As part of our Worship Goals for 2011 and 2012, we are encouraging the youth of our church to grow in their heart of worship and develop the gifts God has given them. With this in mind, we are offering Worship 101 throughout the summer (we offered it for the first time in the summer of 2009). Our Worship Intern, Ryan Bear, is leading Worship 101 this summer. We asked him to be our Worship Intern because we recognize him as a young man who has a passion for Jesus and a heart to serve the church (not to mention that he also possesses some amazing drumming and musical skills). He has proven to be a faithful member of the worship ministry, and we are excited about what God is doing in his life. Read what Ryan has to say, and be blessed!

Hello All! As mentioned before my name is Ryan Bear and I am working over the summer with Jeanelle as the Worship Intern. First, I will never be able to say enough about how loving and mighty our God is! Just by being in this intern position the Lord has taught me a lesson in trusting him. Three months ago the thought of interning didn’t even cross my mind. I didn’t even know that the position existed! What was crossing my mind however was the financial cost of going to school next year and little flashes of anxiety concerning how I would be able to afford it. I will confess that I was worrying about this and was highly stressed. Eventually I knew that this lack of trust in God and faith in his plan for my life sickened my relationship with God and was a cancer to my faith. I got on my knees and gave it to the Lord, asking for a change of heart to put complete trust in him in all I do. Later that week I was offered this position. While this may not sound like a major event or anything super dramatic I can honestly say that it has changed my life. I’m not saying that I’m better than anyone or “holier than thou,” the Lord has worked on my faith and trust just from the offer of the internship. The verse Isaiah 26:4 comes to mind, “Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD is the Rock eternal.” What a mighty God we praise!

The Worship 101 program that is my major responsibility this summer has been such a blessing! Worship 101 is a program for the youth to discover what real, passionate worship of God is, and to also work on specific skills in order to lead the church in Worship on August 28. The program has had a great start and we are going through
the book Wired: For a Life of Worship by Louie Giglio. The book has truly been a great insight in teaching that worship occurs every second of every day not just on Sundays, and that God designed us to worship and in life everyone worships something. Our group discussions have been encouraging and a blessing as we hear how the Holy Spirit is working on hearts and minds. It has also been convicting as we have tackled the question of what we are sincerely and honestly worshiping and the truth that what you worship you will become.

Lastly I would like to thank everyone who signed up to be a sponsor for the Worship 101 students. It has a great impact on the experience for each student as they can be in the program free of charge and the encouragement, prayer and support they receive from you. I sincerely thank you for volunteering for this and making this program such a positive experience for each student.

Thanks to the congregation for your prayer and support for the Worship 101 program. God has really brought this plan together and we give him the praise and glory He deserves. Psalm 9:1-2 says “I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders. I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.” What an awesome God we serve!

Worshiping with you,
Ryan Bear

Psalm 104 is a beautiful psalm. Just read it this morning, right before I walked out the door to find the world covered with a layer of pristine snow, awash with the reflected pinks, oranges and violets of the rising sun. A special invitation from the Creator to worship Him!

Bless the LORD, O my soul! You are clothed with splendor and majesty! O LORD, how many are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all! Let the glory of the LORD endure forever; Let the LORD be glad in His works! I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being!

As was mentioned in last month’s Worship Notes, for the Year 2011 the Worship Ministry is committed to intentionally encouraging our church body in the area of worship. One way we will be doing this is to invite individuals from the congregation to share during the Sunday morning service what worship means to them. So about twice a month throughout this whole year we will hear the hearts of our fellow brothers and sisters. [click to continue…]

If you love the Lord and love to sing, please join us for practice starting Sunday, March 13. We will be singing two beautiful pieces on Easter Sunday, April 24. Practice will go from 4:00-5:15pm in the sanctuary. Choir is a great way to get to know different people around the church and help worship our amazing creator! To God be the glory! Feel free to call Kristen VanderStelt with any questions at 697-7842.

Growing in Worship: 2011 (Part 1 of 9)

As I sat down at my office computer to begin writing this article, I decided to pop a Dove dark chocolate into my mouth for a little antioxidant jolt of energy. I unwrapped the chocolate and was about to crush the foil into a little ball (I don’t know why, but it just feels good to do that) when I happened to glance down and notice what was written on the inside: “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” Wow. Hmm. Really? Because Scripture says just the opposite: The more we praise and celebrate the Lord, the more there is in life to celebrate. Take Psalm 16:11 for example:
[click to continue…]

You are invited to our Traditional Christmas Eve Service at 6:30pm on Friday, December 24. Come join us for a night of reflection and rejoicing!

