Rehearsal sure went by fast last night! Two hours felt like about 20 minutes. Thanks for your hard work. The things we are learning are fun.
This week, please practice diligently on Bless the Lord and Made Me Glad. Your part is recorded on the CD, so you should be able to be "off book" by next Wednesday.
In addition, please practice your phonetics on Made Me Glad. Use the worksheet that you completed at rehearsal and sing through the verses and chorus several times a day.
If you have missed any rehearsals, talk with another Praise Choir member or get up to date on what you missed. Or call me (787-5425) and I'll bring you up to speed.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Rehearsal Tonight
If you are wondering if you need to be at rehearsal tonight ... the answer is YES!!! We have so much work to do. It will be a fast paced and interesting rehearsal. Please be there.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Prayer Request
Please join me in praying for Tina Piper (Tina joined the choir last Wednesday night and is a close friend of mine and Larri Manos). Tina's father, Semeon Chavis, is at Regional Medical Hospital in Lumberton, NC. He is experiencing congestive heart failure. He is not doing well at all.
Tina received a call this morning from the hospital and is driving to Lumberton to see what they need to do. This is a difficult trip period, but it is made more difficult when driving with a 3-yr old and it’s a good 5-hr trip one way. She is hoping to be back in town in time for rehearsal on Wednesday night, but is not sure yet.
Please remember Tina and her father in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
"And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me".
Psalms 50:15
Tina received a call this morning from the hospital and is driving to Lumberton to see what they need to do. This is a difficult trip period, but it is made more difficult when driving with a 3-yr old and it’s a good 5-hr trip one way. She is hoping to be back in town in time for rehearsal on Wednesday night, but is not sure yet.
Please remember Tina and her father in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
"And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me".
Psalms 50:15
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
A Story
So a week ago, I was on Laurens Road, getting fingerprinted for my Teacher Certification process. I stopped in at a little gas station for gas and a soda. When I approached the counter, there was a man, at the register who was staring at me, with a look that made me less than comfortable. I will admit, that due to sterotyping, this was a person I would probably not associate with. Tattoos on the arms, black hair in a pony tail, jewelry on the fingers, ears (both of them), a scraggled mustache and beard - you all know who I'm referring to: that guy that hangs out in less than stellar establishments, and sends fear to those that view him.
But he was staring at me. And my first instinct was to flee. I approached the counter, set my soda down, and prepared to hand him the money that I owed, when he opened his mouth to say: "I know you." Quickly glancing around, I noticed that it was just him and me in the place, so I responded with: "I don't think I know you. But my name is Rob."
He goes on to ring me up, and says, "No, I've seen you before, from somewhere". At this point, I'm praying that he hurry up and ring me out, so I can get on my way, but God takes over and I found myself asking him where he thinks he knows me from. He can't put it together, but I did.
"Do you go to church?" was my next question.
A smile falls upon his face, as the light comes on. He goes on to tell me that his girlfriend and her mother, drug him to church on Sunday passed, to Brookwood, and he recognized me from the choir. "You were wearing a hat!" he tells me.
Walk across the room, I'm thinking. Just walk across the room. I extend my hand and he shakes it, and I asked him what he thought of the church.
The next 15 minutes was nothing short of a miracle. I spend that time, listening to the most unlikely worshipper tell me that it was his first time in church in years, and that when Steve, Tara and Malinda did Amazed, he cried. That by the images of the movie that was showing, (A 1977 version of Jesus of Nazareth), he was blown away at the realization of the price that was paid for us. For humanity. For him. He went on to say "that last song you all did, where everyone stood up...." and I interrupted him with a "Jesus Messiah", to which he added.... "yeah, that one, - well when everyone stood up, I didn't know what to do, but when my girlfriend stood up, she grabbed my hand and I was pulled up too." He went on to say, that after the service, he went to the Next Step room to find out more about Brookwood, and what he had to do to be able to come again.
He asked what he had to do to BE ABLE to come again.
