We are in the middle of another weekend of rehearsals and I thought it would be helpful to share some stuff with you. As you are aware, Nik (our drummer) lost his sister to cancer in April and has been having a very difficult time dealing with this. His family really need continued prayer and support so please do keep that in mind. On top of this, Nik has been struggling with inner ear problems and hyper-sensitivity which has proved to be a nightmare for him and although drumming is his great passion, it has been causing even more stress. Unfortunately Nik had to make the decision to pull out of the recording and any other dates for the foreseeable future. Although, we were expecting this decision it is still very hard but we really do want to see Nik healed physically and emotionally. Please pray for him and please pray for the band as we make alternative plans for the recording.
It is also important to pray for Johnny's family and particularly for his mum who was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of weeks ago. The cancer has been diagnosed as invasive and aggressive however there is a good chance of recovery. She will be having a further operation this Tuesday and then will have to begin chemotherapy.
The last week has been very successful in terms of songs and arrangements. We have added another 5 songs to the repertoire and each one is showing strong potential for the album. Iain Archer will be coming into the studio for a few days to work with David in creating some delicious guitar sounds and experimenting with the plethora of pedals David already has. Iain came to the rehearsal today and helped create sounds for some of the newer material. It is great to have someone from outside come in at this stage and bring fresh perspective.
We will be rehearsing on Sunday (29th), Tuesday (31st) and Wednesday (1st) so please do remember us.
Saturday, 28 July 2007
Sunday, 22 July 2007
Band Update
2 weeks and 2 days and we'll be in the studio!
We have been rehearsing all weekend and have another 2 songs in the bag. So far we have rehearsed 7 songs and we have probably the same again to produce before the recording so that we can choose the best from a bunch. We had a very productive weekend and there are some lovely sounds, melodies and riffs coming from the band which is really encourging. We are excited about putting the songs down and hearing the finished product.
It was fantastic and important to get away on holiday for 11 days to get some rest before things get really busy. It is so important to work out of rest, it really helps you come with a good perspective, focus and energy to give the best you have.
It would be fantastic if you could pray for us and if you could let us know if you are praying for us. I'll include a list of our band rehearsal dates so that if you remember you can pray for these times specifically.
Tuesday 24th July pm
Saturday 28th - Sunday 29th July
Tuesday 31st July
It is also really important that we have people praying for us and our families as we prepare for the recording. There are alot of situations in our families that have the potential to cause discouragement, pain and consume all the energy we need for the next month. We need to be fully equipped to carry out the purpose and calling that God has called us into.
We played at CFC this morning and got the chance to play a few of the songs as well as introduce a song Johnny has written with Matt Redman called 'Amazingly'. It seemed to bring in positive feedback so that is helpful in coming to the album with 6 songs already used and working in a church context. It was a great morning of worship and I think the set we played worked extremely well in terms of theme and dynamic. All in all a busy, emotional and productive weekend.
We have been rehearsing all weekend and have another 2 songs in the bag. So far we have rehearsed 7 songs and we have probably the same again to produce before the recording so that we can choose the best from a bunch. We had a very productive weekend and there are some lovely sounds, melodies and riffs coming from the band which is really encourging. We are excited about putting the songs down and hearing the finished product.
It was fantastic and important to get away on holiday for 11 days to get some rest before things get really busy. It is so important to work out of rest, it really helps you come with a good perspective, focus and energy to give the best you have.
It would be fantastic if you could pray for us and if you could let us know if you are praying for us. I'll include a list of our band rehearsal dates so that if you remember you can pray for these times specifically.
Tuesday 24th July pm
Saturday 28th - Sunday 29th July
Tuesday 31st July
It is also really important that we have people praying for us and our families as we prepare for the recording. There are alot of situations in our families that have the potential to cause discouragement, pain and consume all the energy we need for the next month. We need to be fully equipped to carry out the purpose and calling that God has called us into.
We played at CFC this morning and got the chance to play a few of the songs as well as introduce a song Johnny has written with Matt Redman called 'Amazingly'. It seemed to bring in positive feedback so that is helpful in coming to the album with 6 songs already used and working in a church context. It was a great morning of worship and I think the set we played worked extremely well in terms of theme and dynamic. All in all a busy, emotional and productive weekend.
Wednesday, 4 July 2007
Summer Madness (Tues) - The Songs We Sing
It was our last night at Summer Madness (JP is playing on Saturday night though!!!!!!) and I felt like this was our best night. Many of the campers had gone home but 2,000 young people have remained to do StreetReach - fantastic! The crowd were really up for loud and lively worship and seemed to love a mix of old and new JP songs as well as others. We had a set already pre-planned but throughout the evening it got changed quite a few times and when we eventually decided on it we completely changed it once we started playing. I think it's good to have this flexibility as a band which is why it's really good to devote time to rehearsing even when you don't have a gig coming up. The more songs you have up your sleeves the better.
On Monday night we introduced the song 'Troubles'. This is an important song for us which has and no doubt will continue to evoke a variety of reactions. For years people on this island have committed themselves to being peacemakers through prayer and action and over recent months we have seen God moving in the political developments that have taken place. This is not to say that the Troubles are completely over, however, songs like this are important because they recognise that God is moving and that reconciliation and healing are happening. It is also important that we take a prophetic view with our songs and that somehow we are calling this stuff into being. I hope that this song will challenge and prepare people. I hope that it will raise issues in people regarding hurt, loss, prejudice, biggotry, anger and bitterness so that this stuff can be broken allowing room for us to be filled up with love, peace, gentleness and kindness.
