Live worship and praise music are extremely popular with young Christians. Emerging from the Charismatic-Pentecostal movement, this form of music is now very well established in Catholic circles.
In Australia, its introduction into the Catholic Church has been through the new religious movements. There is no doubt that these new religious movements are revitalising the Church and hence its attraction to young people. But this form of live worship - praise singing - using modern sound equipment and instruments projects a strong sense of religious zeal and commitment, and not simply a desire to entertain.
A new CD produced by Emmanuel/Worship, titled Live Worship: Lifted, is just that, with the lyrics of its songs representing moving, inspirational forms of prayer. The CD is in the tradition of other successful Australian recordings produced by Hillsongs, in Sydney.
The music, produced and arranged by Patrick Keady and James Garrahy, was recorded in September 2001 at an Ignite conference in Brisbane. According to Emmanuel Worship Director, James Garrahy, his hope is that these new songs will touch people's hearts and encourage the Church community to "sing a New Song" that will remind people "that with God you can soar".
Garrahy uses a powerful image on the CD's cover showing a young child being lifted up by her father who is ready to catch her.
The CD should have a positive impact on young people and one hopes this will be the first of many such CDs from Emmanuel worship. Their style and approach to the New Evangelisation is refreshing and encouraging - surely a sign of hope in the Church today.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Joyce Meyer/Hillsong Conferences Are Sweeping the United States!!
For most Christians, Joyce Meyer is a household name. With broadcasts televised all over the world and tons of teaching material, which leaves no room for a Christian to misbehave, Joyce Meyer is one of the most popular Christian ministers of all time!
I recall watching Joyce Meyer, for the first time, in the mid to late '90s and, as with all new Christians, I was so excited about my new relationship with Jesus that it wasn't difficult to get up at 5:00 a.m. to hear some bible teaching to start the day off right. Of course, as the fire started to dim, I couldn't recall the last time I saw 5:00 a.m to see a minister on television. As a result, several years went by before I viewed another Joyce Meyer broadcast.
Ironically, when my season with Joyce ended, another one began with Hillsong Church. Hillsong is located in Sydney, Australia. With a church membership of approximately 30,000 members, they are probably best known for their worship pastor, Darlene Zschech. I became aware of their ministry in 1998 when I heard one of their songs on the radio. Since that time, I have been tremendously blessed by Hillsong. They have a worship concert every year, where they have a crowd of at least 10,000 people and, with every CD/DVD they release each year, it would increase my desire to go to Australia because it seemed like so much fun!Well, did I ever get to Hillsong Church in Australia to attend one of their worship concerts? "No." But guess what!?! I don't have to because, as the announcer said during one of Joyce Meyer's broadcasts, "Darlene Zschech, the band, and Pastor Brian Houston" teamed with Joyce Meyer a couple of years ago and started doing conferences together here in the United States! I don't know if Joyce Meyer or Hillsong knew what to expect but the conferences are absolutely spectacular and those who may not have known about Hillsong prior to the conference became new fans! I recall last year, while walking past the Hillsong resource table, where one lady purchased every Hillsong CD on the table! I kid you not! I thought to myself, "wow!"
I recall watching Joyce Meyer, for the first time, in the mid to late '90s and, as with all new Christians, I was so excited about my new relationship with Jesus that it wasn't difficult to get up at 5:00 a.m. to hear some bible teaching to start the day off right. Of course, as the fire started to dim, I couldn't recall the last time I saw 5:00 a.m to see a minister on television. As a result, several years went by before I viewed another Joyce Meyer broadcast.
Ironically, when my season with Joyce ended, another one began with Hillsong Church. Hillsong is located in Sydney, Australia. With a church membership of approximately 30,000 members, they are probably best known for their worship pastor, Darlene Zschech. I became aware of their ministry in 1998 when I heard one of their songs on the radio. Since that time, I have been tremendously blessed by Hillsong. They have a worship concert every year, where they have a crowd of at least 10,000 people and, with every CD/DVD they release each year, it would increase my desire to go to Australia because it seemed like so much fun!Well, did I ever get to Hillsong Church in Australia to attend one of their worship concerts? "No." But guess what!?! I don't have to because, as the announcer said during one of Joyce Meyer's broadcasts, "Darlene Zschech, the band, and Pastor Brian Houston" teamed with Joyce Meyer a couple of years ago and started doing conferences together here in the United States! I don't know if Joyce Meyer or Hillsong knew what to expect but the conferences are absolutely spectacular and those who may not have known about Hillsong prior to the conference became new fans! I recall last year, while walking past the Hillsong resource table, where one lady purchased every Hillsong CD on the table! I kid you not! I thought to myself, "wow!"
