Sunday Summary - 6.1.09

Man, what a fantastic week at Momentum! The energy was high, the music was loud, the production team was tight, and the band was ON! It was definitely one of the strongest sets we've had in a while, and the music team pulled it off brilliantly.

The band opened with the high energy "Filled With Your Glory", which we've done quite a bit over the last 6 months. It's a really great song, but I'm afraid we haven't been able to give this song a fair shake because we pretty much always use it as an opener, and the vast majority of people who join us on Sunday morning are not seated and ready to go at the start of the service, so inevitably the opening song becomes more of a performance song that people just hear as they amble into the service. There's been the temptation to give in to the lateness, and either start the service later, or start it with something that doesn't require rehearsal and preparation like a song does, which can end up feeling like a throw away, or like a wasted effort if people are not participating with what's go on, or not even there at all. However, we've decided to stick to our guns and keep starting right on time, in hopes that eventually people will get the idea, and head in a little earlier than usual. Although, I've also come to realize that one big reason people may not be seated as the service is starting is that they are actually conversing and connecting in the foyer, in the children's area, outside, or wherever, and that is definitely a good thing! So, for now, we'll just keep on doing what we're doing, and hope that it does actually serve some functional purpose.

It's always a treat when we can have two electric guitars on stage, especially when they're as ridiculously talented as Chad Johnson and Joel Chandler are, but this week seemed especially so. Vocals sounded great, rhythm section was tight, the mix was spot-on, and the songs were the kind you just want to sing from your toes! Having two electrics trading off on lead and rhythm was just the cherry on top. Add in the fact that the lights were as dynamic and energizing as I've ever seen, and the video loops provided just the right ambience, and it was just a really great service. Brad Sinclair's vocals on "Lift High" were amazing, and Julie Cruz on "Lead Me To the Cross" was chill-inducing. Man, that girl can sing! Walker brought the funk on "You Are Good", which was good, because he's pretty much always itching to bring the funk. Patrick Greer was as solid as ever, especially on the various stops and fills on "Lift High," on the new song "Lead Me to the Cross," and on the high-energy, lay-it-all-out-there iteration of "You Are Good." Patrick just continues to amaze me with his versatility, and the ease with which he seems to pick up new songs and new rhythms.

This was a week that saw us return to the familiar full-band setup after several weeks of simpler, more stripped-down ensembles, and it was a great way to do it. When you mix in the fact that the band can pull it off like they did with minimal involvement from me, the "staff guy," that makes for a big win for Momentum! Way to go guys!

I wanted to take a moment to recognize our fantastic Production Team. This week, I had the privilege of serving with the Production Team as the producer, and that is always so much fun for me, both because I enjoy being able to lead in a more behind-the-scenes role, and because the team is just so enjoyable to work with. These folks put in a lot of time and effort to making sure that our services run smoothly, that the environment and ambience is conducive to connecting with God, and that the efforts of those on stage are enhanced in any way possible. All this means that if they are doing their jobs to perfection, they probably won't be noticed. If the sound tech has it mixed just perfectly, most people are just going to think the band sounds amazing (which they do!), but not think much about what it takes behind the scenes for it to sound like it does. If everything is running like a well-oiled machine, not many people are going to realize that it's due in no small part to the leadership and direction of the producer who is on that week. So, if you are reading this and have not recently thanked the members of the Production Team for the incredible job that they do week in and week out, do so ASAP! Our services would not be what they are without these dedicated folks, these "technical artists," if you will. Michael, Maria, Heidi - it was a pleasure serving with you guys this week, and you all did a fantastic job! Heidi - great job staying on the ball, and picking tasteful and appropriate video loops! Maria - definitely one of the best mixes I've heard in a long time; you've got a fantastic ear! Michael - thanks for being willing to get creative and a little bit "out there" in the use of stage lighting this week.

On a final note, this was probably Julie Cruz's last week singing with us at Momentum. She and her family are going to be heading back to their old stomping grounds in California. We wish them the best, and will be excited to see how God uses Julie and her AMAZING voice to advance his Kingdom, and to inspire others to worship Him. We will also be sad to see her go, as she has definitely been a blessing to us over the last year that she's been with us. We love you, Julie!

Music Team
Julie Cruz - BGVs, lead vox
David Walker - bass
Patrick Greer - drums
Joel Chandler - electric
Brad Sinclair - acoustic, BGVs, lead vox
Chad Johnson - electric

Production Team
Maria Taylor - sound tech
Heidi Leonard - media tech
Michael Wcisel - light tech
Me - producer

Songs
"Filled With Your Glory" by Starfield
"Hosanna" by Hillsong United
"Lead Me To the Cross" by Hillsong United
"Lift High" by Eddie Kirkland
"You Are Good" by Israel Houghton