Recap: This week was the second in our series “Bounce” at Sunridge. We showed a video sermon of Bill Hybels about handling an economic downturn. Kevin Kline, the former worship pastor was featured and warmly received by our church. It was great to get to know him a bit better and share the worship leading with him. Our attendence also was up again, which is not a bad thing. All in all it was an impactful morning.

Set List: We introduced Mark Roach’s “As Long As I Have You” which hits the theme of going through storms and the song “Jesus Messiah” by Chris Tomlin.

• Forever – Chris Tomlin
• As Long As I Have You – Mark Roach
• Majestic – Lincoln Brewster
• Jesus Messiah – Chris Tomlin
• Great Is Thy Faithfulness – arr. by Lincoln Brewster

How was your worship weekend? What made this past week unique?

[see what other churches did this past Sunday on Fred's blog]

RECAP: I enjoyed our Christmas tunes this week, and literally was out of breath singing “Gloria” (or “Angels We Have Heard on High”) by Mercy Me. Bart, their lead singer can sing high. But, at 8:30 AM it is quite breath taking. When I did the welcome for the first service I had to pause and restart do to being light headed after singing ove a minute of high notes! Merry Christmas.

SET LIST: This set is all Christmas, but one tune from Mark Roach called “You Are.” I felt we needed a call to worship to focus us on the “hope of peace on earth” and “every questions answer” before we went into the Christmas set.

• You Are – Mark Roach
• Joy To The World (original arr.)
• Gloria – Mercy Me
• O Come All Ye Faithful – arr. Third Day
• The First Noel – traditional
• I Heard the Bells- arr. Mercy Me

How was your Christmas worship service?

RECAP: Advent, The Arrival is our series and theme. We used candles on a stand with the traditional 3 purple, one pink and one white candles.  The Advent theme for this week was “Prophet” where we had kids read scripture out of Isaiah about the coming Messiah–Jesus.  The element of the Advent candles, new Christmas stage design and kids choir made this morning a great start of the holiday season.  Child dedications also made our service full along with tables with our Give Love Away: Christmas Edition set up all around our worship center.  We are asking each member to consider one of our current serve group projects from The Brook (homeless ministry) to helping unwed mothers or even support for orphans.

SET LIST: Our set was short this week with all that was in it, but seemed to work pretty welll. Here are the songs…

• Salvation is Here – Joel Houston
• Our God Saves – Paul Baloche
• Blessed Be Your Name – Matt Redman

How did you or your church open the Advent season?  You use candles, Christmas carols or what?

[Fred has some set lists this week from all over the place here. ]

Recap: We are almost done with our “Give Love Away” series.  Sunday we had the Danny and Marlys Ruckles share their story of adoption and foster care, which was given as a model for what love looks looks like. The service went pretty long, with many announcements and such.  But, still we hit it, I think.

Our music had a last minute switch.  Switchfoot’s “Meant to Live” was replaced by “Forever” since we just were not getting it down.  Great song, just not the day to do it.

Daylight savings time gave less people an excuse to sleep in, which was very funny.  Amazing how that seems to impact people.

Set list: Besides a last minute song change, the time of singing saw good participation.

• Forever – Chris Tomlin
• Because of Your Love – Paul Baloche, Brenton Brown
• Majestic – Lincoln Brewster
• You Gave Your Life Away – Paul Baloche, Kathryn Scott
• Jesus Paid it All – arr. Stanfill

How was your worship weekend?  Did the time change effect the service for you?