Rehearsal Sunday morning went great. What my team and I had talked about earlier in the week was exactly what we practiced, however it just didn't feel right.

Just before the first service started I walked over to the band leader and talked over an idea about changing the first song. What we had practiced was well prepared but I felt that we were working too hard to create something when we needed to simplify the arrangement and let the words speak. Thankfully I work with some amazing musicians who are willing to follow me and go with my changes. So instead of a driving arrangement we went with just piano and percussion and by doing so the words spoke.

Yesterday reminded me of a statement I have repeated often: 'just because you can do something doesn't mean you should.' And yes that can and should be applied in my planning of worship. I need to remember that it is about the conversation with God not about how cool the band can sound.

Here is the complete Sunday Setlist

Pre-service

5 minute countdown

Songs:

Praise to the Lord the Almighty arr. Travis Cottrell

You Are God Alone by Billy Foote and Cindy Foote

Awesome is the Lord Most High by Cary Pierce, Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves and Jon Abel

Welcome

Songs and Scripture

(This next set emphasized the promise of heaven. Why do churches not sing as much about heaven as they used to? I posted some thoughts here.)

It Is Well arr. by Todd Fields

I Thessalonians 4:13-18