Sunday, January 3

It's a new year!!!   And it's gonna be a great one.

Worship Set:
Again I Say Rejoice
Say So
Mighty to Save
At the Cross (I bow my knee where your blood was shed for me)
Amazing Grace, My Chains are Gone

Colors:  Your choice - just please stay within platform dress code.  Thank you.

Choir Song:  "How Precious is the Blood"

This Sunday is choir lunch and rehearsal.  Please contact Candy about food if she has not already contacted you.  Looking forward to sharing this time with you. 

Sunday, December 27 - what's happenin'

Worship Set:
Again I Say Rejoice
Say So  (new song)
Your Name
Wrap Me In Your Arms

"I am Free" will be in the books in case we don't get the song, "Say So" done in time for Sunday morning.

Video of Say So: 


SAY SO

What does it mean to be saved?
Isn't it more than just a prayer to pray?
More than just a way to heaven?
What does it mean to be His? 
To be formed in His likeness
Know that we have a purpose


To be salt and light in the world (in the world)
To be salt and light in the world


Let the redeemed of the Lord say so
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so
Say So! Say So!


Oh that the Church will arise
Oh that we would see with Jesus eyes
We could show the world heaven
Show what it means to be His
To be formed in His likeness
Show them they have a purpose

I am redeemed (6x)
To be salt and light in the world (6x)

Let the redeemed of the Lord rise up
Let the redeemed of the Lord rise up
Let the redeemed of the Lord rise up
Rise Up! Rise Up!

Choir Song for Sunday:  Celebrate

Colors for Sunday morning:  YOUR CHOICE - just stay within platform code.

Hope you all have a FABULOUS Christmas day!  And, hope to see you at Christmas Eve Communion.  Love and appreciate you.

Sunday, December 20

Here's a photo of Maddie today so you can see her wonderful progress.  :)

Choir Members ~ you will not have anything to concern yourself with in preparation at home  for worship this week except for the three choir songs we are doing, plus a few Christmas carols.  Do not worry about anything until you get to rehearsal, which will be at 8 am.

Colors this week are black, with gold or silver.

Please be on time so we can go through the order of service several times and make sure everyone knows what is expected.

Thank you!

Sunday, December 13

FANTASTIC JOB last week!  Service was awesome.   Also a fantastic job at choir rehearsal on Sunday.  I can tell you have worked really hard and have been practicing your rehearsal tracks a lot.  Just a reminder that there is another choir rehearsal THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT 8:30 PM for all choir members.   We needed to pull this extra rehearsal due to some absences and needing the whole team there.


Following are songs for this week in worship:

Again I Say Rejoice
Freedom
Desert Song
Freedom Reigns
O Come Let Us Adore Him (Chorus only)

Colors for this week:  Black and gold or silver


Choir song:  Rain On Us (Holy Spirit, rain down on us...)


Thanks for your diligence with all of this AND thank you in advance for helping at the workday on Saturday starting at 9 am! 
Love you all

Sunday, December 6

Worship Set:
I am Free
Again I Say Rejoice
All About You 
Wrap Me In Your Arms
At the Cross (I Bow My Knee…)

Special notes:  Again I Say Rejoice is a new song.  We will do it this Sunday if we get it in rehearsal.  If we do not get it complete to a satisfactory point to do on Sunday AM, we will do it in the coming Sundays.  Please note that if we do Again I Say Rejoice, we will not do All About You, and vice versa. 



Rejoice in the Lord always
and again I say again I say
Rejoice in the Lord always
and again I say again I say
Rejoice

 Come bless the Lord come
bless the Lord 
Draw near to worship
Christ the Lord
And bless His name
His holy name
Declaring He is good

 O that men would praise Him
O that men would praise Him
O that men would praise His name
Praise His name
to the ends of the earth


Choir Song:  Break Through

Colors:  Black and Red

A reminder that this week is choir luncheon and rehearsal.  This is a very important one as it's our last Sunday one before the main Christmas service (Dec 20).  For lunch we are doing a Christmas lunch...meaning, what we'd like you to do is bring your FAVORITE CHRISTMAS DISH that you have at your family's Christmas dinner, to share with everyone.  Also a 2 liter beverage.  Please sign up with Candy. This is going to be a Christmas celebration with the choir as well as a rehearsal.   

Now, one more thing...I need you to EAT YOUR CD'S this week -- your rehearsal tracks.  How hard you work on this depends on how easy rehearsal will be on Sunday.  We need your help with this.  Please, please, please listen to those CD's until you are sick of them!!! 

I love and appreciate all of you and can't wait to see what God will do in this month of Christmas Miracles!!!

Sunday, November 29

FIRST...HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Okay team, let's try this order of service now that I've got more team members (hopefully) back this week from vaca...


Praise & Worship:
We Have Overcome (Thanks be to God…)
Trading My Sorrows
How Great is Our God/How Great Thou Art
You Are Near


As far as band members go we should only be missing Mike Kenney this week.  Everyone else should be in the house.  Frontliners, please let me know ASAP if for some reason you will be missing.  As you can see from last week, the order got completely changed mid-week once I knew that some key folks would be missing, so this is important.

Choir song:  "I Just Want Jesus"  (solo - Juleen Stramiello)

Colors:  Black and Green

Next choir rehearsal is the first Sunday in December.  This is REALLY important as it's our rehearsal before Christmas!!!  We need ALL HANDS ON DECK!!  Please, please, please go over your Christmas rehearsal track CD's.  Depending on how well you do on the Sunday rehearsal depends on whether we add Wednesday night rehearsals after church. 
 
Have an amazing Thanksgiving.  Can't wait to see all of you Sunday!  The church looks PHENOMENAL, by the way!!  If you haven't seen it yet I can't wait for you to see it.  Amazing!!!  Kudos to all who helped.

