Set List for Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve Services

O Holy Night - Barlow Girls

Gloria - Mercy Me

All Creation Sing (Joy to the World) - Steve Fee

Silent Night - Meck Arrangement

O Come All Ye Faithful - Third Day

Set List for 12/18

Week 3 of the Mother of God Series

Rise and Sing - Steve Fee

Grace - Steven Gompers

From the Inside Out - Kristian Stanfill

In Your City - Phil Wickham

First Noel - Phil Wickham

Set List for 12/11

Week 2 of the Mother of God Series

God Is Alive - Steve Fee Live

The Time Has Come - Hillsong

O Come Let Us Adore Him - Meck Arrangement

Forever Reign - Hillsong Live

Breath of Heaven - Amy Grant

Set List for 12/4

Week 1 of the Mother of God Series

Freedom is Here - Hillsong

Run - Hillsong Live

You'll Come - Brooke Fraser

Cannons - Phil Wickham

Set List For 11/27

Thanksgiving

You Deserve - Hillsong

My Glorious - Delirious?

Mighty to Save - Hillsong

Run - Hillsong

Always - Passion

No One Higher/The Stand - Steve Fee

Set List For 11/20

Week 6 of Mythbusting Series

The Time Has Come - Hillsong

Your Name High - Hillsong

From the Inside Out - Kristian Stanfill

Revelation Song - Kim Walker

Set Lists For 11/13

11/13: Week 5 of Mythbusting Series

All Because of Jesus - Steve Fee

Our God is Love - Hillsong

Your Love Never Fails - Jesus Culture (ONLY at NC & MIL)

With Everything - Hillsong (ONLY at LKN)

Set Lists For 11/6

11/6: Week 4 of Mythbusting Series

You Deserve - Hillsong

Grace - Steven Gompers

Our God - Chris Tomlin

God is Alive - Steve Fee

Offering Song (Only at NC campus): Cannons - Phil Wickham

Set Lists For 10/30

10/30: Week Three of Mythbusting Series

God is Alive - Steve Fee

Rise and Sing - Steve Fee

Let God Arise - Chris Tomlin

Jesus Paid it All - Kristian Stanfill

Set Lists for 10/15 and 10/22

10/15: Week One of Mythbusting Series
Run - Hillsong
Here is Our King - DCB
Revelation Song - Kari Jobe
All My Fountains - Chris Tomlin

10/22: Week Two of Mythbusting Series
The Time Has Come - HIllsong
*Lead Me To The Cross - Hillsong (*Chorus at end by Steven Gompers)
Our God is Love - HIllsong
Yours Forever - HIllsong

Set List for final week of Under Protective Parent, 10/8&9

All three Meck sites went acoustic this weekend with the following set:

Our God is Love - Hillsong
Your Love Never Fails - Jesus Culture
You Hold me Now - Hillsong
Sing, Sing, Sing (Passion)

Offering:
At Your Name - Phil Wickham

10/1&2 Set List for Week Three of Under Protective Parent

Here is Our King - DCB
My Glorious - Tomlin
You Won't Relent - Jesus Culture
Forever Reign - Hillsong

Offering:
Like an Avalanche - Hillsong

Set Lists for first two weeks of Under Protective Parent

9/17 & 18:
You Deserve - Hillsong
Your Name High - Hillsong
In Your City - Phil Wickham
You'll Come - Hillsong
Our God - Tomlin

Offering:
All to You - Lincoln Brewster

9/24 & 25:
Run - Hillsong
The Time has Come - Hillsong
Cannons - Phil Wickham
Grace - Steven Gompers
God is Alive - Fee

Offering/Media piece:
Our God is Love - Lee McDermett

Set List for 9/10&11

9/11: Ten Years Later

Our God is Love - Hillsong
How Great is Our God - Chris Tomlin
You Never Let Go - Matt Redman
No One Higher/Stand - Fee

Closing: Wonderful Cross - Chris Tomlin

Communion Set List

This weekend marked a 'first' for our church - we celebrated Communion at all of our weekend experiences and at all three Charlotte area sites. If you missed the teaching, be sure to go listen to the mp3 that outlines why this is such an important event in the life of every Christ follower and why we celebrate it as we do at Meck.

