Category Archive

PART 2: ANCIENT ISRAELITE INSTRUMENTATION AND THEIR PAGAN COUNTERPARTS Read Part 1 here. If you haven’t read the introduction to the previous post, do so, because I’m going to jump straight into Exhibit B.  In the 1920s, archaeologists unearthed an ancient, forgotten city—Ugarit—which lies on the northeastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, on the western coast of current day Syria.  The ruins of Ugarit, dating from between the 13th and 12th centuries B.C., were quite a find, because of their … Read More

Hello Everyone! Bronwyn Anna Hicks Born February 19, 2010, 11:51pm 7 lbs 5 oz, 20.5 inches Our joy is here!  We hit the hospital at about 4pm.  Abby slowly progressed from 4 to 6 cm and then stalled for a long while.  We spent time hanging out, and we were beginning to think her birthday would fall on 2/20.  She squeaked in at the last minute.  All of a sudden we were calling in the team, and after two quick … Read More

Sunday Setlists is brought to you by Fred McKinnon and his Blog Carnival, part of this complete breakfast.   1 – Sola  –  Zac Hicks, 2010This brand new song from Zac Hicks’ new album coming in 2011, textually emphasizes Christ as our leader through whom we worship God.  Musically, it has a processional “march” feel to it; very appropriate for an opening song.   2 – Blessed Be Your Name  –  Matt Redman & Beth Redman, 2002I particularly enjoy this … Read More

I was forwarded an email from the desk of a Denver Seminary professor I respect and admire.  He included some great facts about Lent…some of which were new to me.  Hopefully they’re helpful.  Today begins our penitential season. *The history of the observation of a period of fasting, repentance, and preparation prior to the celebration of the resurrection is much older than the history of the celebration of Christmas.  In the late 2nd century, Irenaus of Lyons wrote of just … Read More

(Photos by Paul Adams) This past Saturday evening, I had the opportunity to join hands with other churches in our neighborhood for a unique experience.  Our band was invited to participate in an Evensong service at St. Gabriel the Archangel Episcopal Church here in Denver.  Rector Chris Ditzenberger and I are friends and brothers through a small group of local clergy that gather for prayer and sharing once a month, and Chris asked us to come and be a part … Read More

I and other friends have received questions from non-liturgical evangelicals about how to do “liturgical stuff” like Ash Wednesday services.  Toward that end, I’m posting the liturgy that we will follow (built off of various traditions and some of our own twists).  We’re including both Communion and the Imposition of Ashes.  I’m also posting “Worship Notes,” which we print alongside our liturgy to help people understand why we do what we do.  Worship Notes function kind of like a commentary … Read More

Our church, I believe, is still learning this lesson, so I share my reflections in the midst of our own “growing pains.”  I’m discovering that, for a church which strives to be multi-generational not only in congregation but leadership, this is where some of the younger people (or at least younger thinkers) need to help lead the way in vision and mission. Some people think this is frivolous pandering to culture.  Some people think it is “selling out,” making the … Read More

This week in Adventures with Sunday Setlists and the Blog Carnival (sponsored by Fred McKinnon) Cherry Creek Pres. Worships AGAIN! *ahem!* 1 – All People That On Earth Do Dwell  –  William Kethe, 1561 / Zac Hicks, 2009 This new hymns arrangement contains an emphasis on the audience physically responding to the worship with the claps of their hands. I find that it is always scant to find a group of people actually clapping. The arrangement is a simple pop tune … Read More

THE HYMNS MOVEMENT IS ALIVE AND WELL In attending the Calvin Symposium on Christian Worship my goals were evenly divided between two objectives: (1) to gain wisdom from the conference’s plenary and breakout sessions; (2) to network with many like-minded worship leaders who approach worship from much of the same line of thinking that I do.  On both fronts, mission accomplished. I have to admit that I didn’t see a large representation of young, “cutting edge” worship leaders at the … Read More

THE IMPORTANCE OF AFFIRMING BAPTISM Both for personal reasons (I have 4 children that I want to raise in the fear of the Lord) and for professional reasons (I’m in a church that is trying to be extremely intentional on how we bring up our kids in the faith), I took a seminar with Christian Reformed Church pastor and professor, Dr. Howard Vanderwell, entitled, “Affirming and Remembering our Baptisms.”  I sense a deficiency on my part in leading our flock … Read More