If you attended church on August 30, then you have an idea of the significance of the Worship 101 program this summer. Eighteen youth leading us in worship, plus a few behind-the-scenes youth who ran the sound board and computer, put together song lyric screens and photo backdrops, and produced a video chronicling the whole summer.

Those of us who had the privilege of mentoring these students were amazed at their tenacious commitment to see it through: Wednesday night practices and discussions, daily Bible studies on worship, three very long additional practices, practicing on their own at home. They inspired us, they challenged us, and they impressed us. We leaders came away with a profound sense of God’s having orchestrated the whole thing, from beginning to end.

Here are some of the things that were impressed on us (both youth and adults) as we explored the meaning of worship this summer:

• Cody Satterthwait (acoustic guitar): “Every beginning comes from some other beginning’s end. Playing music for God is a great beginning.”
• Austin Greenleaf (vocals): “Worship 101 has really opened the door to worship for me; it has shown me how pure worship should be.”
• Cassie Moulin (vocals): “Worship 101 has strengthened my relationship with God into a love-based relationship.”
• Ashley Bryant (viola): “Viola has really given me the chance to grow closer to God.”
• Judy Ziemer (leader): “I’ve loved watching everyone, kids and adults alike, working together, having fun together and growing together.”
• Ashley Bertsch (leader): “Worship 101 has been an amazing experience for me, not only getting to work with these kids who have wonderful hearts of worship, but also growing and stretching me in my relationship with God.”
• Jon Stadtlander (leader): “It’s awesome to see these kids using their gifts to praise the Lord.”
• Nicole Veit (vocals): “Singing in His reign.”
• Kellee Murphy (leader): “It has been a joy to watch our youth grow and use their gifts to worship.”
• Becca Ballou (audiovisual): “God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called.”
• Laura Ballou (leader): “I am just amazed at how talented all the kids are. To God be the glory!”
• Tyler Arnett (drums/percussion): “I liked Worship 101. I liked playing the drums to ‘Blessed Be Your Name.’”
• Nicole Clark (keyboard mentor): “Completing the Pure Praise book has drawn me closer to God as I devote more time to praying and listening to God’s guidance.”
• Alyssa Stadtlander (piano): “Worship is a conversation: not just you talking to God, but God talking to you.”
• Jeanelle Reider (leader): “We had a little idea. God said, ‘Fine, but let Me show you My idea.’ Worship 101 — what an amazing ride!”
• Sarah Ballou (vocals): “I want to use my gifts for God, and Worship 101 helped strengthen it.”
• Ryan Bear (drums/percussion): “God gave me the ability; worshiping allows me to give back.”
• Barbara Francis (vocals): “Worship 101 has shown me just how important it is to worship God with all my heart. It’s one of the first times I’ve felt really close to Him.”
• Stephen Jones (audiovisual): “The Pure Praise devotional has really helped me look at worship in a new way.”
• Jordan Arnett (electric guitar): “I love to play guitar, and I can see Worship 101 as an outlet to my music also while playing for the Lord.”
• Zach Griffin (drums): “When praising God, give your all to Him, all the time.”
• Hannah Ballou (audiovisual): “I’m with my friends doing the things I love, for the God I love. What’s not awesome about that?!”
• Brandon Williford (bass): “Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words. I thought this was a perfect example.”
• Kelsey Tucker (vocals): “Worship 101 has been a wonderful experience, both bonding with friends and growing into a deeper relationship with the Lord.”
• Brittany Chamberlain (keyboard): “Worship 101 has given me an opportunity to use my talents for God.”

Others: We didn’t get quotes from the following participants, but if you see them in the hallway, they’ll be happy to tell you about their experiences as well; Aaron Hume (audiovisual), Alyssa Eshelman (audiovisual), Julie Stall (vocals), Casey Bryant (electric guitar), Tyler Veit (drums/percussion), Eryn Schoenborn (violin), Curt Goldgrabe (leader).

Oh, and a special thanks to Darlene Densley and her crew for putting together meals every Wednesday night(!), and to Dee Ellsworth and Eric Eshelman and their crew for all the extra help and training.

Worshiping with you,
Jeanelle

Part 11 in the “Why We Do What We Do” series.

When you read the above question, what images come to mind? Hands lifted? Knees bent? Bodies bowed low? Feet dancing? Voices shouting? Scripture includes all of these examples (and more) in its descriptions of worship (Psalm 63:4; Eph. 3:14; I Chron. 29:20; Psalm 149:3; Luke 19:37-40).