Sunday, November 22, 2009 - UPDATED THURSDAY AT 1:15 pm

Here's the scoop for this week: 

NEW ORDER OF WORSHIP, POSTED THURSDAY:
Lift Up the Name of Jesus
We Declare Your Glory in This Place
Enemy’s Camp Medley
Let the Veil Down

Choir song:  "Give Him the Praise"

Colors:  Black and Purple

Remember this coming Sunday night is the church Thanksgiving dinner.  If you have not signed up with Candy yet please do so right away!!! 

Can't wait to share this time with you.

Sunday, November 15

Well, last week here on the blog, I posted a photo of our beautiful Maddie...she's still beautiful to me even with all of her scars (which Michele tells us will stay there unless a miracle happens).  I'm just so glad she's still with us.  Thank you for all of your prayers on her behalf.  She still needs them, and we appreciate them so.  I've posted a photo here of  Cathy, Candy and Michele (l-r) gently caring for her and dressing her wounds this week.  They have provided so much love and care as so many of you have, right down to bringing baby food for her to eat, and additional bandages and things.  YOU ARE LOVED. 

  Here is the plan for this week:

Praise & Worship: 

Blessed Be Your Name
Desert Song
Wrap Me In Your Arms
Moving Forward

Choir Song:   "It's in Jesus"

Colors:  Your choice, just make sure it stays in platform dress code!

A reminder that this week is choir lunch and rehearsal.  We are having a fundraiser for choir lunch.  Candy Rivera will be providing (donating) a spanish meal (that will be YUMMY!)  Cost will be $5 for adults and $2.50 for children.  That is a serious bargain and all proceeds will go to things we need for our worship ministries (equipment, upcoming workshop we have planned, etc.)   Everyone is asked to still bring your 2 liter beverage to contribute.  Thank you!
 
Also thanks to the Stewarts, we have Christmas CD's that we will have for you this week.  (The rehearsal tracks for soprano, alto and tenor.)  Thank you, Stewarts!!!  This is going to be a tremendous help.
Most of all, please be in prayer for this week's services.  I love you all.

Sunday, November 8

Good morning, Northsiders, soon to be Celebraters! :)  Here's the scoop for the week along with a photo greeting from the most amazing dog to ever grace the planet... (smile)


Worship Line Up:
Lift Up the Name of Jesus
Freedom
Amazed
Wrap Me In Your Arms

Here is the video for the new song, "Wrap Me In Your Arms". 



The words are as follows:

WRAP ME IN YOUR ARMS

There is a God who loves me
Who wraps me in His arms
That is the place where I'm changed
and that's where I belong
Take me to that place Lord, to that secret place
where I can be with You
You can make me like You, wrap me in Your arms, wrap me in Your arms, wrap me in Your arms


Choir Song:  Break Through  (remember we learned this a few weeks ago -- we will brush up on it Sunday in rehearsal and do it this week.  For those who don't know it -- DON'T STRESS!!!  It's easy and you will learn it quickly.)

Colors for this week:  Fall colors - browns, beiges, yellow, orange, cream, etc. 

Please remember that the next choir luncheon and rehearsal is Sunday, November 15.  As a reminder (already told those of you at rehearsal this on Sunday) but it is NOT Candy's responsibility to remind you of when the choir rehearsals or luncheons are!  That is accomplished here on the blog and in the bulletin and through my reminders to you.  All this information is usually posted HERE by Monday or Tuesday of the week.  There is NO excuse concerning being uninformed, as it is your responsibility to check here on the choir blog to find out all information.   It is always posted at least five days ahead if not weeks ahead, so please come here to get your info.

With that said, the next lunch/practice is November 15.  Now, concerning food for that Sunday we have decided to make that a fundraiser Sunday since we have much need of some things in the worship department.  All food will be provided that day -- Candy will be cooking.  It's going to be a delicious meal.  The cost is going to be $5 per adult, and $2.50 per child.  This is an amazing bargain, I'm sure you already realize!  Plus, it is assisting the music ministries with what we need. 

It's really important that you be at this rehearsal as it's one of our last before Christmas.  Yes, I'm serious.  :) 

Love and appreciate you all!  Most of all let's be in prayer for our services, and the upcoming launch of Celebration Church.

Sunday, November 1

Sunday's Worship Line Up:
I am Free
I Know Who I Am
At the Cross (I bow my knee, where your blood was shed for me)
Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone

Choir Song:  I Feel the Rain

Colors:  Black and Gray

Don't forget this week is the choir luncheon and rehearsal.  We are learning choir music for Christmas and your attendance is vital.  If you have not already signed up for a dish to bring for the luncheon please contact Candy Rivera asap at candy33615@hotmail.com.   The theme for this week's choir luncheon is IRISH.  Fun! 

Also it should go without saying but please be in prayer for this weekend's service.  We are believing God for great things.  Those things only come about through prayer.

Sunday, October 25th

I heard great things about the service last week!  Thanks so much everyone for pulling together to make it a great day.  We are headed for another great one this week. 

Worship Order:

You’ll Come
Desert Song
God of This City
Moving Forward

Please note that you can find the song "Moving Forward" here:


What a moment You have brought me to
Such a freedom I have found in You
You're the healer who makes all things new
Yeah, yeah, yeah!
You have risen, with all power in your hand
You have given me a second chance

Halleluiah!    Halleluiah!  Yeah, yeah yea...
I'm not going back, I'm moving ahead

I'm here to declare to you my past is over

In You all things are made new
Surrendered My Life to Christ, I'm Moving, Moving Forward.

You make all Things new
Yes, you make all things new and I will Follow You forward. (4x)

Choir song for Sunday is:  "All the Way"

Colors for Sunday are:  Blacks and browns and beiges

 Reminder that frontline and band are to be there at 8 am Sunday, followed by choir at 8:30!  Also, Sunday night is Holy Roller Night at Town and Country Skateworld from 5-8 pm followed by the Trunk or Treat.  I love you all and can't wait to see you. 

