UC Worship Blog

Hey folks!

Another fantastic weekend at the UC. Pastor Joe lit it up this morning! Here’s the set list:

A – House of God (Mercy Me)
G – Shout of the King (Hillsong)
E – There is Nothing Like (Hillsong)
E – I am Yours (Darrell Evans/Integrity)
A – Overtaken (Gateway/Integrity)

I’m printing charts, set llists, and cds for the weekends, so I thought that while I was waiting for them to get done, I’d drop an update on the blog.

We had an awesome rehearsal Thursday. We were definitely missing Will & Kate (they had a concert), but we had some great conversation afterwards. I love when rehearsals are more like connect groups (shameless plug – our group meets again on Tuesday at 6:30).

Friday I finished one phase of my project for work, but my boss called and asked me to take on another course exactly like this one…AHHHHH!!!! What am I gonna say, no? So one phase left in this project and it has to be done by COB Tuesday – and then off to the next project. I had to make a hard decision this week. I’m paid well for what I do, but I’m hourly – so no overtime. After 2 weeks with 60 hours I had to tell my folks no more without OT pay. Some of you may say “duh,” but when you’re in the contractor’s seat, it’s a tough call to make. Working extra hours without pay is better than working no hours with no pay.

After I finished up work, we went to the spaghetti dinner at a friend’s kid’s school It was great. The sense of community was incredible. It was one of those events that makes you want to live in a subdivision and have a kid (though we won’t be doing either any time soon). We had a great time and then some friends from Arkansas came in town. We stayed up late talking and then went to Loveless for brunch. (Praise the Lard and pass the Biscuits!!!)

Running to the mall now and then to setup. Last week’s setup was the quickest yet – things are getting more refined every week.

I’ll have more for you guys tomorrow!

I’ll probably do a spotlight on Dave next week, but I wanted to write about last night’s show anyway. Dave got picked up this week to sub on Nathan Lee’s band at the Writer’s Night at the Rutledge. He nailed it! It was exciting to see him doin’ his thing!

And of course, Nathan Lee brought it as well…he knocked his keyboard over by the time it was all said and done. The guy plays and sings with an unbelievable passion. The lighting wasn’t near as good as it’s been in recent weeks – but the music was right on. We were surprised by a visit from Todd Agnew…he sang a song with Nathan during the set last night.

There are only a couple of Nathan’s shows left – I’d recommend him. The Rutledge is a smoke-free club for 18+ with a cover of only $5. Next show is next Wednesday at 8PM.

Talk about an answered prayer…

These two came to use right in the nick of time. Will and Kate are both from Texas, but they’re also freshmen at Belmont. Both are really involved in the music program there, and they responded to an ad UC posted on campus about needing a piano player and vocalist.

These two have added rehearsals and weekend services to their busy schedule of classes and work – and we can’t tell them how much we appreciate their time. It’s exciting to get to see these two grow in the process, as well.

Unfortunately, these two are heading back to Texas to lead worship this summer for a camp, but they’ve promised they’ll visit at least once during the summer and that they’ll be back in the fall. UC has become their “home away from home,” and we’ve been greatful to have them. This week is Kate’s last week and Will’s got two more.

If you’re play keys or sing and are interested in helping fill the void these two are going to leave, drop me an email at matthew@uprisingchurch.org.

THANKS WILL and KATE!!!

Well, I’m a little late it getting this up, but better late than never!

D – Noise we Make (Chris Tomlin/Passion)
A – Everyone Praises (Ross Parsley/New Life/Integrity)
E – There is Nothing Like (Hillsong)
E – Amazing Love (Passion)
D – I Am Free (Ross Parsley/New Life) – we cut this one for the 2nd service

Media this weekend included the following (this is new, but i thought some folks might like to know that as well):
What if? message series video intro
Alec Baldwin recorded phone message
VA Tech Massacre News video clip
The Wrap (UCs announcements on video)

I’m sure there are people out there who feel both ways about this, but luckily my blog isn’t a place of debate, and I don’t expect it to start now.

The truth is, I haven’t found a backing for church membership in scripture. Through college I was adamantly opposed to it, but I’ve started to value it a lot more. I think the reason I do is not because it’s a social club or hierarchy – but because those are people who have my backs, and those are the folks who I know I’ll take care of too.

It’s kind of like marriage – you make covenant that you’re going to stick it out with those people, and that it’s not about your feelings or emotions – it’s about being where you believe God has called you to be and telling everyone else that as well.

The Daniels are in covenant with UC! Unless God calls us – we’re not going anywhere.

We had 16 more people join UC this weekend! It’s amazing! And one of those 16 gave control of his life to Christ during the Membership 411 meeting Sunday afternoon. Woohoo! There’s nothing like seeing people come to know – JESUS FIRST!

Well, at least for today. Things with work are still pretty rough, but the end is in sight. I’ve just got to keep my eyes on the prize.

We had a fantastic dinner with the Anderson’s (the old ones ) last night. Tonight just might be a night at home. I thoroughly need it, but I enjoy spending time with people, so either way, no big deal. I’ve got about 10 minutes before I have to run to FEDEX, so here is my news for now:

This weekend was flippin awesome. I need to get a video from the service posted to YouTube so some of my old FCers can see what we did. We did a stomp version off Noise We Make and it was great (thanks NewSpring!). Our goal is always to have a WOW, and I have no doubt that this weekend we did. We’ve got some big plans coming up for the next couple of weekends, too.

I’m about to put together a creative team to start helping with song selection and set design. If you have any ideas or would like to be a part, drop me an email.

Our keyboard player is heading back to Texas in two weeks, so we need someone to play! I may be calling some old friends to fill in the mean time!

UC, Don’t forget to make some noise this week: WHAT IF WE LOVE?

Two other things to write about quickly!!!

Tomorrow is Membership 411! Woohoo! More people committing to be a part of this work. Why is membership important – not because of paperwork – but because of the covenant we have together to each other and to the vision: Rising Upward, Rising Inward, Rising Outward!

Our first student connect group is launching tomorrow! YESSSS!!! At the home of Ray and Patti LeGrand. 6PM tomorrow night.

mjd