The most common Hebrew word for worship means “to bow self down.” The most common Greek word for worship means “to kiss (the hand) toward. Both of these definitions involve not just the mind and heart but also the body. II Cor. 4:7-10 tells us that though our bodies are imperfect vessels, subject to all kinds of limitations, the life of Jesus Himself is shown through our physical bodies.

Worship leader Bob Kauflin points out that “our bodies naturally respond to what affects our souls.” When our children run to us, we open our arms wide to hug them; when our favorite team wins in overtime, we jump up and down; when we hear of heroic acts of selflessness we applaud; when a friend is grieving we cry. He goes on to say that “when we grasp the majesty of God, the mercy of the Savior, and the meaning of our salvation, we’ll be more inclined to respond with physical expressions of worship.”

Physical expression can also help us to internalize the truths we are focusing on in worship. When we sing “Lift high your chains undone,” it can be quite powerful to lift up our hands as if releasing the chains that used to bind us. Or when we sing “Receive our adoration, Jesus Lamb of God,” we can perhaps more easily envision the Lamb of God seated at the right hand of the Father if we turn our faces upward. As the saying goes, “Expression deepens impression.”

So then, why is freedom of expression in worship sometimes a controversial topic in the church? From discussions I’ve observed, it seems that the controversy usually stems from one of three misconceptions:

Misconception #1: We can tell from someone else’s expressiveness (or lack of it) whether they are truly worshiping or not. This argument can go both ways. On the one hand, those of us who are naturally more expressive may be tempted to label someone standing very still, with a stoic expression on their face, as “apathetic and unresponsive to the Lord.” And we might characterize someone whose arms are raised high, with eyes pointed toward heaven, as being “a true worshiper.” On the other hand, those of us who are naturally less expressive may be tempted to elevate the first person as someone who “knows how to show reverence” and the second person as “showy and ruled by their emotions.” What’s wrong with this picture? The Bible makes it clear that while man looks on the outward appearance, only the Lord truly knows what’s in the heart (I Samuel 16:7). So if we’re judging another person’s heart of worship, the only sure thing we can know is that our own heart of worship is not where it should be.

Misconception #2: The way we express ourselves (or don’t) should be the standard for everyone else. There are several things wrong with this statement. First, it assumes that there is only one right way to worship (when in fact the Bible provides example after example of the varieties of ways we can worship). Second, it implies that each person in the body of Christ is created with the same personality (when I Corinthians 12 shows us clearly that God designed the body of Christ to be composed of many types of people). Third, it neglects to take into account that our life experiences, whether in years past or in the previous week, affect the way we each respond in worship (David’s broken spirit in Psalm 51 is a sharp contrast to his victorious joy in Psalm 18). Fourth (and worst of all) it elevates ourselves above those around us.

Misconception #3: It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks about how we express ourselves (or don’t) as long as our heart is right before the Lord and we are following the guidelines of Scripture. This is a tough one. On the surface it sounds very spiritual. After all, who can argue with someone who says they are only trying to please the Lord? But sometimes there is more than one Scriptural principle at stake. In this case there is an even greater principle to consider than the form of our worship, and that principle is the greatest of all: “Love one another.” One big reason why we gather together instead of just staying home and worshiping by ourselves is so that we can encourage one another in the Lord (Hebrews 10:24,25). With this in mind, there are a couple of things we need to consider: First, we need to understand that, like it or not, our body language can be either an encouragement or a discouragement to the person who is next to us in the pew (or across the room, or up on the platform). Second, each local congregation has its own understanding of what’s comfortable and what’s not. It’s not a matter of right or wrong, but simply cultural differences. We need to take into account who we are worshiping with, and discern what is appropriate in each context so that we are not a distraction to those around us.

Ultimately it is the Lord whom we are trying to please in our worship. If we try to please everyone around us, we will be paralyzed with fear and self-consciousness (and we will fail anyway). So the best thing we can do each time we gather to worship is examine our hearts to be sure we are motivated by love and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us into all wisdom. Only then will we who make up the local body of Ustick Baptist Church “in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ” (Eph 4:15).

Worshiping with you (and so thankful for you),

Jeanelle

Part 10 in the “Why We Do What We Do” series.

Quick, name all the instruments you’ve ever heard in a worship service… How many did you come up with? Off the top of my head, in no particular order, I can think of organ, piano, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, tenor sax, alto sax, bass clarinet, viola, violin, fiddle, drums, congas, djembe, castanets, harmonica, banjo, trumpet, trombone, keyboard, mandolin, tambourine, shaker, clarinet, flute, harp, cello, French horn, hand bells, chimes, cymbals. I’m sure I’m missing a few!

