Worship Cornerstone - Palm Weekend

When Jesus entered Jerusalem in the days leading up to His death, something interesting happened. The crowd celebrated His entrance into Jerusalem as their new earthly king to rule over Jerusalem and the Jewish nations. Jesus had explained to His followers for three years that His kingdom was greater than one city, nation or the earth could even hold, but as an everlasting kingdom that knows no boundaries - and they still didn’t get it!

They wanted Jesus to be something that was so limited and focused on their own selfish needs. In their short sightedness, they could not see past their own agenda to accept and follow Jesus for who He truly was.

As we celebrate the triumphal entry of Christ today, sing to the God who knows no bounds or limits! Ask Him to be the King of your heart and to have His way in your heart and mind. Give it all to the God who knows the beginning and end, believing and understanding that His infinite knowledge and power will protect and guide us.

*Written for the bulletin for April 16, 2011 at New Hope Adventist Church

Cornerstone Song - "Stronger"

As I spoke with a friend this week, she expressed discouragement in light of recent battles in her own life and in the lives of those she loves. I resonated with her discouragement - feeling the weight of sin on my shoulders and wrapping my mind around the ugly existence of this world. As she said these words, I felt my own heart sink to where hers was... “it just feels like we can’t get ahead of the enemy.”

Then, I began practicing the songs for this weekend and God reminded me of one simple truth; He is stronger. We do not need to live weary lives afraid of the battles that we’re in, nor intimidated by the battles that are coming. Our God is almighty and has already won. Jesus has given us what no man could. He has provided a perfect sacrifice, which stands in our defense to the great and just God of the universe. He is the Lord of All!

As you face battles, remember that the war is won. Claim the promise found in Psalm 140:7, “Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle.”

*Written for the bulletin for April 9, 2011 at New Hope Adventist Church

Easter Song Selection Checklist - by Jason Hatley

This is an article by Worship Pastor, Jason Hatley. I think he's SPOT on, so I've decided to repost and share it. Enjoy...



I'm a big fan of checklists.

Let's face it . . . I can't remember it all, so the checklist helps me keep everything from my daily work flow to what I need to prepare for Sunday on track.

Several years ago I developed a checklist specifically for this time of year . . . The Easter Song Selection Check-list!

There are TONS of songs to consider at Easter, and whether your church uses modern worship (like we do at The Journey) or traditional (like the church I grew up in), running your Easter worship music set through this quick 5-Point Checklist will help ensure that the music of your Easter service is powerfully focused.

#1 - Sing Celebration Songs

Easter is a day of celebration! When I read the story of that Easter morning my pulse quickens as I see Peter and John running to the tomb and hear the joy in Mary's voice as she recognizes Jesus. It's a day of celebration and our songs should reflect that.

I'm all for a quiet moment in the service, but on Easter Sunday start and end your service "BIG" (and by that I mean with upbeat songs of celebration).

#2 - Focus on the Resurrection

Just this past Sunday a gentleman at The Journey put in a request for us to sing "The Old Rugged Cross" on Easter Sunday. Now - I love that old hymn, but it's not on my set list for Easter Sunday.

Why? Because Easter Sunday isn't about the cross . . . it's about the empty tomb.

Sing about the cross in the weeks leading up to Easter (and especially on Palm Sunday) but on Easter Sunday choose songs that celebrate the Resurrection and the new life we have in Christ because of it!

#3 - Select Songs that are Known by your Congregation

Easter Sunday is not the day to try out those 5 new songs you've been waiting all year to sing. Easter Sunday is a day to sing worship songs that the people in your congregation know by heart.

Why? Because your church will be filled with First Time Guests. Let me explain.

If you choose songs that your congregation already knows you will keep your congregation connected to the the worship set.

AND because the people around them are clapping and singing your First Time Guest will feel more comfortable clapping and singing as well.

On Easter, sing some of your church's favorite songs of worship. And if you want to do a new song, teach it in the weeks leading up to Easter so your church will know it.

#4 - Select a Song that is Known by your First Time Guests

Put yourself in the shoes of a first time guest at your church on Easter. They will enter your service uncomfortable (could be the shoes) and unsure of what to expect. They will be asked to stand and sing songs they probably don't know.

So be kind to your First Time Guests . . . choose a song that they are likely to know. Sing a hymn like "Amazing Grace". Or you may perform a popular radio song that ties in with Easter or your message series.

However you choose to do it, help your First Time Guests experience something familiar on Easter Sunday. It will go a long way toward taking the edge off and helping them relax for the rest of the service.

#5 - Don't do what you can't Replicate

This is a big time mistake that some worship leaders make . . . and I can understand why. Easter is a BIG DAY, so the tendency is to call in the local symphony orchestra and sing the Hallelujah Chorus (which is an Advent song by the way . . . I digress).

But what happens NEXT SUNDAY when the people that you reached on Sunday morning come back expecting to hear the orchestra but only find a guitar, piano and vocalist.

Easter is the PERFECT day to do your very best NORMAL service.

For me, on Easter Sunday we will have media, music, a spoken word / poetry slam element, a video clip in the message and an assortment of other small elements to creatively convey the story of Easter. But those are things we could do the following week as well.

If you can't replicate what you do on Easter Sunday the following Sunday, then you probably shouldn't do it on Easter.