Immanuel/Sanctuary Music News June 2010

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1

Happy Summer Everyone! I love summer for its built in slower pace, and at the same time it’s overwhelming possibilities! Go outside!  Enjoy!

More than ever I am in awe of, and so thankful for of all those that serve currently, in the past, or are still considering serving in our music ministry at Immanuel/Sanctuary I thank you! I thank you for being dedicated to creating and playing music for our worship services that is heart felt, authentic, honest, creative, God focused and Christ Centered. Beautiful Worship!

Now- may I challenge you? How can we, in this Summer of Mission, not only celebrate worship inside, but live our worship outside? And how, more specifically, can we do this in a Music context? How can Immanuel and Sanctuary have more of a missional music ministry?

A Music Filled Summer of Mission!!

Here are some musical, missional ideas to try this summer!
Have more ideas? Please share them here!  Once you've tried some of these ideas, come back and share them too!

Invite a group of friends to a Concert in the Park

Invite some fellow musician friends over to your house for a musical “jam session”

Invite a neighbor child to Immanuel’s Sing Praise! Choir Camp Aug 2-6th

Go listen to, and show support for local musicians playing at a local venue

Create and record a cd of original songs to give out to people

Volunteer for Immanuel’s Tuesday Night Concert Information Booth

Give music lessons to a friend

Invite a friend to join the choir with you (hint: our Praise Choir continues to meet throughout the summer)

Start a Band, or vocal trio, or string quartet … book some gigs!

Go to the piano recital of a friend

Sponsor a concert at Immanuel

Host a bbQ at your house for you neighbors- play some really great music!

Go meet a friend at a local festival- enjoy the music (and food) together

Help Record original music to share on our websites

Invite a musician friend to join one of our musical groups at Immanuel or Sanctuary

Go to a parade- cheer for the marching bands

Share Psalms, hymns and Spiritual Songs

Now here is the thing- these are now just ideas, you have ideas too I’m sure. The key is now to make them more than ideas… go for them! As much as I would like to help with them all, I can’t. So if you are interested in something- go for it!  :)

Upcoming stuff

Outdoor concerts- free!

From Fishel Park to Millennium Park to every festival in between, there is a whole bunch of awesome free music going on this summer. Wanna go? Let me know!

Sound Workshop (Musician help needed!) Saturday August 21 at 10am. We will be working to set up, label, and semi-standardize our soundboard set up- Dustin Griesmann will be helping out with this. We will go through a standard band set up and sound check for both Immanuel 10:00 and Sanctuary. I will need a full band- bass, electric, acoustic, keys, drums, 3 vocalists at this workshop. Please let me know if you would be available to help out with this. The Immanuel set up will be done first that day, so I would also like the Praise Choir there at 10:30am.

More help needed- We are in need of musicians at both Immanuel and Sanctuary. Do you have any friends who might be interested? What about yourself? Let me know. We are currently praying for additional Bass players, drummers, rhythm guitar players and keyboardist. Additional instruments are of course always welcome too…harmonica, cello, upright bass, accordion, fiddle, mandolin etc. Please pray about these needs.

All Musician Picnic- Lets. Get. Together. Would someone like to host an Immanuel/Sanctuary picnic this summer? Let me know as soon as possible!

Looking ahead- on Sunday September 5th in the evening, Immanuel will be hosting a Block Party. I would love to have a band playing a family friendly mix of oldies and what not, at this event. Are you interested in being a part of such band? What about organizing such a band? Putting together an evening of music would require some work, and additional practice time, please let me know as soon as possible about your interest!

Blessings on this summer of overwhelming missional opportunities!

Ellen

630.251.0795

So Much Love for Haiti!

It was a beautiful Valentines Day! Wonderful music and a community gathered together to love and support the people of Haiti!

Thank you to the over 40 volunteers that baked, set up, took down, cleaned up, handed out programs, directed traffic, took video, folded programs, secured donations, passed out posters, and on and on!

Thank you to the musicians who shared their gifts of talent and time, we were so moved and inspired by your music!

Thank you to:

Paris Delane and his percussionist Jason

Mia Koehne and Nathan Fisher

Dave and Chris Gessner

Don, Dave, Danny and Dustin of the 4 D's

I especially want to thank the people who attended the concert, those who purchased tickets and were there in spirit, those who spread the word to neighbors, coworkers and friends, and those that prayed for the success of the concert!

With out you there would have not been an event

Because of you, so far, the Heart for Haiti Benefit has raised over $5000.00 for Haiti Mission Project! Thank you God!

Stay tuned to future posts with updates and more pics!

Heart for Haiti continued...

Here is a beautifully written blog by a women named Joanna. Joanna is serving in Haiti right now, and is connected to the co-sponsor of our Heart for Haiti concert; Haiti Mission Project


Check it out! : http://lovingonemore.com/

Time's a wastin'

Last weekend I celebrated with my oldest son, Nick, as he turned 16! This Wednesday, my boys, Nick and Zach, have their first day back at school, and it is my first day as a mom of two high school students! Eeeks!