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Hillsong United Lyrics_Forever
Hillsong United Lyrics_Forever
I'll Worship at Your Throne
Whisper my own love song
With all my heart I'll sing
For You my Dad and King
I'll live for all my days
To Put a smile on Your face
And when we finally meet
It'll be for eternity
And Oh how wide You open up Your arms
When I need Your love
And how far You would come
If ever I was lost
And You said that all You feel for me
Is undying love
That You showed me through the cross
I'll worship You my God
I'll worship You my God
I love You
I love You
Forever I will sing
Forever I will be with You
Be with You
I'll Worship at Your Throne
Whisper my own love song
With all my heart I'll sing
For You my Dad and King
I'll live for all my days
To Put a smile on Your face
And when we finally meet
It'll be for eternity
And Oh how wide You open up Your arms
When I need Your love
And how far You would come
If ever I was lost
And You said that all You feel for me
Is undying love
That You showed me through the cross
I'll worship You my God
I'll worship You my God
I love You
I love You
Forever I will sing
Forever I will be with You
Be with You
Monday, October 20, 2008
Hillsong Church
Hillsong Church (formerly Hills Christian Life Centre) is a Pentecostal Christian church affiliated with Australian Christian Churches, the Australian branch of the Assemblies of God denomination. The church is located in Sydney, Australia, headquartered at its "Hills" campus in Baulkham Hills' Norwest Business Park in the Hills District. It also has a congregation designated the "City" campus which is located in Waterloo, near Sydney's central business district. The church is led by Senior Pastors Brian and Bobbie Houston, who started the church in Baulkham Hills in 1983, later to merge with a church in the city to form Hillsong Church.
Apart from the two main campuses, Hillsong Church currently has 14 extension services across Sydney. These extension services are based on either location or culture and rely on Hillsong Church for support and leadership. Hillsong Church's international offshoots include Hillsong London, in the United Kingdom and Hillsong Kiev in Ukraine. These churches also have services in Paris, Berlin and Moscow.
Hillsong Church has grown in both size and influence over the years. Hillsong Music has become well-known in Australia, topping charts and achieving gold and platinum sales status. Hillsong has made its mark internationally with many travelling to Sydney for the annual Hillsong Conference, which attracts over 26,000 people, as well as the sales of albums and teaching and the international reputation of its leadership. The Hillsong Television program is seen in over 160 countries and Hillsong International Leadership College is attended by over 900 students from many different countries. Hillsong Church currently claims that it is attended by over 20,000 people each week
Apart from the two main campuses, Hillsong Church currently has 14 extension services across Sydney. These extension services are based on either location or culture and rely on Hillsong Church for support and leadership. Hillsong Church's international offshoots include Hillsong London, in the United Kingdom and Hillsong Kiev in Ukraine. These churches also have services in Paris, Berlin and Moscow.
Hillsong Church has grown in both size and influence over the years. Hillsong Music has become well-known in Australia, topping charts and achieving gold and platinum sales status. Hillsong has made its mark internationally with many travelling to Sydney for the annual Hillsong Conference, which attracts over 26,000 people, as well as the sales of albums and teaching and the international reputation of its leadership. The Hillsong Television program is seen in over 160 countries and Hillsong International Leadership College is attended by over 900 students from many different countries. Hillsong Church currently claims that it is attended by over 20,000 people each week
Houston Church Discovers That Racial Unity Brings Growth and Revival
On Sunday morning, the crowded sanctuary of Braeswood Assembly of God looks like it could have been plucked from the heart of Africa. Many people wear traditional clothes and large, ornate headdresses of bright orange and purple. The worship is passionate and expressive.
But Braeswood Assembly is in the heart of a Texas metropolis--a world away from Africa. The church in southwest Houston has changed from being middle-class and white to a bastion of cultural diversity. The congregation has found that embracing diversity leads to sustained growth and revival.
"The Assemblies of God is pretty strong in Nigeria, so that draws Nigerians here, though we have never made a conscious effort to go after a certain ethnic group," said senior pastor Steve Banning. "When people come to the church they feel welcome because of the diversity."
Earl Banning, Steve's father, took the church in 1970 with 120 people and guided the congregation through several key decisions that laid the foundation for diversity and continued growth. One of those decisions was to resist "white flight" and stay in their original location while many other churches moved to the suburbs.
Another decision was to embrace revival, particularly the Jesus Movement and the charismatic renewal of the 1970s and 1980s.
"Talk about a radical shift--from a suburban, middle-class white church to hippies coming in with shorts, sandals and long hair," Banning said. "But that was when the church began to grow. There wasn't turmoil. We started a Saturday night Jesus rally. A number of churches took a stand against those movements, but it has been a key for us.
"I think that was the precursor to what happened racially. That openness and compassion set the tone for receiving different races of the world without getting all shook up."