Sunday, October 18

This week's theme is once again...PREPARE TO SOAR!

Worship for Sunday:
You, You are God
I am Free
Mighty to Save
You are Near

Choir Song for Sunday:  I Just Want Jesus

Colors for Sunday:
Black and white

Becca and Beth will be leading again this week.  Choir members, you might want to come at 8 am instead of 8:30 just so you are better prepared.  The above are all songs we know and do, however we have not done, "You, You are God" for quite a while and it will be good for all of you to have a brush up before service.  Thanks for being on time, and attentive and cooperative during rehearsal Sunday.  Pastor Larry will be here and preaching on Sunday.  This will be my weekend at Tres Dias.   I will miss you all...can't wait to be back with you on Wednesday night. 
  Please note that our next choir luncheon and rehearsal is the first weekend in November and I have gotten word from Candy that the next theme is Irish!  So start looking up some recipes now!  I can't wait.  

Sunday, October 11

This week is going to be an amazing week!  I know I say that ALL THE TIME, but you know, God really IS doing great things, and that's no hype! 

 This coming Sunday I'm going to be preaching as part of our "Prepare to Soar" series and I have asked Becca and Bethany to lead worship.  They did such a great job at the Women's Escape. 

This week, the songs they will be leading are:

You’ll come- Hillsong
Hosanna (Brooke Frasier- Hillsong United)
How Great is Our God
Rescue (Jared Anderson)

Many of these are not familiar to our worship team or choir.  I would suggest choir members, that you get there at 8 am this week instead of 8:30.  Also, look up the songs on Youtube.  Since there are so  many this week, I'm not posting them here -- just look them up and listen. 

Colors for this week are:  green and black
Choir song is:  All The Way (Gonna Make it All the Way) ~ Bonnie Stewart directing.

Special welcome again to our new bass player/drummer/singer -- Mike Kenney.  It's AWESOME to have him on board. 

This week we have choir luncheon and rehearsal once again.  Theme for lunch is:  Greek.  Please see Candy in order to sign up for a dish for lunch.  Also, we will be learning Christmas music once again this Sunday. 

I love and appreciate you all and can't wait to see what God will do as we seek Him!

Sunday, October 3

Heard you had a fantastic week last week!  (Not surprised!)  Thanks to all who made it a great day.

 

It's great to be back this week and here's the line up:

We Have Overcome
Blessed Be Your Name
God of This City

Yes, I do realize we only have three worship songs scheduled.  It's a tremendously tight day on Sunday with a lot of elements to the service. 
Choir song this week will be "How Precious is the Blood."

Colors for this week:  Red and Black

Please keep Juleen Stramiello in your prayers for continued recovery as well as Pastor T who also had surgery this week.
 

This week is CHOIR LUNCHEON AND REHEARSAL.   We will polish up "All the Way" which we worked on last time, as well as starting a Christmas song.  You will need to bring a dish to share.  Please see Candy Rivera regarding this.  Also, due to schedules being as they are for the next two weeks in the church I have had to put choir luncheon and practice two weeks in a row.  So please take note we will also be having choir luncheon on the 10th.

If you have any questions don't hesitate to send me an email. 

I love and appreciate all of you and am looking forward to this month when we are "preparing to soar"!

September 27 ~ stuff to know

Hello team!  Great day Sunday - fantastic service, luncheon and rehearsal.  You guys are awesome. 

Just a reminder that Pastor George is leading on Sunday.  I am unaware of the song order yet and don't know if I will have it before Sunday.  If by chance I do I will post it here but if not, I am sure it's not going to be complicated -- simply show up on time and things will go well as you follow his instructions.  Frontline and band is needed at 8 am, and choir at 8:30 am.  Bonnie Stewart will direct the choir and the song will be "You Are" from Obvious.  Colors will be BLUES.

Also please note that the next choir lunch and rehearsal will be Sunday, October 4th.  Candy will be giving instructions momentarily.  Please be ready to sign up for an item to contribute. 

Love you all...appreciate you.  Please be in prayer for the Sunday services.  I know God is going to do great things.  Also remember to keep Juleen Stramiello in prayer as her surgery is today. 

September 20

Praise & Worship:

Freedom
I Am Free
Freedom Reigns
You Are Near

Choir Song:  Give Him the Praise

Colors:  Black/Pink/Purple


Also a reminder that this week is CHOIR LUNCHEON AND REHEARSAL!!!  If you have not already signed up with Candy Rivera for a dish to bring please do so.  Also please remember your 2-liter beverage!! 
We're expecting great things this week.  Wow, what a great service last week.  It's only going to increase!  Get ready, get ready, get ready!

*p.s.  some of this does depending on your fasting and prayer!  :)

Sunday Morning, September 13

Worship Songs:
Blessed Be Your Name
Your Grace is Enough
Thank You, Father

Choir Song:  "In That Name" (from Obvious)
Colors:  Black and White

Your Grace is Enough is a new song for us.  I have posted the video and lyrics here for you: 


YOUR GRACE IS ENOUGH

Great is your faithfulness O God of Jacob
You wrestle with the sinner's restless heart
You lead me by still waters into mercy
Where nothing can keep us apart

So remember your people, remember your children, remember your promise O God

Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough

Great is Your love and justice God of Jacob
You use the weak to lead the strong
You lead us in the song of heaven's victory
And all Your people sing along


Remember to press...push...pursue -- in preparation for Sunday morning!!!  What's it going to take for the next level?

Sunday, September 6, 2009

What a dynamic Sunday we had! The missions convention was fantastic. Special thanks to all of you who helped in any way. It's going to be another great Sunday as we head into our new series, "GOD IS BIG ENOUGH!"