I stood in amazement and watched this hulk of a man, with tears in his eye, witness to me, the Love that God and Christ has for him. And he wanted to know what he had to do.
By this time, there was a short line behind me, and I actually didn't care. I extended my hand, and said welcome home.
I left the station, sat in my car for a moment, looked to God and said "One at a time, dear Father... one at a time."
Makes me wonder how many stories like that are out there.
But he was staring at me. And my first instinct was to flee. I approached the counter, set my soda down, and prepared to hand him the money that I owed, when he opened his mouth to say: "I know you." Quickly glancing around, I noticed that it was just him and me in the place, so I responded with: "I don't think I know you. But my name is Rob."
He goes on to ring me up, and says, "No, I've seen you before, from somewhere". At this point, I'm praying that he hurry up and ring me out, so I can get on my way, but God takes over and I found myself asking him where he thinks he knows me from. He can't put it together, but I did.
"Do you go to church?" was my next question.
A smile falls upon his face, as the light comes on. He goes on to tell me that his girlfriend and her mother, drug him to church on Sunday passed, to Brookwood, and he recognized me from the choir. "You were wearing a hat!" he tells me.
Walk across the room, I'm thinking. Just walk across the room. I extend my hand and he shakes it, and I asked him what he thought of the church.
The next 15 minutes was nothing short of a miracle. I spend that time, listening to the most unlikely worshipper tell me that it was his first time in church in years, and that when Steve, Tara and Malinda did Amazed, he cried. That by the images of the movie that was showing, (A 1977 version of Jesus of Nazareth), he was blown away at the realization of the price that was paid for us. For humanity. For him. He went on to say "that last song you all did, where everyone stood up...." and I interrupted him with a "Jesus Messiah", to which he added.... "yeah, that one, - well when everyone stood up, I didn't know what to do, but when my girlfriend stood up, she grabbed my hand and I was pulled up too." He went on to say, that after the service, he went to the Next Step room to find out more about Brookwood, and what he had to do to be able to come again.
He asked what he had to do to BE ABLE to come again.
I stood in amazement and watched this hulk of a man, with tears in his eye, witness to me, the Love that God and Christ has for him. And he wanted to know what he had to do.
By this time, there was a short line behind me, and I actually didn't care. I extended my hand, and said welcome home.
I left the station, sat in my car for a moment, looked to God and said "One at a time, dear Father... one at a time."
Makes me wonder how many stories like that are out there.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Let Your Voice Be Heard!
NBC is presently taking a poll on whether or not "In God We Trust" should stay on our American currency. This will take you ten-20 seconds. Here is your chance to let the media know where the people stand on our faith in God, as a nation. Please take a moment and cast your vote right away, before NBC takes this off their web page. Currently the poll is still open so you can vote: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10103521/
After you vote send this link to every Christian you know so they can vote on this important subject. As Christians we need to let our voice be heard!!
After you vote send this link to every Christian you know so they can vote on this important subject. As Christians we need to let our voice be heard!!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Easter Music is UP!
The Easter service with the music portion is now posted on the Brookwood Church website. Here's the link ...
http://www.brookwoodchurch.org/templates/_brookwoodchurch/details.asp?id=35527&PID=678926
http://www.brookwoodchurch.org/templates/_brookwoodchurch/details.asp?id=35527&PID=678926
Easter Music
FYI ... the reason that only the sermon is posted on the www.brookwoodchurch.org site is that the music portion is still in post production. The music was recorded on around 50 audio tracks. Then it was remixed for the internet "broadcast" and handed back to the video production guys. They have to sync it back up with the video and get it posted to the web. Since Perry is just one track, they got the sermon posted quickly. As soon as the music portion is ready, they will get it posted. Adam tells me that the audio sounds great! I can't wait to see and hear it!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Prayer Request
Please keep Chris and Janet Moon in your prayers. Janet's father passed away early this morning.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Reminder - No Rehearsal
Just a quick reminder. We have the week off, so no rehearsal tonight. I'm looking forward to seeing you next Wednesday. We'll have 10 songs (5 of them new) to work on!!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Tweet from @brookwoodchurch
I just received this tweet from Brookwood's Twitter account. Thought you'd be interested ...