Braeswood continued to experience regular times of revival and moves of the Holy Spirit. In the 1980s African and Caribbean immigrants began coming in greater numbers as the demography of the neighborhood changed.
Wycliffe Bailey, 53, came to Houston from Jamaica in 1982. A 21-year veteran of the oil industry, he is now the church's Christian education director.
"When we first attended Braeswood it was a white middle-class church, but I noticed a growing number of minorities," Bailey said. "Soon there was more than a handful of blacks, mainly foreign blacks. The pastor felt it was God's will that the church change. He had an open arms policy to whoever God sent here."
Today, roughly 65 percent of the Braeswood congregation is African American or from Jamaica or the African continent. Fifty-five countries are represented, including Asian, Indian and Hispanic countries.
Eno Usanga, 26, and his family came to Houston from Nigeria in 1993. They were active in their church there and discovered that Braeswood was a perfect fit, Usanga said.
"I was excited to find a church with that much diversity. Many Africans, Nigerians, Caribbeans, people from around the globe were worshiping together."
Usanga coaches the drama team, publishes the youth newsletter and plays drums for the Sunday services. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston but found his life's work at the church.
"You get to do what God gave you a passion for at Braeswood," he said. "I believe the church is ready for a mighty breakthrough. I see us being a cornerstone for southwest Houston."
The excitement of many cultures uniting has helped bring steady growth. The church counts 2,500 weekly attendees, and every week 25-30 people come to Christ, Banning said. The church also is unabashedly Spirit-filled.
"It is uncommon to have a service where the gifts don't function," Banning said. "We give place for the Holy Spirit. We don't veil or hide it. We are charismatic and let the Holy Spirit touch people's lives."
Reagan Jacks, 54, a computer consultant, came to Christ at Braeswood after going through a divorce and experimenting with New Age religions.
"
But Braeswood Assembly is in the heart of a Texas metropolis--a world away from Africa. The church in southwest Houston has changed from being middle-class and white to a bastion of cultural diversity. The congregation has found that embracing diversity leads to sustained growth and revival.
"The Assemblies of God is pretty strong in Nigeria, so that draws Nigerians here, though we have never made a conscious effort to go after a certain ethnic group," said senior pastor Steve Banning. "When people come to the church they feel welcome because of the diversity."
Earl Banning, Steve's father, took the church in 1970 with 120 people and guided the congregation through several key decisions that laid the foundation for diversity and continued growth. One of those decisions was to resist "white flight" and stay in their original location while many other churches moved to the suburbs.
Another decision was to embrace revival, particularly the Jesus Movement and the charismatic renewal of the 1970s and 1980s.
"Talk about a radical shift--from a suburban, middle-class white church to hippies coming in with shorts, sandals and long hair," Banning said. "But that was when the church began to grow. There wasn't turmoil. We started a Saturday night Jesus rally. A number of churches took a stand against those movements, but it has been a key for us.
"I think that was the precursor to what happened racially. That openness and compassion set the tone for receiving different races of the world without getting all shook up."
Braeswood continued to experience regular times of revival and moves of the Holy Spirit. In the 1980s African and Caribbean immigrants began coming in greater numbers as the demography of the neighborhood changed.
Wycliffe Bailey, 53, came to Houston from Jamaica in 1982. A 21-year veteran of the oil industry, he is now the church's Christian education director.
"When we first attended Braeswood it was a white middle-class church, but I noticed a growing number of minorities," Bailey said. "Soon there was more than a handful of blacks, mainly foreign blacks. The pastor felt it was God's will that the church change. He had an open arms policy to whoever God sent here."
Today, roughly 65 percent of the Braeswood congregation is African American or from Jamaica or the African continent. Fifty-five countries are represented, including Asian, Indian and Hispanic countries.
Eno Usanga, 26, and his family came to Houston from Nigeria in 1993. They were active in their church there and discovered that Braeswood was a perfect fit, Usanga said.
"I was excited to find a church with that much diversity. Many Africans, Nigerians, Caribbeans, people from around the globe were worshiping together."
Usanga coaches the drama team, publishes the youth newsletter and plays drums for the Sunday services. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston but found his life's work at the church.
"You get to do what God gave you a passion for at Braeswood," he said. "I believe the church is ready for a mighty breakthrough. I see us being a cornerstone for southwest Houston."
The excitement of many cultures uniting has helped bring steady growth. The church counts 2,500 weekly attendees, and every week 25-30 people come to Christ, Banning said. The church also is unabashedly Spirit-filled.
"It is uncommon to have a service where the gifts don't function," Banning said. "We give place for the Holy Spirit. We don't veil or hide it. We are charismatic and let the Holy Spirit touch people's lives."
Reagan Jacks, 54, a computer consultant, came to Christ at Braeswood after going through a divorce and experimenting with New Age religions.
