Refuge Band

Hey Band,

I want to start this blog by telling you all how proud I am of you. I feel that you have all been making tremendous progress this past semester. You may feel as if nothing has changed in you and that I'm crazy but I'm viewing things from a different perspective. I get to read your work with the exercises. I get to see how your understanding of worship and of God grows. I get to see how God reveals new ideas about His nature to you. Don't fall into the trap of thinking the things you do are small and not as good as the things other people do. We are the body of Christ and each one of us has a specific position in the band, in the youth group, and in the church as a whole. As long as you are putting in the effort it will be rewarded. I do notice how much effort you all put into being in the band and I do not thank you and praise you enough for this hard work. You are God's workmanship and I am proud to be in a position to see Him work in all of our lives for His glory.

Next I want to formerly announce the new semester of the Worship Leadership Team. If you are currently a junior or a senior you may come to me and ask for an application and I will explain the process more to you at that time.

Finally, next Monday is our last Band Meeting of the Fall 2011 semester, and so if you have not caught up in the exercises you should do so this week.

1. Psalm 146: write it out word for word, then rewrite it using your own words.
2. Psalm 146:1-2: write it out word for word, then rewrite it using your own words. After that, use one page and respond to the verses in any way you wish.
3. Psalm 146:3-4: same directions as above.
4. Psalm 146:5-6: same directions as above.
5. Psalm 146:7-10: same directions as above.

There is a purpose to these exercises, even of you do not see it, and putting in the effort to complete them shows your ability to act as a part of the band rather than staying as a solitary unit.

Monday, December 12, as we decided last night, we will have a time to hang out and have our own "Christmas Party" rather than having a band meeting. So from 5pm until 6pm we will celebrate this past semester and enjoy each others' company.

Thank you all for your commitment to this band and for everything you sacrifice for the glory of our God and King.

-Jordan

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Hey Band,

I just wanted to take some time to wish you all a very happy thanksgiving. And I wanted to let you know that I thank God for each and every one of you and your involvement in this band. It is an incredible blessing to be able to see all of you grow and develop both in your faith and your musical abilities. You guys are awesome! :)

Refuge, if you find yourself getting bored as this Thanksgiving break comes to a close I hope you will take the opportunity to catch up on the band exercises:

1. Psalm 146 (write it out word for word, then write it again in your own words)
2. Psalm 146:1-2 (write it out word for word, then write it again in your own words, then take a page to respond to it in any way shape or form)
3. Psalm 146:3-4 (same instructions as the last exercise)
4. Psalm 146:5-6 (same instructions as the other ones)

I know this seems tedious but there is a point to all of it :).

Anyway, be good to your family today and I will see you all again either on Monday or on Thursday.

Blessings,

-Jordan

Refuge, Wildside, And Sunday Morning

Hey Band,

I have just a few things to go over quickly.

Refuge - First, I made a mistake in the Refuge schedule in the blog post last time. I accidentally switched the weeks of November 22 and 29. Thanksgiving Break is the week of November 22. I will fix the post, but I just wanted you to be aware.

Wildside - Here is the schedule of who is singing on Thursday nights for the rest of 2011. Just so that you're aware, the first three weeks Isaac will be leading the band.

11/3
Macey & Nikki

11/10
Nikki & Macey

11/17
Aubrey & Ciara

11/24
Thanksgiving Break
No Wildside

12/1
Aubrey & Ciara

12/8
Macey & Nikki

12/15
Aubrey & Ciara

12/22
Christmas Break
No Wildside

12/29
Christmas Break
No Wildside

This schedule may change as circumstances change, but this is how it will be as far as things look now.

Sunday Morning - Here is the schedule of who will be playing Sunday mornings for the rest of 2011.

11/6
Drums - Daniel
Bass - Isaac
A. Guitar - Danielle

11/13
A. Guitar - Josh
Vocals - Alison

11/20
Drums - Daniel
Bass - Lili
Vocals - Macey
A. Guitar - Danielle

11/27
Isaac Leading
Drums - Daniel
Bass - Lili
Vocals - Macey
A. Guitar - Danielle

12/4
No SMSM
one service at 9:30

12/11
No SMSM
one service at 9:30

12/18
Christmas Break
No SMSM
Go to service with your family

12/25
Christmas Break
No SMSM
Go to service with your family

That's how the schedule looks for now. As always things may change slightly but here is how it will most likely be.

I thank God for all of you who are working so hard to let the message of Christ dwell among you. Let's finish 2011 strong.

-Jordan