The older they get, I feel the window of time I have to teach them "all there is to know", and "every secret to life", is narrowing. Much to their dismay nearly everything that happens, good, bad or almost, I turn into an opportunity for a teaching moment by mom. More often than not, they poke fun at me for my little life lessons, but I think they're listening...most of the time!

This sense of urgency, is also present in my walk of faith, and service. Every night, right before I go to sleep, and as soon as I wake up in the morning, I pray that God lead me to be the person He wants me to me, and show me how he wants me to serve.

A couple of years ago, after my Dad returned from a trip to India, he called the feeling he had of wanting to know how to serve in some way, as a "holy impatience". I like that... I think God wants us to have a sense of urgency for the people who still have yet to hear about the beauty of His love and grace. God wants us to have a sense of urgency for the people who are lonely and hurting, tired or broken.

For me, having a "holy impatience" means that I have the desire to know what my purpose is, the desire to know how God wants me to use my gifts to his glory, the desire to stop sitting around thinking, and talking about doing, but actually doing it!

May God lead you to be the person He wants you to be, and show you how He wants you to serve.

Peter Mayer at Sanctuary

What a great Sunday we had last week at Sanctuary... Peter Mayer, an excellent singer-songwriter and professional guitar player joined us in leading the music. Sanctuary worship leader Nathan Fisher played along side him and it was great! Peter's music and humbleness fit so well in the service, and made for a worshipful morning. I especially enjoyed the acoustic sound and the amazing warm tone of his voice. Such a gift! Thank you Peter! Come back soon!

Most of the songs Peter shared you can find on his website right here

I really enjoyed:

Still in one piece
Pass it On (an original by Peter, not "...it only takes a spark!")
Mighty this Love

One of the songs he did was, I believe, a new one that he wrote for the National Lutheran Youth Gathering (ELCA) in New Orleans this summer, it was called Changed by Love- great tune! I couldn't find it on his website though...hopefully soon!

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Additional stuff about Sunday

This morning we also showed a great video called Free Hugs, if you haven't seen it, check it out here
Our talented video technician Niki then took still images of the Free Hugs video and had them as backgrounds for the songs later. Nice!

Because we knew it was going to be a full crowd, we moved a station to down in the pit area of the worship space... with lamps, rugs, a prayer journal etc, it ended up being a very nice, peaceful space for prayer for anyone during the worship time. way to go art team!!

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this post is part of a blog carnival where set lists from worship services all around the world are shared. check it out

To the ends of the earth

(photo by Mia Koehne)

"Jesus I believe in You, and I would go to the ends of the earth
to the ends of the earth
for you alone are the Son of God
and all the world will see
that You are God
You are God"
To the Ends of the Earth- lyrics by Joel Houston

I love singing those lyrics in church. I sing the words... "I would go to the ends of the earth". Would I? Have I? What are my ends of the earth? Am I willing to get out of my comfort zone?

The beautiful picture above was taken by a my good friend Mia. She took the picture at the installation of Pastor Dan Hudson, which was held in a park shelter in the middle of a great big farm field on the edge of a small but growing town. She writes on her blog about the day, her words are wonderful, and I invite you to read them and enjoy here.

Live at Immanuel!!

Family Fun Fest Music Stage June 27 2009


Don and the D's- 11am
(I'm pretty sure this is not their official band name...)

Trinity Lisle Guitar Club- 12:30



Mia Koehne of About Midnight -1:30
w/ ( a band that we literally put together about 9.5 minutes before going on stage- they were incredible! All the way from the amazing talents of Dustin, Frank and Nathan to an incredible performance by Jake who has only previously played with the well known band "Rock")

Double booked

Last week I inadvertently overbooked the church.

Thursday night we managed to squeeze in 4 different band/choir rehearsals in a matter of 2 1/2 hours.

No, there wasn't quite enough music stands, or mics, or snare drums and cymbals, and I probably was not as 'present' as I should be at some of the rehearsals, as I rushed off to the next one. But it was an opportunity for me to really step back and see the beauty of offerings, and the willingness and dedication that God puts in the hearts of His people to serve.

The fruit of these offerings?

Family Fun Fest on Saturday with 3 groups sharing music at our Family Fun Fest outdoor stage
10:00 service and Sanctuary1010 on Sunday morning
Pastor Hudson's Installation on Sunday afternoon

These of course are just events- the true fruit is how the Holy Spirit moved the hearts of those who were able to hear the message of God's unending Love that came through our music!

Thank you musicians for the gifts of your time and talents!

Upcoming Good Suff!

IMMANUEL/SANCTUARY MUSIC JUNE 2009

Hello! I wanted to update you on a few of the music opportunities happening in and around Immanuel over the next 3 months. Let me know if you would like to be involved in any way. Also, please share with me any other ideas you might have for fellowship and/or outreach!

One thing I want to highlight this month, is the worship conference led by Nathan Fisher on Sat June 13th from 9am-3pm.