"
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Hillsong United Lyrics- Follow The Son
Hillsong United Lyrics- Follow The Son
You are the light
That guides my way through fear
I know my path
Will lead me to the King
And all the world
Will bow to worship You
You are the God
Who changed the world through one Holy Son
You gave everything
So all the world
Will bow in awe of You
You came down through grace
To show a better way
I follow the Son
You're the only One
Let Your kingdom come
I'm giving it all
To the One I love
I follow the Son
Jesus holy One
Let Your will be done
I give it all to You
You are everything to me (4x)
You are the light
That guides my way through fear
I know my path
Will lead me to the King
And all the world
Will bow to worship You
You are the God
Who changed the world through one Holy Son
You gave everything
So all the world
Will bow in awe of You
You came down through grace
To show a better way
I follow the Son
You're the only One
Let Your kingdom come
I'm giving it all
To the One I love
I follow the Son
Jesus holy One
Let Your will be done
I give it all to You
You are everything to me (4x)
Monday, October 13, 2008
Hillsong United: Charting the amazing rise of Australia's youth worship ministry
Considering how overcrowded the USA's modern worship scene has become, it is extraordinary that 'All Of The Above' by Hillsong United - the youth arm of Australia's mega church - should have recently reached number one in America's Christian music chart. Band principal Joel Houston recently told US journalist Andree Farias why he thought Hillsong United should have impacted the US: "Consistency. Just doing it. We don't even see ourselves as a band as much as part of a movement - I guess maybe even a mouthpiece for that. All of that starts at home, with our church, a local community. Now that we've come to [the States] and united with the people here and all over the Earth, [we're all discovering] that we share the same faith, the same passion, the same heart. What we're doing is fluid. I don't think it's something that we do for five years, and then United becomes dismissed. Ideally, it's something that goes on, something that we build over time. But our hope is to keep the main thing being the main thing. And if the main thing is creating music that people can sing in church and that young people can connect to God through, I think it's fine. As long as we're always committed to our call to serve the Church and keep that the basis for why we do what we do. We could tour 365 days a year, but we don't, because that's not our call. Record labels will tell us to do it 'cause it will help sell more albums. But at the end of the day, it's not what we do."Joel is, of course, the son of Hillsong's senior pastor Brian Houston. He is quite candid about his early musical experience. "I started playing when I was 13. We started a youth band - it was the beginnings of United. I started playing the piano, and I was horrible; I couldn't even do chords. Then I moved onto guitar. But since there was no bass player, I did that instead because I was probably the least talented guitarist out of the three that we had. I started writing songs. When I was 18, I started to see worship as a cool thing, so I started writing worship songs. And our church at that point started building quite a reputation for praise and worship. So I was fortunate enough to be in a place where there was a platform for the songs I was writing.The growth of the Hillsong Church (originally called Hills Christian Life Centre) was propelled forward by exceptional worship songs that had the certain "something" to captivate the world Church. First it was Geoff Bullock's "Power Of Your Love" and when, in '94, Geoff left Hillsong it was Darlene Zschech's "Shout To The Lord". With its particular emphasis on congregation-involving contemporary worship the Hillsong Church experienced spectacular growth, from about 4,000 members in 1994 to 19,000 today. In such a hotbed of worship it was the perfect place for a fledgling songwriter like Joel Houston to get feedback on his new songs. Explained Joel, "I might show a song to Reuben [Morgan, worship leader at Hillsong], and he's very straightforward. He'll nod his head or not do anything. Ultimately, I'll show it to Darlene [Zschech] and she may tell me something like, 'That line right there is not going to work.' She's worried about what's going to work in the Church at large. 'It's a good line, but you need to come up with something that will be more accessible to people.' From day one, I've learned to really work over my songs myself, chip away at them until they're all they can be. They say you have to write your song in private, then rewrite it in public. That's so true. You write the song, then you show it to people and you get their opinion."
Hillsong United were formed in 1998 by Hillsong worship leaders and songwriters Reuben Morgan and Marty Sampson as an edgier, more youth orientated worship alternative to the adult pop of mainstream Hillsong releases. Like their parent church, whose early albums were released under several name variants, at first the aggregation had a certain "branding problem" with the original name adopted being United Live. But whatever the confusing front sleeve design, the debut album, 1999's 'Everyday', did well, as did subsequent albums 'Best Friend' (2001) and 'King Of Majesty' (2002). Said Reuben Morgan at the time of 'King Of Majesty''s release, "This is the third United Live album - another year along in the journey. All we set out to do on this new album was to reflect the heart and soul of our youth ministry, and where the youth are with God. The youth ministry at Hillsong Church has grown over the last year and the songs and sound of the album are a reflection of that. Songs such as, 'King Of Majesty' and 'I Adore' are perfect examples of where the heart cry of our youth is today. The night of the recording was actually an unexpected amazing moment. Apart from the scores of people packing the auditorium, there was a passion for God and a raw sense of worship throughout the place. It was an amazing night where people were saved and people were simply hungry for God.