Praise and Worship:

I am Free
Song of Hope
Desert Song
At the Cross (I bow my knee, where your blood…)

Choir Song: "Rain On Us" (From "Give Him the Praise")

Colors: Browns, Beiges, Creams

A reminder that this week is the choir luncheon and rehearsal. This week's theme is BBQ. If you have not yet signed up with Candy for a lunch item, please do so!

It's going to be a great week! Get excited!

Sunday, August 30

Hello team ~

What a fantastic group of people you are. We are SO BLESSED. I never lose sight of this, believe me. Every day I thank God for you.

What's happening this week:

Praise and Worship:
God is Moving
Days of Elijah
Your Name
You Said

Choir Song: "I Feel the Rain" (It'll work perfect with missions weekend... "and every tribe and every nation...will see his power in demonstration..." plus it's just a kickin song, let's face it...)

Colors: Black and White

Don't forget Sunday night is also missions banquet. You will not be ministering, as God willing we will have guest music ministers that night. However please be there, on time! And get ready to be blessed!!! Challenged!!! Changed!!!

Please note that choir luncheons and rehearsals have been scheduled for September 6 and 20. Please plan accordingly. Soon we start the Christmas music. Can you believe it??!

Also a special prayer request came in from Susan this week for her nephew Jedediah. We have prayed for him many times and seen God do amazing things! Right now the doctors are saying due to his condition he may never walk, but WE WILL BELIEVE GOD'S REPORT!

Thank you also for your continued uplifting of Misty Mackley. She is home and doing well but still needs our daily prayers of course.

Also please remember me as I go in for my test this coming Friday morning. I have to be there at 8 am but it will take place at 9:30. Thanks for lifting me up. Love you all!!!

Song of Hope (Heaven Come Down)

Song of Hope (Heaven Come Down)

All things bright and beautiful You are
All things wise and wonderful You are
In my darkest night, you brighten up the skies
A song will rise...

Sing a song of hope sing along
God of heaven come down, heaven come down
Just to know that you are near is enough
God of heaven come down, heaven come down

All things new I can start again
Creator God calling me Your friend
Sing praise my soul to the Maker of the skies
A song will rise...

Sunday, August 23

Photo courtesy of Lourdes Manners
Snapshots by Lourdes

Celebrate!!! What an awesome day Sunday was! Amazing! Glory to God for all that He has done. We have so many reasons to celebrate His goodness.

Here's what's on the list for this week...

Praise and Worship:
Sing to the King
I am Free
Song of Hope (new song - I will post video/lyrics this week)
God of this City

Choir song: "You Are" from Obvious

Colors: Black and Gray/Silver

Just a note that there IS worship rehearsal at 8 am, with choir members expected at 8:30 am. HOWEVER, we will not have a luncheon this week or afternoon practice as previously scheduled for this Sunday. I am cancelling and you have the afternoon off to enjoy! It's our last Sunday before summer ends and school starts, so ENJOY. I need a break and I'm betting you do too.

Love and appreciate you all...

Amazing Sunday Ahead!!!

Last week was awesome. As someone said, "we're on fire"! Yes, we are. Get ready because this coming week will be one of the greatest weeks ever at Northside. As we've mentioned, there's a huge surprise in store. Come expecting to share in what will be a very memorable day. There is also huge potential to reach people for Christ. We need to be prayed up and READY. Here's what going on that I can tell you about...

Praise & Worship:
Blessed Be Your Name
God is Great
Desert Song
How Great is Our God/How Great Thou Art

Choir Song: "I Feel the Rain" (yep, we're doing it again! You killed it last week! By that I mean, you were AMAZING. Ashley hit it out of the ballpark. I've listened to the CD several times. Wow, is all I can say. We're doing an encore of this one this week.)

Colors: Black and purple, or solid purple, or solid black

See you this week for one of the best days EVER!

Desert Song

Ugh! I forgot until TODAY (Thursday) to post this...sorta had a lot going on this week. Sorry! But none of you precious peeps said, "hey, where's the song?" Um, are you not reading this blog til' Saturday night just in time to see what you are going to wear in the morning? Caught ya!

Here is the song and lyrics:

Verse 1: This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

Verse 2: This is my prayer in the fire
in weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame

CHORUS:
I will bring praise, I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice, I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

Verse 3: This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

Verse 4: This is my prayer in the harvest, when favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow

Bridge: All of my life, in every season, You are still God, I have a reason to sing...I have a reason to worship...

Sunday, August 9

Choir song this week..."I Feel the Rain"!!!

Hello team! Great day Sunday and we've got another one yet coming.

What's happening?

Praise & Worship:

Trading My Sorrows

I Know Who I Am

Desert Song

Still

Desert Song is new, and I will post lyrics and a video under a separate post this week.

Choir Song: "I Feel the Rain"

Colors: Your choice, just stay within dress code, please!

Don't forget this week is choir lunch and rehearsal. If you have not gotten in touch with Candy please do so asap to sign up for a dish to bring.

I love you all and look forward to what God has in store for us this week.

Let's come with clean hearts, expectant hearts, prayed up!

Sunday August 2

Hello my peoples...

I love you and thank God for you daily. Just wanted you to know that if I haven't told you enough already, consider yourself told once more. :)

Here's what on tap for this week:

Praise and Worship:
Freedom (I wanna shout a little louder...)
Blessed Be Your Name
Freedom Reigns
At the Cross (I bow my knee, where your blood...)

Choir song: We will sing "How Precious is the Blood" for communion and "I Feel the Rain" for the offering. Cathy Torres has solo on "How Precious is the Blood" and Ashley Ruiz has solo on "I Feel the Rain". We will do "I Feel the Rain" if Ashley is back from vaca by Sunday and if not I will be replacing it with "We Lift You Up". Either way it will be a great Sunday. (But I'd really like you to pray that the Ruiz's mosey on back from New York, ha ha!)