This would be a great conference for any of you to attend, especially if you would like to find out more about worship planning and leading in the emerging/postmodern context, as well as finding out a little more about the what/why/how we do what we do at Sanctuary1010.

At the conference there will be a mock Sanctuary worship service, along with a panel discussion. There will also be time for fellowship with other music and church leaders from the area. In the afternoon there will be some breakout sessions, each one highlighting an area of emerging worship planning.

I really encourage you all to join us. Please let me know if you would like me to sign you up, or you can go to Nathan's website, to RSVP to him. the deadline to sign up is June 8th (not June 1st as it says on the website). the sooner the better however, so we can plan accordingly.

Click here for Nathan's website

The registration is $20, but please let me know if this is prohibitive for you, and we will pick up the fee.

If your unable to attend and would prefer to volunteer in some way, there are a couple of opportunities to do so, again, let me know if you would like to help.

Immanuel Family Fun Fest- Saturday June 27th-11am-3pm

I am looking for a band/s, you may be in, or who you may know, who would like to play a set of music at our Family Fun Fest, which is held on the Saturday of Heritage Fest. The music should be fun and family friendly,

Let me know, if you or your band would like to perform that day, (time slots are open at this point!)

Update: One group has signed up! another is thinking about it. we are only missing YOUR group!

We will also need 1 or 2 people to help set up equipment and run sound that day. Let me know if that's you!


Cornerstone Music Festival- June 29th-July 4th

http://www.cornerstonefestival.com/

Once again, I am threatening to attend this christian music festival, for just one day, all day.
If you would like to join me and a few others for a trek to Bushnell, Illinois. Let me know.

Update: if I go, it will be on Wednesday July 1st, let me know of your interest!



Immanuel Vacation Bible School July 13th-17th 9am-1145am

Drop your kids off for fun, and stay to help out with the music. Come one day or all 5, we always love to have all sorts of singers and instrumentalists join us as we lead the kids in praise and worship through out the week. There is a place for you!

Update: we've got a good group started- YAY! but we still could use you!

PS: Do you have or know of kids who would like to attend this fun filled week? Click HERE for more info and a registration form


National Worship Leaders Conference- July 20-23rd Leawood, Kansas

This looks like a great conference, that I would love to go and take you all with me! Free it is not... :( I'm still dreaming about going myself, and if not this year, maybe next. Check out the details here, and let me know of your interest

http://www.nationalworshipleaderconference.com/

update- this is still out of my reach financially, but a great looking conference none the less! Can't make it to this one? come to the LeadGracefully conference for an absolute fraction of the cost. (june 13th 9am-3pm at Immanuel)


Sing Praise Choir Camp- August 3-7th 1-4pm- a choir camp for 3rd -8th graders

Sing Praise Choir Camp is an excellent opportunity for 3rd- 8th graders to meet new friends, grow in their knowledge and abilities in singing, and become more confident and comfortable performing and on stage, all in a comfortable christian atmosphere.

Director Ellen Prohl has been involved in, and leading and teaching children's music for over 20 years and has enjoyed directing contemporary and children's music ministries at Immanuel for the last 12 years.


Last year, Janice McCrimmon and I led the first year of this camp, and it was a great success!

If you know any kids who might like to attend, hand em' a registration form. You can find more info or print off a form Here


Concerts, Concerts, Concerts

With the summer festivals almost upon us, there are numerous places to catch a free show! Let's get together! Shoot me an email, when you find something good, and I will spread the word

Musicians, musicians, musicians

The summer is a great time to invite new musicians into your band/group! Also, If you have an interest in playing or singing in a group this summer, let me know, and I will set up a time to meet with you, see where your skills and gifts are, and get you plugged in. Do you know someone who plays an instrument or sings, and needs a church home? Invite em! 9 out of 10 times they will be honored that you asked and say "yes!"

Praise God for all these awesome opportunities to serve Him!

Looking forward to hearing from you! And thank you to all of you who have already expressed interest in the above!

That's what I'm talking about!

Recently I watched a documentary on HBO that really inspired me- "The Leopards Take Manhattan" is a 35 minute movie following a real life "music man" Diane Downs and her percussion group, made up of 45 students, ages 7-12 called the Louisville Leopards Percussionists.

Diane teaches the group, most of whom don't have any musical experience, how to play awesome jazz pieces.. completely by ear! The results- Amazing!

The coolest part of her teaching method? Once she teaches a part to a few students, she then asks them to go teach it to someone who doesn't know it yet, and so on, and so on. The kids take ownership in the success of the group, and in teaching and caring for each other. hmm

The most touching part of the movie? Seeing the look on the kids faces when they are invited to play for a special concert in New York city... pure joy!

When I think about being a missional musician, or trying to lead a missional music ministry, music opportunities like the one Diane is bringing to these kids, is something I might imagine.

Check this movie out if you can, its playing on HBO Family the 1st week of May. If you don't happen to have that obscure channel, check out these links:

The movie trailer: here

full length videos: here