Hillsong United were formed in 1998 by Hillsong worship leaders and songwriters Reuben Morgan and Marty Sampson as an edgier, more youth orientated worship alternative to the adult pop of mainstream Hillsong releases. Like their parent church, whose early albums were released under several name variants, at first the aggregation had a certain "branding problem" with the original name adopted being United Live. But whatever the confusing front sleeve design, the debut album, 1999's 'Everyday', did well, as did subsequent albums 'Best Friend' (2001) and 'King Of Majesty' (2002). Said Reuben Morgan at the time of 'King Of Majesty''s release, "This is the third United Live album - another year along in the journey. All we set out to do on this new album was to reflect the heart and soul of our youth ministry, and where the youth are with God. The youth ministry at Hillsong Church has grown over the last year and the songs and sound of the album are a reflection of that. Songs such as, 'King Of Majesty' and 'I Adore' are perfect examples of where the heart cry of our youth is today. The night of the recording was actually an unexpected amazing moment. Apart from the scores of people packing the auditorium, there was a passion for God and a raw sense of worship throughout the place. It was an amazing night where people were saved and people were simply hungry for God.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Hillsong Album Recording 2008
Hillsong recorded their latest live album on Sunday at the Acer Arena and what a night it was… amazing, I think its the best album they've done.
So without further ado, here's what went down…
A single spotlight lit the centre of the stage and Joel walked into the light, he talked about the heart of the night, the reason why we were there and then he read from Isaiah. After that the lights went down, and then the guitars kicked into the intro for Your Name High (written by Joel), which Joel led. The sound was amazing, in previous years they've tried to keep the live sound from spilling into the mic's used to record the crowd I guess to make overdubbing easier, but probably in light of the I Heart project they have a new philosophy now… just crank it up.
Your Name High is a great song, its uptempo and a progression of the style seen in Point Of Difference on AOTA, complete with a great section of wo-oh-oh's that you'll be singing for hours after hearing it.
Next the band launched into Run (Joel Houston), similar to Your Name High, four to the floor uptempo number. Again Joel led this one.
A quick personnel change and we're into the next song, Matt Crocker runs onto the centre of the stage and leads us in Across The Earth (Matt Crocker & Reuben). This is a mid-tempo song, that has a great tag at the end "Your kingdom reigns, Your kingdom reigns, above all, above all". The song ended with the tag being sung just with keys for backing.
Lights down and then Donna Crouch appears in a spotlight reading from Isaiah. While she does this there's another personnel change and Joel disappears and is replaced by Jill, who leads us in the next song Fall At Your Feet (Reuben). Its a great ballad, typical Reuben style, however Jill really adds something to the song with her vocal, its a highlight of the night.
After this Annie Garratt moves centre stage and leads He Is Lord (Ben Fielding). Another ballad but this one is very hymn-like with a big bridge and tag line at the end "He's coming back again…".
Really good song.
At this point, there's another change and Jill leaves the stage and Darlene comes on to lead us in a new song, High And Lifted Up (Darlene). This is the first time we've done this song at church, its a good one but maybe not the best she's written though.
From there the band moves into a 6/8 groove as Jad takes a break from music directing and leads us in Stronger (Reuben and Ben Fielding). This is a great song, classic Reuben stuff. Think What The Lord Has Done and you're not far off.
At the end of this song, Mike Guglielmucci walks onto stage, carrying an oxygen tank and with tubes in his nose. He walks centre stage and begins to read from Isaiah 53. The passage finishes with the line "and by His stripes I am healed" and the whole crowd goes crazy cheering him on. Then someone hands him a guitar and he leads us in his song Healer. This totally goes off, his faith is so inspiring, I think everyone in the room felt the atmosphere change as he began to sing. This is more than a song to him, its a prayer and declaration of faith. It was so powerful.
They joined this with the tag line from You Are Here (not sure of the writers, maybe Dave George and someone from London?), Joel leading this… "The same power that conquered the grave lives in me". Its a great ending to the first half of the night.
The second half opens with Joel A'Bell reading from Isaiah and then we're into You Deserve (from the Gromie's EP) led by Sam Knock. Its a favourite here at Hillsong.
The momentum continues with JD as he leads us in Alive In You (Scott Ligertwood and Mike Guglielmucci), another uptempo song, has a bit of an English feel to it.
Desert Prayer (Brooke) is then led by Brooke and Jill. Mid tempo song, not sure how many congregations could sing this one but it was a good song nonetheless.
You'll Come (Brooke), led by Brooke and Darlene. You can check this out on the I Heart album.