Colors for Sunday: Black and Red

Let's make an effort to be extra sharp on Sunday -- I'm having some VERY SPECIAL GUESTS with me on Sunday, to be announced at rehearsal...so stay tuned.

If for some reason you will not be there Sunday, I need to know ASAP. Other things to note:

• This Sunday the youth will have a food fundraiser after morning service to help them get to fine arts next week. Be sure to stop by in the breezeway and get something to financially help our kids get to competition.
• Next choir lunch and rehearsal is August 9. Candy will contact you about a food item and please give her your attention and cooperation! Thanks.
• As you all now know, missions convention is August 30 and our special guest is my dear friend, Pastor Walter Nyangweso from Kenya. We want things to be extra special for his time with us. We are working on music for the convention on August 9 and 23 at our rehearsals. Please make plans to be at the services for the convention at 10:30 and 6 pm for the banquet.

Love you all...........stay prayed up and ready for a great week in God!

Sunday, July 26

It's so good to be back home to her, and to YOU!!!

Thanks for such a warm reception back on Sunday. It's so good to be back home and the choir luncheon was wonderful! You all are such a delight.

Here is what is on the schedule for this week:

Praise and Worship:
Blessed Be Your Name
Days of Elijah
Your Name
Mighty to Save

Choir Song: "He's Been Good" (from Obvious)

Colors: Your choice this week!

Just FYI if you were not at rehearsal Sunday I made an announcement that all the background check forms have been mailed for the prison and we are just waiting for everyone to get their clearances to schedule a date to go minister. So finally this will be soon upcoming! Yay!

Also, I will fill you in later as to why but for right now please tentatively mark August 30 as a special date, both Sunday morning and Sunday night. If some things are confirmed this week that we are planning, that will be a very special day that I need you all in a big way.

Let's be in prayer for great things from God this week in our services. Also please continue to pray for Cathy Garland's mother, Debbie Bridges.

Love you all!

I'm coming baaaaaaacccckkkkkk!

Photo above gives you an idea what I've been doing while away from you...

When you read this, I probably won't be back to Tampa unless you are reading it late on Saturday night. But on Sunday, I will!!

I am so excited to see you. I've missed you. We have been having fun on the family "childhood tour"! I heard that Pastor George and everyone who led the service yesterday did a FANTASTIC JOB! I had no doubt they would. But I'm going to be glad to get back to you. There's nothing like home! Saturday night we worshipped at National Community Church in Washington, DC. It was an experience we wanted the kids to have. And, it was an awesome one! But like I said, there's nothing like home.

So, what's happening in worship this week?

Worship songs:
We Declare Your Glory in This Place
Come on and Give the Lord the Highest Praise
Lift Up the Name of Jesus
Give Us Clean Hands
Let Your Glory Fall in this Room

Choir Song: "We Lift You Up" (Bonnie directing)

Colors: Black and Pink

Don't forget this Sunday is CHOIR LUNCH AND REHEARSAL! Yaaaayyyyy!!!!!!!! Somebody shout NOW! So excited. We haven't had a practice in a while, so I can't wait. If you have not already connected with Candy about what you are going to bring, PLEASE DO SO. Her email address is: candy33615@hotmail.com

I can't wait to see you and experience a great time in the Lord together this weekend. Love you!!

Sunday, July 12

This coming week, it's imperative that everyone be at rehearsal, ON TIME and ready to maximize every moment. Things will be different as Pastor George (pictured at right with his wife Irene at our recent beach day) will be leading you this week and it will be his first time working with you for a whole set. I encourage choir members to be there earlier than normal so that you are prepared for all that will take place. Please help Pastor George in making this day AWESOME as far as it depends on you!!!

Worship Set:
Lord, You Are Good
Glorify Your Name (Tu Presencia...)
My Savior's Love (Chris Tomlin version)
God of this City

Bonnie Stewart will be directing the choir this week, with the song being, "Rain Down On Us." Thanks for cooperating with Bonnie to make the choir song powerful this week!! Be sure to let her know if for any reason you are going to be absent this week, and ASAP.

You will need time to rehearse the set with Pastor George, AND the choir song with Bonnie. There will also be a human video presented on Sunday AM which might require a run through as well. All that to say...maximize the moments and be on time.

Colors for Sunday morning are your choice, just stay within dress code and remember, no b's, b's, b's, or b's! :-)

I am counting on all of you to come prayed up and ready for God to do something great! I miss you already, but I can't wait to hear what takes place. Please pray for my family and I for safe travel and a blessed time. This is our first time away with all of us together in over two years so I am really cherishing this time. :-)

I love and appreciate all of you.

p.s. Don't forget our next choir luncheon/practice is Sunday afternoon, July 19th. Candy will be contacting all of you about food. Mark this on your calendars!!! We have a lot to do!!!

July 5, 2009

This is truly going to be a blockbuster weekend as we celebrate FREEDOM!!!!

Worship songs:
Freedom (I wanna clap a little louder than before...)
I Am Free
Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone
Freedom Reigns

Choir song: How Precious is the Blood

Colors: Red, White and Blue

As far as reminding you about the modesty code, let's remember the four b's: NO boobs, butts, bellies, or backs on the platform. That's an easy way to remember what we do NOT want to see! "Modern but modest" is our motto. :)

I am also going to re-print the passage of scripture here that I shared in this past week's rehearsal that God laid on my heart to share with you. It seems it resonated with so many of you and what you are going through:

"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Matthew 6:30-34 (The Message)

I love you and look forward to all that God is going to do in our midst this week. I will be preaching the message, "Independence Day". Pray while I am preparing this week that God will anoint me in a special way for our time together and also prepare the hearts of the congregation for the message. Pray that we would have a great response to the preaching of God's Word and that many would be touched and set free!

Sunday, June 28th

Love this photo of James and his daughter on the beach last week at our picnic/baptism...

