This was my first full week as a worship resident at The Austin Stone. It has been quite busy! On Monday, I took a sabbath since Sunday is a full work day. Tuesday I met up with the Austin Stone South Campus team (which is where I lead students worship) for their weekly staff meeting. Next was the entire Austin Stone staff meeting at the St. John's campus. This was a really awesome experience. This particular "staff meeting" consisted of worship and a short sermon. It was an excellent way to re-center everyone through worship and by challenging us through scripture. Wednesday I went to the church offices and worked with the Austin Stone Worship team and prepared for Sunday. Also, on Wednesdays during the summer, I lead worship at a students event at a local park. Thursday I met with my mentor, Daniel Darnell. In the weeks to come, we will be going though a book together called, "Worship Matters". Currently Daniel is giving me wisdom on re-launching the students worship team at South campus. This means I am responsible for establishing the worship culture and for building a solid band for the students at South campus. Today, on Friday, Daniel and I met again and did some song writing at his place for a couple hours. We worked on a chorus inspired by Psalm 33. I hope to share a demo with everyone at some point. Currently it is a work in progress. Also, Daniel has a really cool looking office!
Now I am off to work on the songs for Sunday! I am finding this to be a really great challenge. My goal is to have songs memorized so that I am not distracted while leading. This has brought much freedom to the worship experience since I have relied on lead sheets and music stands in the past. This Sunday the sermon is out of John 15:7-8.
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
I've decided to close with Gracious Redeemer this Sunday. Feel free to check out this song! Good stuff!
Again, thank you all for your support and your prayers!