10,322 people celebrated Easter with us @brookwoodchurch over 5 services this past weekend. To God be all glory!
More info: The number above includes youth and children's ministries. The auditorium attendance was 8,584. Pretty amazing.
I'm not one to give numbers a lot of attention, but I do enjoy them as an indicator of the fact that God is directing people into our ministry. He's doing something at Brookwood that he wants people to experience. I love being in a place where God is active! Don't you?
10,322 people celebrated Easter with us @brookwoodchurch over 5 services this past weekend. To God be all glory!
More info: The number above includes youth and children's ministries. The auditorium attendance was 8,584. Pretty amazing.
I'm not one to give numbers a lot of attention, but I do enjoy them as an indicator of the fact that God is directing people into our ministry. He's doing something at Brookwood that he wants people to experience. I love being in a place where God is active! Don't you?
Don on CBN
Check out this article that CBN did on Don Chapman a couple of days ago.
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/577082.aspx
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/577082.aspx
Monday, April 13, 2009
Joe (2)
Joe was so into it this weekend. I can't recall I time I have ever seen the Spirit power through him like that. Knuckle Touch to Joe!
Joe
Tim Whims, a great friend and a brother at Brookwood was snapping away during the second service on Sunday. He posted his photos to his Facebook page, but I was blown away by this one. There is something about Praise and Submission photos that are taken from the back that seem to capture the essence of what's happening at the time.
This one is of course, Joe - doing his thing. And no, he does not have his finger in my ear.
We are so blessed to have a family of worshippers, led by those with sound and humble hearts for God.
Thank you Joe for what you do! And thank you all who read this, for the opportunity to serve and praise God together.
Easter Weekend
It was wonderful serving with you this weekend. Thank you for giving so freely and joyfully of yourselves. We met with God, didn't we?
I've been reflecting on how wonderful it was to sing in 5 services. Most of our congregation got to experience the celebration only one time. We got to take part in it over and over again. What a treat!
Remember that we are taking the week off with no rehearsal on Wednesday. I think we need the rest. If you are tired today, ask God to renew your strength. Thats what I'm doing...
I've been reflecting on how wonderful it was to sing in 5 services. Most of our congregation got to experience the celebration only one time. We got to take part in it over and over again. What a treat!
Remember that we are taking the week off with no rehearsal on Wednesday. I think we need the rest. If you are tired today, ask God to renew your strength. Thats what I'm doing...
Saturday, April 11, 2009
7:45
Wasn't it wonderful this afternoon? We are blessed to be able to enjoy the glory of His presence five times in one weekend. Thank you for your selfless service!
Remember ... we don't have to be on the blacktop until 7:45 AM. Please show up on time with your voices warmed up. You can do that by singing in the shower and in the car as you drive over. Start by humming, then do some lip trills, then sing some of you favorite songs in a favorite range. We'll be ready to sing together when we all get together.
I'm looking forward to serving with you ...
Remember ... we don't have to be on the blacktop until 7:45 AM. Please show up on time with your voices warmed up. You can do that by singing in the shower and in the car as you drive over. Start by humming, then do some lip trills, then sing some of you favorite songs in a favorite range. We'll be ready to sing together when we all get together.
I'm looking forward to serving with you ...
2:30
I am so looking forward to leading worship in our services this evening and tomorrow morning. Remember, please, that we are supposed to be on the blacktop at 2:30 today wearing earthtone solids and jeans. If you are unsure what "earth tone" means, just wear something that you think will blend in with the brick and industrial stage set that we will be in.
Please set aside some time today to prepare your heart for service. Remember Steve's words to us at the end of rehearsal this week ...
Be sure to read Rob's post below ... and then set aside a bit of time before each service, or at least the first service each day, and spend a bit of time praying for the people who will be in the room and for each other.
Please pray also for those in our choir family who are travelling back from the Mexico missions trip. They will be travelling all day and hope to make it back to sing with us!