Worship Line Up This Week:
We Declare Your Glory in This Place
Lift Up the Name of Jesus
Hear us From Heaven
You Said

Choir Song: "In all the Earth"

Colors this week: Your choice!!! (In honor of Bonnie coming back from vacation this week!) :) Just make sure your outfit lines up with the modesty guidelines for the worship ministries.

Rehearsal this week at 8 am for band and frontline; 8:30 for choir members.

Don't forget this Sunday night is the youth fine arts dinner and "Night at the Improv". This is a fundraiser for our youth to be able to go to national fine arts. I'm encouraging all of the worship ministries to support this important event.

Be sure to keep the services in special prayer this week, that the Lord would do a great thing among us.

Love and appreciate all of you.

Sunday, June 21 ~ updated!

One of our most fun choir members, at our church beach day this past Sunday. Wasn't it a blast? And we baptized 16 people! Go God!!!

Wow, what a service Sunday! Powerful. The spirit of God is doing great things in our midst. Let's stay in prayer and in tune with Him!

Worship Songs:

God is Moving
Sing to the King
Be Glorified
Let the Veil Down

Choir Song: In That Name (from Obvious)

Colors: Black and Grey or Silver (or solid black if you don't have grey or silver)

This week is Father's Day. We have rehearsal at 8 am for band and frontline, and 8:30 for choir. This Sunday afternoon there is no rehearsal or evening event due to Father's Day. Spend the day with Dad and be blessed.

I love and appreciate you all.

Sunday, June 14

Photo I took of a flower in my backyard this week...
just wanted to share it with you.

Wow, what a great service Sunday and what a great choir practice!!! You are an amazing group of people. I love you all so much and thank God for you DAILY!

Here's the 4-1-1 on what's happening this week. First of all, remember it's the week of the church picnic and beach day at Ft. Desoto. We are dressing down on Sunday however as we talked about on Sunday at rehearsal, modesty guidelines are in place as usual!!! This means (to be specific!) no cleavage, no bare backs, no strapless or thin straps, no see through material, yada yada. You know the guidelines. If you are out of code, your section leader will let you know and you'll have to make a change before service time, so please come dressed within modesty guidelines the first time. Jeans and t-shirts, etc. are encouraged and acceptable for this Sunday morning. Shorts are not. I do realize most all of us are going to change into shorts to go over to Ft. Desoto, and many in the congregation will have them on, but we don't want them on the platform. Thanks for adhering to this. If you have any question about what you want to wear Sunday and it's appropriateness for the platform, give me a holler this week and let me know your plan and I'll let you know if it's alright. There is no color coordination this Sunday, it's just your choice.

Songs for this week are:
Trading My Sorrows
God is Great
Your Name
God of this City

Choir Song: How Precious is the Blood

Last call for background check forms for the prison is this Wednesday night! Thank you!

Prayer requests from this week:

Susan: Stomach issues, family problems
Juleen - back problems
Becky: Russell's job

Bonnie: On vacation this week to see her children in IL. Please pray for safe travel as she drives.
Margaret - wisdom in selecting new school for JT
Jim and Janice - comfort and peace for family after death of her mother; Jim's back
Pastor Deanna - health issues
Healthy and safe summer for all of our children

Love you all!!!

Sunday, June 7

Maddie Shrodes is growing, as you can see...and she is also growing more fond of the Northside choir and worship team daily...our biggest fan. (This is just for you, Joel, if no one else!!! lol)

Hello team! Here we go officially into the summer months and what great ones they are going to be! Get ready, get ready, get ready!!!

Here's what on the agenda for worship and choir Sunday morning:

Worship Set:

We Have Overcome
My Redeemer Lives
Amazing Love ~ You Are My King
Amazing Grace, My Chains are Gone

Choir Song: "I Just Want Jesus"

Colors: Black and Green (if you don't have green just do solid black or black and white)

This week is choir lunch and rehearsal. Candy will be contacting you if she has not already about something to bring. Remember to bring your food item and a 2-liter beverage.

Also -- this is the last call -- I'm getting ready to mail in the forms for the prison ministry so this Sunday is the last date. If I don't have it, you will not be able to go at least the first time we go, until you are cleared.

Please be in fervent prayer for our service this Sunday. God is up to big things...so much is going on in the spiritual realm right now -- God has such big plans for us -- and we need your prayer cover for breakthroughs!!!

You are all loved and appreciated.

Sunday, May 31

Wow ~ dynamic service on Sunday...terrific job in worship, gifts of the spirit were moving...God did great things. Just a reminder...have you prayed for the person whose card you took this week during the altar time?

I'm a little later than usual getting this up on the web -- apologies. My computer had a crash yesterday and it has put me behind with everything but things are back on track now thanks to my dear husband who fixed it.

This week we are going on to greater heights with Pentecost Sunday! We will also have a very special guest with us this week...they will be joining us and ministering in my Sunday School class at 9:30. Don't miss it!!!

Worship Songs:
Freedom
Blessed Be Your Name
Freedom Reigns
You Are Near

We will have two choir songs this week: "Rain Down On Us" and "We Lift You Up", both from the Give Him the Praise collection.

What to wear? Ahhhhhh...Black and white!

Kudos to Candy for organizing last week's choir luncheon. It was truly outstanding!!! Just as a reminder ~ the next choir luncheon and rehearsal is approaching on June 7. Please be ready to sign up for a food dish. Candy will be approaching you and if she hasn't yet, you approach her and sign up. Remember, your 2-liter beverage is always a given to bring.

Remember also, if you have not gotten your papers in for the prison ministry, please do so by this Sunday. Thanks and love you all...

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Yum! Look at those cuban sandwiches!
Don't miss this week...we're going to have some!

