Worship 11-29-09

Worship team

Malayalam Worship

Purpose:
To encourage all the believers to sing and worship in our mother tongue of Malayalam.  I strongly believe worship is not a program, it is the highest form of praising the Lord.  When we get to heaven all we will be doing is to sing praises to our Lord day and night and we might as well do it in our worship.  The purpose is to learn some of the old Malayalam songs written by saints from their experience and also not ignoring the new songs.

Goal:
To get all the believers involved in singing, by clapping their hands, singing from their heart, concentrating on the words and message of the song.  When every one do it together the Spirit of the Lord would come down from Heaven and Holy Spirit take charge of the Service.

Challenge:

              To get our Malayalees to lift their hands and worship.  We think that lifting our hands during worship is a Western style.  If we study the Old Testament, especially the Book of Psalms we read that frequently.  We have a long way to go in that area.

              Also, another challenge is that most of the Malayalam songs, especially the old songs are written  in classical style, meant to be played with Tabala, Small drums, tambarines, Harmoniums etc.  It is very hard for our young people to adapt to this type of songs, melody and the rythm.  Lot of times, a worship leader have to improvise and practice the songs with our young people who helps us with the music in our churches.


Overall, the Malayalam Worship in our church in Lakeland is owesome, compared to lot of other churches, thanks to our Music Team.

Thanks,
Philip K. Joseph

English Worship

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn—shout for joy before the LORD, the King.” ~Psalm 98:4-6

      In today’s society, music is a force that has the power to influence all kinds of people in all walks of life. As a team, we have realized the influence we have on everyone who happens to walk through the double doors of the church sanctuary and we are doing something about it. The Powerhouse music team has a hefty responsibility to shape the worship experience for the congregation through instruments, voices, and notes. In essence, our purpose is to teach Biblical truths, as well as encourage people to move towards God with great passion and speed by using song and music. We are influencing people’s view of God, by making ourselves vessels to be used by Him for His glory.

      What a humbling thought.  Especially as 99% of the music team is made up from the youth of the church—and we are constantly struggling with growing up in a sinful world day to day, as well as trying to realize what God’s call is in our lives. We’re not perfect, and we all make mistakes, but as it says in the Bible, “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:11-13 (NIV)

      The music team consists of over 14 members (give or take a few who have gone on to college or have moved away.) In addition to playing the English worship on Sundays, the music team has gone to several nursing homes throughout the Lakeland area to minister to the elderly, and individual members have participated in various conventions and meetings throughout the country. As a whole, it is our desire to be used in ministry wherever possible, but we would like to stress this thought over and over: We hope that people don’t see us, but they see Christ through us, whether it be through singing, playing an instrument, or by running sound.  That is what worship is--using whatever talent God has given us to praise Him and do His will. The talent, dedication, hardwork of this team is incredible, and as a co-leader, I could ask for nothing better.

      We are doing our best to be a “team after God’s own heart” through prayer, service, and accountability to one another, but we still need your help!  Please keep us in prayer, and please keep the encouraging words coming!

Hope to see you on Sunday!

~Beenita Raju 

Photo - Worship Team 08-09

Photo - Worship Team 06-07