-- Joe
Please set aside some time today to prepare your heart for service. Remember Steve's words to us at the end of rehearsal this week ...
Be sure to read Rob's post below ... and then set aside a bit of time before each service, or at least the first service each day, and spend a bit of time praying for the people who will be in the room and for each other.
Please pray also for those in our choir family who are travelling back from the Mexico missions trip. They will be travelling all day and hope to make it back to sing with us!
-- Joe
Friday, April 10, 2009
Join Me In This Little Thing
Before we take the stage, in the quiet time with you and God, I ask you do this little thing I do. Go out into the auditorium, anywhere and bow down before God in front of one or two (or an entire section) of seats and pray this to God:
Open the blind eyes. Unlock the deaf ears. Come to Your people. As we draw near.
Hear us from heaven. Touch our generation. We are Your people. Crying out in desperation.
The Story we are telling this weekend needs to be heard, to be believed, and be taken to heart. My family, we are Lead Worshippers and its my humble belief and prayer to God that the story that we tell this weekend, will change hearts and bring those that need to be: closer to God in a personal and loving way.
Will you pray this with me? I cannot be thankful enough for the sacrifice that Our God made for us, so that we may live life eternal with Him!
God Bless You My Family. I cannot wait to serve with you all in the days ahead!
Open the blind eyes. Unlock the deaf ears. Come to Your people. As we draw near.
Hear us from heaven. Touch our generation. We are Your people. Crying out in desperation.
The Story we are telling this weekend needs to be heard, to be believed, and be taken to heart. My family, we are Lead Worshippers and its my humble belief and prayer to God that the story that we tell this weekend, will change hearts and bring those that need to be: closer to God in a personal and loving way.
Will you pray this with me? I cannot be thankful enough for the sacrifice that Our God made for us, so that we may live life eternal with Him!
God Bless You My Family. I cannot wait to serve with you all in the days ahead!
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Music Class - Learn to Read Music
We will have our first music "class" Wednesday, April 15th @ 5:15 sharp for anyone who is interested in learning to read music. The class will be held in the Green Room and will be lead by Michelle Larson. If you have questions regarding the class you may contact Michelle at michlars2@yahoo.com.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Please be on time tonight!
We have A LOT to get done before we meet with the band tonight. Please do your best to be at rehearsal by 6PM tonight. I know it's tough getting there after work; but please do your best. Thanks.
- Joe
- Joe
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Prayer Request
Please join me in lifting up Tucker Shealy (Kelly & Laurie Shealy’s son). As most of you know Kelly is part of our Praise Team and they really need our prayers. Below is an e-mail that we received from Kelly & Laurie. Please take a moment right now and stop to pray for this family.
Just wanted to let you all know that Tucker is out of surgery and it went as well as expected. It did take a little longer because the gall bladder was in such bad shape. On another note, Tucker is running a pretty high fever and not able to go without oxygen. They just called for a doctor to come in and try to figure out what is going on. He is not responding to any of the medicines right now. We will do our best to keep you all posted. I had a free minute because of the tests they were running and I was not able to watch anymore. Please just pray for wisdom for the doctors and calmness for Kelly and I. Thanks so much for all the prayers!!!
Kelly & Laurie
We also just found out that the doctor thinks Tucker may have pneumonia. Please pray for the entire family.
Just wanted to let you all know that Tucker is out of surgery and it went as well as expected. It did take a little longer because the gall bladder was in such bad shape. On another note, Tucker is running a pretty high fever and not able to go without oxygen. They just called for a doctor to come in and try to figure out what is going on. He is not responding to any of the medicines right now. We will do our best to keep you all posted. I had a free minute because of the tests they were running and I was not able to watch anymore. Please just pray for wisdom for the doctors and calmness for Kelly and I. Thanks so much for all the prayers!!!
Kelly & Laurie
We also just found out that the doctor thinks Tucker may have pneumonia. Please pray for the entire family.