After this Brooke sang part of the old hymn Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, just her and her guitar.
Another change saw Marty come on stage and make his only appearance to lead Sing To The Lord (Matt Crocker and Mike Gug). It added a freshness to this song having a male lead where you would expect it to be a female vocalist leading. It's a great song, sounds like its been lifted from a Planetshakers album.
Approaching the end of the night now and Joel Davies came on stage to lead Where We Belong (Reuben and Joel Davies). This is a real grower of a song. Lots of words to fit in but I really like it, its a bit different and unexpected for Hillsong.
Then the last song was epic. Joel led his new song With Everything. Previous to this night I'd only heard the tag in church so it was great to hear the full song. There really is no other word for this song than epic. It starts off with Joel on his acoustic guitar and some keys providing backing and builds to a massive instrumental ending with 2 extra drummers on stage with a snare each smashing away.
After everyone walked off stage the choir (in the mosh pit) began to sing the tag line of this song over and over for another 5 minutes until it became clear that the team weren't coming back on stage for an encore.
For those interested in who played… Drummers were Brandon Gillies and Rolf did a half each, Gabe made an appearance with a snare for the last song. Matt Tenni and Bob played bass. There were 4 keys players, with 3 playing at any one time, Kev Lee, Peter James, Autumn and Dave Andrew. There was a stack of guitarists and for most of the songs there were 4 electric guitarists going at the same time… Nigel, Timon, Ben Fielding, Dylan Thomas, Andrew and Joel (from the Gromies), Jad, Dean Ussher.
Reuben played electric all night, Joel, Jill, Brooke, Marty and Sam Knock played acoustic guitar. There was also a small string section for a few songs and then a brass section for another bunch of songs.
So without further ado, here's what went down…
A single spotlight lit the centre of the stage and Joel walked into the light, he talked about the heart of the night, the reason why we were there and then he read from Isaiah. After that the lights went down, and then the guitars kicked into the intro for Your Name High (written by Joel), which Joel led. The sound was amazing, in previous years they've tried to keep the live sound from spilling into the mic's used to record the crowd I guess to make overdubbing easier, but probably in light of the I Heart project they have a new philosophy now… just crank it up.
Your Name High is a great song, its uptempo and a progression of the style seen in Point Of Difference on AOTA, complete with a great section of wo-oh-oh's that you'll be singing for hours after hearing it.
Next the band launched into Run (Joel Houston), similar to Your Name High, four to the floor uptempo number. Again Joel led this one.
A quick personnel change and we're into the next song, Matt Crocker runs onto the centre of the stage and leads us in Across The Earth (Matt Crocker & Reuben). This is a mid-tempo song, that has a great tag at the end "Your kingdom reigns, Your kingdom reigns, above all, above all". The song ended with the tag being sung just with keys for backing.
Lights down and then Donna Crouch appears in a spotlight reading from Isaiah. While she does this there's another personnel change and Joel disappears and is replaced by Jill, who leads us in the next song Fall At Your Feet (Reuben). Its a great ballad, typical Reuben style, however Jill really adds something to the song with her vocal, its a highlight of the night.
After this Annie Garratt moves centre stage and leads He Is Lord (Ben Fielding). Another ballad but this one is very hymn-like with a big bridge and tag line at the end "He's coming back again…".
Really good song.
At this point, there's another change and Jill leaves the stage and Darlene comes on to lead us in a new song, High And Lifted Up (Darlene). This is the first time we've done this song at church, its a good one but maybe not the best she's written though.
From there the band moves into a 6/8 groove as Jad takes a break from music directing and leads us in Stronger (Reuben and Ben Fielding). This is a great song, classic Reuben stuff. Think What The Lord Has Done and you're not far off.
At the end of this song, Mike Guglielmucci walks onto stage, carrying an oxygen tank and with tubes in his nose. He walks centre stage and begins to read from Isaiah 53. The passage finishes with the line "and by His stripes I am healed" and the whole crowd goes crazy cheering him on. Then someone hands him a guitar and he leads us in his song Healer. This totally goes off, his faith is so inspiring, I think everyone in the room felt the atmosphere change as he began to sing. This is more than a song to him, its a prayer and declaration of faith. It was so powerful.
They joined this with the tag line from You Are Here (not sure of the writers, maybe Dave George and someone from London?), Joel leading this… "The same power that conquered the grave lives in me". Its a great ending to the first half of the night.
The second half opens with Joel A'Bell reading from Isaiah and then we're into You Deserve (from the Gromie's EP) led by Sam Knock. Its a favourite here at Hillsong.
The momentum continues with JD as he leads us in Alive In You (Scott Ligertwood and Mike Guglielmucci), another uptempo song, has a bit of an English feel to it.