Great job this past week! Right up front let me say that we need to pray for all of the choir members for HEALTH. Many in the choir have the flu right now and some even had to go home after rehearsal when becoming suddenly ill on Sunday. I have heard reports about various ones struggling with the flu this week. Let's lift up all of our choir/worship team in prayer this week as well as the whole Northside family. We are believing for great things this coming Sunday and the enemy would love to sidetrack us with sickness before it even starts!

Here's what's on the worship schedule for Sunday:

I Know Who I Am
All about You
Your Name
At the Cross (I bow my knee, where your blood was shed...)

Choir Song: "Give Him the Praise"

Colors: Browns

This weekend is also choir lunch and rehearsal. The theme is Spanish/Cuban. Candy Rivera is in charge of this week's luncheon. If you have not already signed up for an item to bring for lunch, please contact Candy NOW at candy33615@hotmail.com

This weekend we have a lot of important things to go over, as always! We will finish learning the song, "I Just Want Jesus" as well as brushing up on some music for Pentecost Sunday and beyond.

Also everyone should receive a letter that was sent by snail mail concerning things that we went over at last rehearsal concerning section leaders, platform dress updates, etc. Please give attention to this and if for some reason you did not receive it, call Cathy at the church office: (813) 961-0910.

In other news, if you didn't get your forms in to myself or Cathy concerning the background check for ministry at the prison, please do so THIS WEEK!!! Thanks! Also, I hope to have some other exciting news for you this week at practice about something else...pray, pray, pray that God brings a breakthrough in another thing that is on the line for us/the church. We've just got to push through in prayer for our next level.

Love all of you...let's storm the gates in prayer and see God move mountains this week!!!

Sunday May 17

Hello beautiful people! Great job Sunday. Front end of the service could not have been better. Excellent job! We are going onward and upward this week as we continue in the "Refreshed" series and what God is doing in our church. Take note we are doing a new song this week...please come with a basic knowledge of it to rehearsal. Frontliners, it's especially important you do this...I don't want your heads in the stands. :)

Colors for Sunday morning are: Black and pink. Guys, if you aren't a pink wearing man you can wear all black or black with a white shirt.

Choir Song: "We Lift You Up" (....and worship you Lord...)

Please be in much prayer about Sunday. I am fasting and praying and believing for something great! Join me as we believe God for greater things that He promised to do in these last days.

Sunday Morning Worship Set:

Sing to the King
The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower/Blessed Be the Name of the Lord
Mighty to Save
Your Name

Your Name is new to our repertoire, although I'm certain some of you know it already. I have posted a video here to familiarize you with the song. Lyrics are on the video but I have posted them below for those of you who would rather have them that way.

Verse 1:
As morning dawns and evening fades
You inspire songs of praise
That rise from earth to touch Your heart and glorify Your Name

CHORUS
Your Name is a strong and mighty tower
Your Name is a shelter like no other
Your Name, let the nations sing it louder
'Cause nothing has the power to save
But Your Name

Verse 2:

Jesus, in Your Name we pray
Come and fill our hearts today
Lord, give us strength to live for You and glorify Your Name

Prayer Requests

This past week at choir the following prayer requests were presented. Please take note and keep these members in prayer:

Margaret - requests prayer for JT who has been running a fever.

Joel - both of his boys also running a fever.

Juleen - total healing for her back. Getting her epidural this week.

Susan - continued strength in dealing with family issues.

Alex - uncle Paul with brain tumor.

James - for his niece's salvation and safety.

Lisa - Bernie's sister and brother in law - coming back from Mexico - swine flu - pray they do not have it.

Sunday, May 10th (Mother's Day!)

Great service and practice last week! Thanks so much for your enthusiasm, faithfulness and unity. It means so much.

Here’s what we are looking forward to on this Mother’s Day weekend:

Worship Songs:
Blessed Be Your Name (in the land that is plentiful…)
Days of Elijah
The More I Seek You
Amazed

Choir Song: “We Have Come Into This House”

Colors: Your choice of what color, but STAY WITHIN PLATFORM DRESS GUIDELINES.

I love you and thank God for each of you.

p.s. just thought this little "stress reduction kit" above, was cute...some of you might be able to use it. I prefer reading the Psalms to this but thought it was good for a laugh.

Sunday, May 3

We have just officially welcomed some new members to our team ~ Mike & Juleen Stramiello and Jim and Janice Shehan! Words can't express how excited I am to have all four of them on our team. Thank you for giving them such a warm welcome.

Here the line up for this week:

Praise & Worship:

Sing to the King (who is coming to reign...glory to Jesus...)

Blessed Be Your Name (in the land that is plentiful...)

At the Cross (I bow my knee where your blood was shed for me...)

Amazing Love (You are My King)

Choir Song: "I Came to Magnify the Lord"

Colors for this week: Black and Red!

Please also remember that this week is choir lunch and rehearsal. This week is a mexican theme and we are having tacos and desserts. PLEASE remember to bring your assigned items and if there is any reason why you will not be able to bring them or be there, let me know ASAP so we can arrange for replacements so that we have enough food. Our choir luncheons have been AMAZING lately (thanks for your help with this!) and we want to keep them that way. Also in addition to whatever food item or items you have been assigned please remember to bring a 2-liter of your choice of beverage to share.

I also want to give a gentle reminder about everyone turning in your background check applications for the prison. New members, just FYI, we are getting ready to do some concerts and services in Florida State Prisons and at this time we need every choir member to turn in an application to the state to be able to get access into the facilities. Applications were given to all choir members except our new people, and we will give them to our newcomers this Sunday. Please be sure to fill out the forms completely as well as attach a xerox copy of your drivers license. As soon as we get all of the applications we will mail them in together. If you have any questions call Cathy or Pastor Deanna the church office or send us an e-mail.

Every rehearsal is important. However please take note, I will be discussing some very important things with the group and ask that you make every effort to be there unless there's a very good reason for your absence such as being out of town or seriously ill. Thanks!