URGENT PRAYER REQUEST
Please join me in lifting up Tucker Shealy (Kelly & Laurie Shealy’s son). As most of you know Kelly is part of our Praise Team and they really need our prayers. Below is an e-mail that we received from Kelly & Laurie this afternoon. Please take a moment right now and stop to pray for this family.
Just wanted to let you all know that Tucker is out of surgery and it went as well as expected. It did take a little longer because the gall bladder was in such bad shape. On another note, Tucker is running a pretty high fever and not able to go without oxygen. They just called for a doctor to come in and try to figure out what is going on. He is not responding to any of the medicines right now. We will do our best to keep you all posted. I had a free minute because of the tests they were running and I was not able to watch anymore. Please just pray for wisdom for the doctors and calmness for Kelly and I. Thanks so much for all the prayers!!!
Kelly & Laurie
We also just found out that the doctor thinks Tucker may be pneumonia. Please pray for this entire family. Thanks!
Just wanted to let you all know that Tucker is out of surgery and it went as well as expected. It did take a little longer because the gall bladder was in such bad shape. On another note, Tucker is running a pretty high fever and not able to go without oxygen. They just called for a doctor to come in and try to figure out what is going on. He is not responding to any of the medicines right now. We will do our best to keep you all posted. I had a free minute because of the tests they were running and I was not able to watch anymore. Please just pray for wisdom for the doctors and calmness for Kelly and I. Thanks so much for all the prayers!!!
Kelly & Laurie
We also just found out that the doctor thinks Tucker may be pneumonia. Please pray for this entire family. Thanks!
REMINDER!
Just a reminder that light snacks will be provided on Saturday, but we will bring food as normal on Sunday morning for the Praise Choir.
Please let me know if you have any questions. You can e-mail me at tammy.tester@brookwoodchurch.org.
Thanks!
Tammy
Please let me know if you have any questions. You can e-mail me at tammy.tester@brookwoodchurch.org.
Thanks!
Tammy
Today is WEDNESDAY
... AND we do not have rehearsal tonight. Remember, this week it is on Thursday. Same time. Since there is more going on than normal on Easter, we'll be rehearsing with the band and strings this week.
Tomorrow, on Thursday, please come to POD I for the beginning of rehearsal. We have a couple of things that I want to rehearse before we go on the blacktop. You'll remember that last week there were a couple of things that I said might change .... Well, on one of them, I have a change that I'd like to make. Bring your charts so that I can show you what I'd like to do.
See you then ... unless I see you at the Chris Tomlin concert tonight.
Tomorrow, on Thursday, please come to POD I for the beginning of rehearsal. We have a couple of things that I want to rehearse before we go on the blacktop. You'll remember that last week there were a couple of things that I said might change .... Well, on one of them, I have a change that I'd like to make. Bring your charts so that I can show you what I'd like to do.
See you then ... unless I see you at the Chris Tomlin concert tonight.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Childcare for Thursday Night
Childcare will be provided for Thursday night’s rehearsal for Easter. The bookstore will be closed for inventory, but you will still need to go to the bookstore to purchase your childcare ticket for the evening (they know that we have some folks coming to purchase these tickets). Please bring either cash or check to pay for the childcare tickets because the Bookstore will not be set up to take credit or debit cards that evening. Once you have your ticket you can check your kids in at Pod-B (the normal place for childcare).
Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!
Tammy Tester
864-688-8391
tammy.tester@brookwoodchurch.org
Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!
Tammy Tester
864-688-8391
tammy.tester@brookwoodchurch.org
5 left
We have just 5 tickets left to the Tomlin concert. Please let me know today if you want any. Thanks. (787-5425)
Friday, April 03, 2009
Chris Tomlin Tickets
I have purchased a group of tickets for the Chris Tomlin Hello Love Tour concert. The concert is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8 at 7PM. Israel Houghton and New Breed will also be appearing. We have used many songs by both of these men in our worship sessions. It should be an awesome evening.
Call me if you'd like tickets. Cost is $21 each. My phone number is 787-5425.
-- Joe
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