Desert Prayer (Brooke) is then led by Brooke and Jill. Mid tempo song, not sure how many congregations could sing this one but it was a good song nonetheless.
You'll Come (Brooke), led by Brooke and Darlene. You can check this out on the I Heart album.
After this Brooke sang part of the old hymn Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, just her and her guitar.
Another change saw Marty come on stage and make his only appearance to lead Sing To The Lord (Matt Crocker and Mike Gug). It added a freshness to this song having a male lead where you would expect it to be a female vocalist leading. It's a great song, sounds like its been lifted from a Planetshakers album.
Approaching the end of the night now and Joel Davies came on stage to lead Where We Belong (Reuben and Joel Davies). This is a real grower of a song. Lots of words to fit in but I really like it, its a bit different and unexpected for Hillsong.
Then the last song was epic. Joel led his new song With Everything. Previous to this night I'd only heard the tag in church so it was great to hear the full song. There really is no other word for this song than epic. It starts off with Joel on his acoustic guitar and some keys providing backing and builds to a massive instrumental ending with 2 extra drummers on stage with a snare each smashing away.
After everyone walked off stage the choir (in the mosh pit) began to sing the tag line of this song over and over for another 5 minutes until it became clear that the team weren't coming back on stage for an encore.
For those interested in who played… Drummers were Brandon Gillies and Rolf did a half each, Gabe made an appearance with a snare for the last song. Matt Tenni and Bob played bass. There were 4 keys players, with 3 playing at any one time, Kev Lee, Peter James, Autumn and Dave Andrew. There was a stack of guitarists and for most of the songs there were 4 electric guitarists going at the same time… Nigel, Timon, Ben Fielding, Dylan Thomas, Andrew and Joel (from the Gromies), Jad, Dean Ussher.
Reuben played electric all night, Joel, Jill, Brooke, Marty and Sam Knock played acoustic guitar. There was also a small string section for a few songs and then a brass section for another bunch of songs.
Hillsong United Lyrics- Father,i...
Hillsong United Lyrics- Father,i...
Majesty,woderful
Holy Lord,Emanuel
Prince of peace,righteous one
Sacrefice,crowned as King
Father,I adore you
I live each day for you
Jesus,I love you
I give my heat life to you
Majesty,woderful
Holy Lord,Emanuel
Prince of peace,righteous one
Sacrefice,crowned as King
Father,I adore you
I live each day for you
Jesus,I love you
I give my heat life to you
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Hillsong United Begins US, Canada Tour with Battle Cry
One of the world's most renowned praise bands is bringing their modern rock worship to cities all across the United States and Canada beginning Friday with the first event of their North American tour.
Hillsong United – the youth-centered worship ministry of the Sydney-based megachurch Hillsong Church – started their tour Friday at the Battle Cry event being held April 13 to 14 in Detroit. Nearly 30,000 teens were expected to attend the event aimed to combat a generation taken over by secular culture.
Friday's event is the first in a series of concerts to reach out to tens of thousands of young Christians around the states and provinces.
"We are really excited about coming back to North America and we're looking forward to taking songs, which have been specifically written to be sung corporately, to young people across the continent," explained Joel Houston, Hillsong United's creative director as well as worship leader, in a statement.
As part of the international tour, the band will also be promoting the May release of All of the Above, the group's eighth album and first-ever studio recording. It includes twelve new, original tracks that are meant to inspire and excite Christians.
"With the tour and new record, our hope is to stir up a generation both locally and globally to live lives that are sold out for God and His Cause," added Houston, "lives that are committed to being His hands and feet on the planet, and to bringing justice to the hurting and the broken."
Another notable stop along the US portion of the tour will be on April 22 when the worship ensemble arrives in Nashville for the Gospel Music Association's Music Week – a weeklong event that brings together the largest collection of people involved in the Christian music industry. GMA Music Week also leads up to the Dove Awards, the most prestigious Christian music awards showcase.
While at the GMA Music Week, the band will lead the Sunday night worship service to be held at the Ryman Theatre. Alongside them will be the host for the night, Christian superstar Michael W. Smith.
Hillsong United has also recently launched a new movement called "The I Heart Revolution." Through it, they hope to unite the world by showing their travels all around the globe, and how God has impacted each of the regions they visited. In the compiled documentary, they will show video from Asia, South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia from over the last 12 months.
"It became so clear that God is doing something significant among young people," said Houston in a statement. "Regardless of language or geography, whenever they worshipped God, something powerful happened."
Hillsong United – the youth-centered worship ministry of the Sydney-based megachurch Hillsong Church – started their tour Friday at the Battle Cry event being held April 13 to 14 in Detroit. Nearly 30,000 teens were expected to attend the event aimed to combat a generation taken over by secular culture.
Friday's event is the first in a series of concerts to reach out to tens of thousands of young Christians around the states and provinces.