Most of all be in much prayer for this weekend. I really sense some special things God wants to do in the coming weeks, but we've got to pray the price. I need to be able to count on you choir members to make prayer for the services a priority each week. Thank you for your faithfulness to the Lord and to His church.

Love and appreciate all of you!

Sunday, April 26

The last two weeks have just been awesome at Northside and with prayer cover, that's just going to continue!

*** I have a special surprise for everyone on the worship team and choir. If you are here Wednesday night you will see it as soon as you walk in...if not, you'll have to wait til' Sunday to see our new set up. I think you're gonna love it! Special kudos to the team that made it happen -- the pastoral staff, Cathy Garland, and Dustin Shrodes. Yay!

Here's what you need to know for this week upcoming ~

Praise & Worship:
God is Moving
Freedom
You are Near

God of This City

Choir Song: "Give Him the Praise"

Color: BLUE!!!

No rehearsal this week...the next choir luncheon and rehearsal is the next Sunday.

Please be in much prayer about what God wants to do in these upcoming days especially as we enter our new series, "Refreshed."

Youth Day This Week!

This week is youth day at the church and Oasis youth will be leading worship and much more on Sunday morning. So, this week the Northside choir and worship team is taking a break from ministering BUT NOT TAKING A BREAK FROM CHURCH!

This week our regular worship team/choir has no rehearsal but we do want you to be at the Christian Education hour at 9:30 for class, and at morning worship at 10:30 to experience what God will do through our young people.

Invite a friend and be there!

p.s. GREAT JOB ON EASTER SUNDAY MORNING! YOU ROCK!

Easter Sunday - somebody SHOUT NOW!

Plans are coming together for this Sunday morning. It's going to be AMAZING! Trust me on this...we are in for a day that is going to just blow the doors off the place. Your job...tell EVERYONE YOU KNOW to get here!

Worship for Sunday AM:

My Redeemer Lives
Celebrate Jesus Celebrate
At the Cross (Oh Lord, You've searched me...)

Holy & Anointed One

Choir Songs:

I Came to Magnify the Lord

Give Him the Praise

We Lift You Up

We will have a run through of choir and ensemble songs, and worship at 8:00 am. Please, please, please be on time! There's a lot to go over to be done at 9:30 and out with our friends at the continental breakfast. In addition to the choir numbers we also have other solos, trios, ensembles and everything has to be lined up right before the service.

Remember, it's your choice as to what to wear Sunday however it needs to be dressy. If not wearing a new Easter outfit, please wear the best of whatever you have in your closet. No casuals on Sunday AM.

Other reminders ~

You can pick up some more invite cards this Wednesday night to get the word out about Sunday.

We still need more eggs for the Easter march for the kids. Bring them Wednesday night - there are boxes at the entrance for these.

Love and appreciate you all...

Sunday, April 5th - updated on Thursday AM

Worship Songs:

We Have Overcome

Sing to the King

At the Cross

You are My King/Amazing Love

We will also be learning a new song Sunday. You can find the video and lyrics in the post below.

Choir Song: It's in Jesus

Colors: Red and Black

First a reminder that FRONTLINE AND BAND are to be at the church at 8 am for rehearsal, and choir is to join them at 8:30 am. Please make every effort to be on time. If you will not be present for some reason call me as soon as you know so.

Remember that this week is the choir luncheon and rehearsal. This is our last Sunday rehearsal before Easter! Other rehearsal is Wednesday night, April 8 after service. I really need you all present unless there is an emergency because this is the last chance we will have to work on Easter music.

All of you have been assigned a food item. If you are not sure what your assignment is for lunch please ASK ME. This week's theme is Italian Buffet. Also you need to bring a 2-liter beverage to go with your food item.

Most of all be prayed up concerning our Sunday service. I cannot stress enough the importance of prayer especially in the days and times we are living in. The time of the Lord's return is near. Every service counts, more than that EVERY DAY COUNTS for eternity...we have to MAXIMIZE THE MOMENTS and nothing is going to happen without prayer.

Love you all

None But Jesus

We're doing this song this month, so please become familiar with it.

In the quiet
In the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored
When You call i won't refuse
Each new day again I'll choose
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise
In the chaos in confusion
I know You're sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will
When You call I won't delay
This my song through all my days
All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope
All of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord
Forever more

Sunday March 29

Here's the plan, Stan:

Worship for this week:
God is Great
Sing to the King (new song - video and lyrics coming)
At the Cross
We Fall Down

Choir Song: "You Are" from Obvious Collection

Colors for this week: Your choice - within platform dress guidelines

We go back this week to frontline and band rehearsal at 8 am, followed by choir at 8:30 am.

Just a reminder that NEXT WEEK, April 5 is our next choir luncheon and rehearsal. This is very important as we are at the final stages now of Easter prep. Luncheon theme will be Italian. If I haven't already assigned you an item to bring, please get ahold of me. Thanks! Again this is NEXT WEEK, not this week!!

Be in prayer for our services -- let's never take a week for granted or be lazy!!! We have such an important role in prayer, seeking God and leading His people before His throne.

Love and appreciate you.

SING TO THE KING

Here's the new song for Sunday ~ please familiarize yourselves with it! Thanks.

Sunday, March 22

Just a reminder to all involved in the worship ministries of the church that Kidzturn Ministries will be leading worship this Sunday morning, so we all have the morning off from ministering, BUT NOT FROM CHURCH!!! I will look forward to seeing you all there.

Also, Pastor and I will continue our series on Miracles although the Kidzturn team will be there.

A few other reminders:

Next choir luncheon and rehearsal is Sunday, April 5th. We will also have a brief rehearsal after service on Wednesday night, April 8 to finalize everything for Easter. We only have these two rehearsals left before the big day. Please do not miss unless you are incapacitated or deceased. Thanks!

All of you will be contacted concerning a food item for April 5th's planned menu. The theme this time will be ITALIAN.