As worshippers we want to please God and be obedient to Him. Our job is not to please everyone because we just can't do it. I was in the company of some people this week who during worship made remarks such as: "He just doesn't do it for me!" (with reference to the band/worship leader). I was angry. This consumerist attitude is not acceptable. The expectations people have of worship leaders are unrealistic and selfish. It feels like some people are out there with their clip boards ready to assess and rate the worship. As worship leaders we must stay focussed on who we worship and why we worship. We cannot aim to please everyone but we will probably please some (in many cases the majority). Therefore we can't choose songs based on what we know will please people. Our songs should not leave us where we are but among other things, should challenge us, and maybe leave us feeling uncomfortable from time to time.
On Monday night we introduced the song 'Troubles'. This is an important song for us which has and no doubt will continue to evoke a variety of reactions. For years people on this island have committed themselves to being peacemakers through prayer and action and over recent months we have seen God moving in the political developments that have taken place. This is not to say that the Troubles are completely over, however, songs like this are important because they recognise that God is moving and that reconciliation and healing are happening. It is also important that we take a prophetic view with our songs and that somehow we are calling this stuff into being. I hope that this song will challenge and prepare people. I hope that it will raise issues in people regarding hurt, loss, prejudice, biggotry, anger and bitterness so that this stuff can be broken allowing room for us to be filled up with love, peace, gentleness and kindness.
As worshippers we want to please God and be obedient to Him. Our job is not to please everyone because we just can't do it. I was in the company of some people this week who during worship made remarks such as: "He just doesn't do it for me!" (with reference to the band/worship leader). I was angry. This consumerist attitude is not acceptable. The expectations people have of worship leaders are unrealistic and selfish. It feels like some people are out there with their clip boards ready to assess and rate the worship. As worship leaders we must stay focussed on who we worship and why we worship. We cannot aim to please everyone but we will probably please some (in many cases the majority). Therefore we can't choose songs based on what we know will please people. Our songs should not leave us where we are but among other things, should challenge us, and maybe leave us feeling uncomfortable from time to time.
Tuesday, 3 July 2007
Summer Madness - Monday
For those of you who have been at Madness I hope you have enjoyed it. I have just been thinking about what a great festival it is. Alot of people bypass it and prefer to travel to New Wine or Soul Survivor (which is totally cool) when infact Summer Madness is equally as good if not better.
I have been enjoying worship and particularly Bart Compolo's talk on Sunday night. Aside from sweating profusely and adopting a posture like Gollum I think he had some great stuff to share and I certainly felt challenged by it.
The JP Band played again last night (and we are on tonight again!!) and it seemed to go well. I thought the first couple of songs on the set worked well (You are Good & Faithful One). In the response time we used the song 'As the Deer' which was just great. I love this song and have always meant to use it so I really enjoyed worshipping with it. We had to keep our playing down at the end to facilitate ministry which brought a lovely intimacy to our worship but which meant that when we got to songs like 'Rescuer' it felt a little lifeless (probably just to us). We have had great encouragement about this song and it is fantastic to see that it is continuing to lead people in worship in this bigger context.
Thanks to those of you who have texted with words of encouragement. That has been really helpful.
I have been enjoying worship and particularly Bart Compolo's talk on Sunday night. Aside from sweating profusely and adopting a posture like Gollum I think he had some great stuff to share and I certainly felt challenged by it.
The JP Band played again last night (and we are on tonight again!!) and it seemed to go well. I thought the first couple of songs on the set worked well (You are Good & Faithful One). In the response time we used the song 'As the Deer' which was just great. I love this song and have always meant to use it so I really enjoyed worshipping with it. We had to keep our playing down at the end to facilitate ministry which brought a lovely intimacy to our worship but which meant that when we got to songs like 'Rescuer' it felt a little lifeless (probably just to us). We have had great encouragement about this song and it is fantastic to see that it is continuing to lead people in worship in this bigger context.
Thanks to those of you who have texted with words of encouragement. That has been really helpful.
Sunday, 1 July 2007
Summer Madness - Saturday
It's hard to believe Summer Madness has come round so soon. For the 4th year running we were involved in the mainstage worship and it has been great so far. It is such an encouragment looking out at so many people worshipping. The crowd seemed really up for it last night which is always a big encouragement to the band especially on the first night when we are just getting relaxed into the sound stuff.
I loved the DJ slot - thought it was fantastic to see people embrace this as a style of worship.
Summer Madness marks the beginning of the holidays and for the band marks the beginning of a season of hard work in preparation for the album. Your prayers would be soo appreciated as we approach the recording (beginning 8th August). We hope you enjoy the songs and find them helpful in your worship to/of God.
I loved the DJ slot - thought it was fantastic to see people embrace this as a style of worship.
Summer Madness marks the beginning of the holidays and for the band marks the beginning of a season of hard work in preparation for the album. Your prayers would be soo appreciated as we approach the recording (beginning 8th August). We hope you enjoy the songs and find them helpful in your worship to/of God.
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