - 198.8

Total lbs lost to date: 22.6

Today was a big day in terms of Weight Watchers. I went over 22lbs lost. This means that I have lost over 10% of my body weight. This is huge for me because this is the first time in several years that I have been under 200lbs. I am rather excited about it. I deferred my public celebration until next week, so that I can celebrate it with my son. He will cross his 10% plateau next week. We started this thing together, and we will celebrate together.

Until next time...

Peace

Prayers please...

I just got an email from a friend of mine asking for prayers for a worship leader in Nashville who has been diagnosed with cancer. He is scheduled for surgery in a few weeks. Please pray for a speedy recovery.

Your prayers are coveted and appreciated.

Peace...

1.27.08

Set list

He Set Me Free (new, rocked out bluesy version)

Trading My Sorrows
Lord Reign in Me
Let it Rise

How Firm a Foundation
Heart of Worship
East to West

Today was an incredibly difficult Sunday. I started feeling bad on Friday, and got worse on Saturday, and by this morning I had very little voice left. Thankfully, my peeps were there to get my back and make sure that it sounded good. The band was tight, as always, and the singers stepped up and covered me. For that I am thankful.

We closed out the "Creation" Series today, and Adam did a great job with it. I think people were blessed.

Next week we have a guest preaching. It is a pastor friend of Adam's from Indianapolis. After that, we start the lent series, "Famous Last Words". I will post more about that and the other cool things that we will be doing for lent later.

I feel like crap, so I am going to go lay down and watch extreme makeover.

Until next time...

Peace

Week 4 of WW

Starting Weight - 221.4
Total lbs lost this week - 5.0
Current Weight - 202.4

Total lbs lost to date: 19.0

I have to say that I was shocked when I got on the scale this morning at WW. I went in just hoping to have lost at all. I didn't feel very good about this week. I didn't have anything to base this on, I just didn't feel good about it. I am only 3 pounds away from losing 10% of my body weight, and I have lost over 25% of my goal weight.

My son is going with me, and he got a "jewel" for having gone over 25 pounds lost. He is really doing great.

Thanks for reading. Until next time...

Peace

1.20.08

Set List

My Savior Lives

Everyday
Better is One Day
At the Cross

Come, Now is the Time to Worship
You Are God Alone

Let Your Love Pour Out

We had a pretty good day in worship. We introduced a couple of new songs to the congregation. The first was "My Savior Lives", a song out of New Life Worship in Colorado. It is a great opening song, especially on a cold day like today. It has a lot of energy and strong lyrics. The other new song was "Let Your Love Pour Out". This was written by a friend of mine named Marc Hendrix. I have been wanting to do this song for a long time. It is one of those songs that really touched me when Marc and I used to sing it at Hillvue, and today was a great day to do it. I have already gotten several good comments on it, and a couple of requests for copies on CD. It fit really well with the altar call that Adam gave.

And speaking of Adam, he just seems to get better and better from the pulpit. He gave a soul stirring message today that culminated in an invitation to share your brokenness on a card and bring it to the altar and then pray over it. The staff will pray over them tomorrow and then we are going to do something creative with them that will tie to the final sermon of the series. We will then take them and divide them up amongst the ministry staff and we will pray for the things that people shared on the cards. We will do this over the next few months.

I am already looking forward to next week. We are doing a new song from Casting Crowns called "East to West" which will go right along with the sermon, and also we are doing a new worship song called "Friend of God" by Michael Gungor and Israel Houghton. It is a high speed worship song that I think will be a popular addition to the rotation.

Have a great week...

Peace

Week 3 of WW

Starting Weight - 221.4
Total lbs lost this week - 1.6
Current Weight - 207.4

Total lbs lost to date: 14.0

OK, so I got up this morning, and went to the meeting. I didn't feel very good about weighing in. I guess I should be happy with losing 1.6 pounds, but I am struggling with it. I know that sounds silly, that any loss is still loss. I can't help but think about that white mocha that I had this week, and the fact that I am not working out. So I think that I will bear down on my points this week and really make an attempt to get out on the road to run 2 or 3 times this week.

Whining over. I have lost almost 25% of my way to my goal. I am happy, and I fell better and I know that I am, at least a little bit healthier.

Until next week.

1.13.08

Set list

Marvelous Light

God of Wonders
Indescribable
Wonderful Maker

Jesus Paid it All
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

Today was day 1 of having acoustic drums in worship. We had an extended rehearsal last night with them, and I knew right away that it was a good move. There is nothing like the expression that Rick can get with REAL drums and REAL cymbals.

We had a really great day today in Worship. During the worship set, Heather brought her skills as an artist. It was really cool, she did a beautiful job. Adam talked about "Framing God's Story" and how the stories of God are one of the ways that He lets us know that He loves us. Heather's painting went right along with the graphic, that showed 2 hands making a picture frame with the earth in the middle, but her painting went on to place the earth on one end, the exodus, then the cross, followed by another globe. The symbolism of the whole of God's story was there, visually. I can't wait to hear what the congregation thought.

I think we had one of the most engaged times in worship that we have had since I have been at Broadway. During the offering time (yeah, I know) we did "Jesus Paid It All" and before we could get to verse 3, the congregation was singing, which is kind of unusual for our group. But then they stood and helped me finish the song and sang, and I mean loud. I prayed spontaneously and afterward, some sat, but most stayed standing, and when we started singing Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) they sang every word. It was beautiful. There is nothing that can bless the heart of a worship leader like hearing the congregation really sing and engage. It was awesome.

Have a great week...

Peace

Week 2 of WW

Good morning,

This morning was the weigh in for week 2 of the journey to a healthier me. Here are the results...


Starting Weight - 221.4
Total lbs lost this week - 4.4
Current Weight - 209.0

Total lbs lost to date: 12.4

This week was a test, because the foods that we are eating are starting to look and taste the same. Also, getting all the points in has been a challenge at times.
I did discover that a small Starbucks White Mocha with nonfat milk and no whip cream, is only 6 points which once a week is well worth the points.

Well, it's off to get ready for rehearsal. I can't wait for tomorrow.

Till then...

Peace

I have had enough

OK, so I have now entered the weight watchers nation. I have, in the last 2 years, put on 40 pounds. I have for the last 6 months or so, been having a really hard time with my voice. I don't have the stamina vocally that I used to have and I have lost several steps in my range. I am also having numbness in my hands that I am sure is from my extra weight.

So here is the deal, I am going to use this blog to keep myself accountable, and I would covet your prayers. I will check in after each of our weigh ins on Saturday mornings.

Weigh in last Saturday...

Starting Weight - 221.4
Current Weight - 213.4
Total lbs lost to date: 8.0

I know that this is not typical, but I was kinda happy with it.

Until next week...

Peace

1.6.08

Set List

I Am Free
How Great is Our God
Everlasting God
I Stand Amazed
Wonderful Maker
Just As I Am
O Come Let Us Adore Him

We were down 2 of our regular players today. Both of our keyboardists were gone. It felt really wierd but, it it went really well. I have the best group of people that I get to lead worship with. Another really cool thing that we had today was that during the introduction and first half of Adam's sermon, we used clips from "Planet Earth" and the opening sequence from the Jodie Foster movie "Contact". This was the first time that we couldn't put our entire MediaShout script on a DVD. We had over 7Gb of video today. And I remember when I thought that a 100 Mb hard drive would hold the world.

This week we are going to be doing something during worship that hasn't been done at our church before, and I am very excited about it. Tune in next week to find out more about it.

Peace