Who created these instruments? Who gave us the ability to invent them, and the skill to play them? James 1:17 tells us that “every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” Why did He gift us with these instruments? I Chronicles 16:4-6 tells us that the specific ministry of the Temple musicians was to “celebrate and to thank and praise the Lord God.” Did you know that there were whole trumpet sections and whole cymbal sections in the Temple? (See Ezra 3:10.) Did you also know that at the dedication of Solomon’s Temple there were 120 priests blowing trumpets, joining with cymbals, harps and lyres?

Listen to what Martin Luther wrote in the Bible of his organist friend Wolf Heinz: “Wolf Heinz and all pious Christian musicians should let their singing and playing to the praise of the Father of all grace sound forth with joy from their organs and whatever other beloved music instruments there are recently invented and given by God.” I would venture to guess that Psalm 150 may have been on his mind when he wrote that!

It’s clear that throughout the ages God has given us many instruments in order to praise and glorify Him. But, in today’s cultural context, how does this play out in our worship? Well, here are a few examples of the instruments we commonly use here at UBC and what each of them can contribute to the whole mix (though there are lots of other ways we use these instruments as well):

• The guitar can provide easy rhythmic hooks that help us sing together
• The bass can give us a musical “floor,” without which the mix can sound empty
• Drums and percussion can keep us from wandering in tempo and help tighten up the mix
• The keyboard “pad” can fill out the sound and add “effect”
• Saxophones, violins and mandolins can all add “color”
• The piano can provide a clear melodic line for the congregation to follow

Another factor we consider with our instrumentation is that certain songs naturally work well with certain kinds of instruments (though we certainly have the freedom to switch this up!). For example:

• When we sing “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” on Easter, we often bring out the cathedral organ (well, at least we find that setting on the keyboard and ask the sound techs to crank up the volume!)
• When we sing “Everlasting God,” we often intro it with a palm-muted guitar that almost seems to speak the words “Strength will rise when we wait upon the Lord…”
• When we sing “Our Great God,” we use piano-driven arpeggios to help our hearts soar with “every creature in the sea and every flying bird” as they “sing praises to the living God who rules them by His Word”!
• When we sing “In the Secret,” a quiet mandolin solo can remind us that “You are there.”

So here’s a challenge: Next Sunday morning, try listening to the music with new ears. Which instruments are playing at which times? How does each instrument contribute to the musical mix? How does the instrumental arrangement complement the message of each song? (If this exercise begins to distract you from worshiping the Lord, don’t spend too much time on it!)

I am constantly amazed at the creativity of God. He’s given us four basic types of instruments: strings, wind, brass, percussion. But the variety of music they produce is endless. And that’s just on this earth! I wonder what other categories of instruments God will introduce to us in heaven, where we won’t be tied to this world’s laws of nature? If we think we can praise Him creatively now, what infinite forms of praise will be at our disposal then?! I can only imagine…

One final note: If I had my preference, our worship music would sometimes also include a harmonica, an electric guitar, a trumpet, a cello… maybe you have a hidden talent, just waiting to be tapped? Maybe now’s the time to rediscover your musical talents and offer them to the Lord for His glory!

Worshiping with you,

Jeanelle

We’re taking a break from our “Why We Do What We Do” series for this exciting news flash:

I just wanted to let you all know about something really wonderful that is taking place this summer with the worship teams and the YOUTH of our church. We’re calling it: WORSHIP 101

It’s basically a way of coming alongside the junior highers and high schoolers to encourage them to use their skills and gifts to build up the body of Christ.

We had 20 youth show up for our kickoff gathering, with more who are interested! The Music Advisory Team (that’s Nathan Reider, Judy Ziemer, Jon Stadtlander, Kellee Murphy and Jeanelle Reider) will be leading this program, with lots of help from the worship and audiovisual teams. Here’s what we’ll be doing this summer:

• Meeting most Wednesday nights (before youth group)
• Providing dinner
• Exploring the heart of worship (through a worship study book called Pure Praise)
• Providing workshops to work on instrumental, vocal, and audiovisual skills
• Gearing up to take part in a Sunday morning service August 30

Hopefully using this summer as a springboard for many more opportunities
in the area of worship arts!

Here’s how YOU can help:

• Please pray that the Lord will use this program to help the youth of our church
  catch a vision for using their gifts and talents in the body of Christ
  for the rest of their lives!
• Provide Wednesday night meals (or contribute money to the meals).
  Please contact Darlene Densley (887-4621) if you are able to help in this way.

Okay, so next month we’ll get back to Part 10 of “Why We Do What We Do,” but this was just too important not to let you know about it!

Worshiping with you,
Jeanelle