"We are really excited about coming back to North America and we're looking forward to taking songs, which have been specifically written to be sung corporately, to young people across the continent," explained Joel Houston, Hillsong United's creative director as well as worship leader, in a statement.
As part of the international tour, the band will also be promoting the May release of All of the Above, the group's eighth album and first-ever studio recording. It includes twelve new, original tracks that are meant to inspire and excite Christians.
"With the tour and new record, our hope is to stir up a generation both locally and globally to live lives that are sold out for God and His Cause," added Houston, "lives that are committed to being His hands and feet on the planet, and to bringing justice to the hurting and the broken."
Another notable stop along the US portion of the tour will be on April 22 when the worship ensemble arrives in Nashville for the Gospel Music Association's Music Week – a weeklong event that brings together the largest collection of people involved in the Christian music industry. GMA Music Week also leads up to the Dove Awards, the most prestigious Christian music awards showcase.
While at the GMA Music Week, the band will lead the Sunday night worship service to be held at the Ryman Theatre. Alongside them will be the host for the night, Christian superstar Michael W. Smith.
Hillsong United has also recently launched a new movement called "The I Heart Revolution." Through it, they hope to unite the world by showing their travels all around the globe, and how God has impacted each of the regions they visited. In the compiled documentary, they will show video from Asia, South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia from over the last 12 months.
"It became so clear that God is doing something significant among young people," said Houston in a statement. "Regardless of language or geography, whenever they worshipped God, something powerful happened."
HILLSONG UNITED - All of the Above
Hillsong has a reputation for churning out great worship music and could be accurately described as one of the most influential forces in both the church worship experience and the CCM music industry. The latest release from Hillsong United, the youth band from the renown Hillsong church, entitled All of the Above, will likely be added to their long list of successes. The record starts off with a rock driven tune called "Point of Difference." Musically speaking, it is filled with energy and would have the youth around the world jumping around and praising, however other than the hook line and title I couldn't make a fair judgment lyrically. Though the group hails from Sydney, Australia the lyrics are usually more understandable than on this particular cut. It frustrated me a little that even when I really focused on trying to understand the lyrics I couldn't make out about 50% of the words that were being sung. "Break Free" was in the same musical vein and features a different male vocal that was a little easier to translate, though not lyrically impressive from a songwriter's standpoint. "Desperate People" slows things down and brings a mellow feel to the album, and melodically proves why Hillsong is so successful. "Devotion" helps strengthen the lyrical integrity of the record and musically encourages worship. This is what Hillsong is known for and the quality of music that I expect to hear from them. The album is arranged in the order that you would probably hear the band do their live set. There is a great overall flow and listening to it naturally draws worshipful emotions out of your soul. "Lead Me to the Cross" is the first female lead on the record and quickly becomes of my favorites. She weaves a beautiful tapestry of song with her heartfelt vocals and leaves you wanting more. We hear more, a song later on "Hosanna," another one of my favorites on the record. The only thing I didn't care for about this song, is a particular instrumental sound that sounds like a siren. It was extremely annoying, unnerving and at times frightening. Thankfully it was only for a few measures. This tune is followed by one of two "Selah" times on the record, which are kind of spontaneous worship songs. Very cool! "Solution" and "My Future Decided" are reminiscent of the first of the record, with their heavy rock vibe. "Never Let Me Go" serves as a nice bridge into the last few worshipful tunes, "You" and "Saviour King." Musically speaking this is a solid record. The lyrics failed to impress me or even inspire me on several of the cuts, which was disappointing, but I probably am a tad more harsh as a songwriter than most of United's youthful target audience. They will love it! I appreciated the natural flow of the record and the different vocal sounds they offered by switching leads. Though I don't care for this effort as much as their last one, I would have to say there are still at least 4 songs on this record that will be sung worldwide, and saying "that ain't bad" is an understatement.
Hillsong United-Evermore
Hillsong United-Evermore
Lost for words with all to say
Lord you take my breath away
Still my soul, my soul cries out
For you are holy
And as I look upon your name
Circumstances fade away
Now your glory steals my heart
You are holy
You are holy Lord
Evermore my heart, my heart will say
Above all, I live for your glory
Even if my world falls I will say
Above all, I live for your glory
With all my heart I'll say
I'm living for your name
With all to give you praise
We're living for your glory Lord
Lost for words with all to say
Lord you take my breath away
Still my soul, my soul cries out
For you are holy
And as I look upon your name
Circumstances fade away
Now your glory steals my heart
You are holy
You are holy Lord
Evermore my heart, my heart will say
Above all, I live for your glory
Even if my world falls I will say
Above all, I live for your glory
With all my heart I'll say
I'm living for your name
With all to give you praise
We're living for your glory Lord
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