Yours Forever - Hillsong United
The Time Has Come - Hillsong United
Beautiful Jesus - Kristian Stanfill
Grace - Steven Gompers
Hold On - Phil Wickham
Your Name High - Hillsong United

LifeForce Set Lists

8/13&14:
Let God Arise - Chris Tomlin
You Deserve - Hillsong
Revelation Song - Kari Jobe
Always - Kristian Stanfill
The Time Has Come - Hillsong United
Because of Your Love - Catalyst Project

8/20&21:
God is Alive - Fee
Run - Hillsong
Forever Reign - Hillsong
With Everything - Hillsong
Stronger - Hillsong

8/27&28:
Rise and Sing - Fee
Our God is Love - Hillsong
Always - Kristian Stanfill
(Freedom Video)
Freedom is Here - Hillsong
Go - Hillsong

Romans 1:1 final installment

I've been sitting on this blog post for a few weeks now, but it's way past time to post it. So here goes.

We've been looking at the way the apostle Paul chose to identify

himself to his readers as he begins this epic letter to the church in

Rome. So far we've observed that Paul would encapsulate his identity

three ways; first as a slave by choice to Jesus Christ. Second, as a

man called to be an apostle, and finally, "separated unto the gospel

of God."

The word separated here is pretty strong, it means to set off by

boundary, or to sever. Those are pretty stout mental images there. The

idea of marking off something by creating a boundary, like a block

wall or a tall fence is pretty strong. Or to sever, like...well that

word speaks medically to itself. Yikes!

Today I'd like us to consider not what we are instructed to be

separated from by Paul's example here, but what we are to be separated

TOO. To focus on being separated from something here, like being

separated from "the world" might get us into some dangerous territory

as we are also instructed to be "in the world, but not of the world."

We must interact with those far from Christ if we have any hope of

sharing the love of Christ with them.

Now, I'm not saying we are not called to be separated from something.

Our lives as Christ followers ought to be different. Our speech,

lifestyles, integrity, work ethic and so on should look very different

than that of those without saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. If we are

to pattern our lives after the life of Jesus we certainly ought not blend in.

Jesus did a lot more offending than he did blending.

And in that way, we certainly need to be separated from the world.

But for right now, I'd just like to focus the other half of the

equation, and that is to whom we are to be separated. And to

illustrate my point I'd like to tell you a story about when this light

bulb came on for me.

One day as I left the grocery store with my daughter Ava in tow, I had

both hands full of bags and soda. Like most parents, we require our

children to hold our hands as we cross a street or parking lot. But on

this day, both hands were full and I hadn't thought the whole walking

to the car business through. So this was the ensuing convsation-

Me: Ava, you need to hold onto the diet coke bottle here in my hand

and don't let go.

Ava: Why do I have to hold the diet coke?

Me: Because you need to... stay connected to me...somehow.

"light bulb"

You see, as long as she was holding the diet coke bottle, she was

connected to me. I knew where she was and she knew where I was. If I

stopped she would have no choice but to stop as well, as long as she's

connected to me. And this was for many reasons, but primarily for her own safety. I can see what she can't see because I'm taller, older, wiser and more

experienced at navigating the dangerous crosswalks with speedy cars

and unpredictable dangers.

I think the parallel is pretty obvious at this point. We need to stay

closely connected to our heavenly Father. He is the well spring of

life, the light to our path, the lamp for our feet. And its for our

best interest! It reminds me of one of my favorite passages of the

Bible, John ch. 15. "Abiding in the vine." Keeping a close union with

our Savior is vital. But let's go the last five percent, as Jim likes to say.

How does this apply to Paul's description of himself, and the passage we're studying?

Our close union with Christ needs to define us.

In the same way that our calling and choice to serve God defines us, we ought

to be able to define ourselves in these three ways, based on Romans 1:1 -

1. I choose to serve Jesus and His plans are more important than mine.

2. I am certain of God's calling on my life, and that dictates my decisions.

3. I keep intimate communion with God atop my to-do list at all times.

If we can't honestly describe ourselves this way, let's make it so. And let's set our focus on staying closely connected, and separated to God our Father.

Thanks for continuing this journey through Romans with me. Next time

we'll move on from verse one...

much love, -g

Set List for 7/9&10

Here is Our King - DCB
God is Alive - Fee
Cannons - Phil Wickham
All my Fountains - Chris Tomlin
You Never Let Go - Matt Redman
Let God Arise - Chris Tomlin

Set List for 7/2&3

The Time Has Come - Hillsong
You Deserve - Hillsong
Enough - Tomlin
Our God - Tomlin
Run - Hillsong
Heaven and Earth - Phil Wickham

Set List for 6/25&26

Rise and Sing - Fee
Living for You - Gateway Church
You'll Come - Brooke Fraser
Forever Reign - Jason Ingram & Reuben Morgan
From the Inside Out - Joel Houston

Crazy Love - Hawk Nelson

Our Calling and Identity in Christ

Romans 1:1 "Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God..."

This week we’re going to take a look at the second of three phrases Paul used to identify himself as he opened his letter to the church in Rome. As I stated last time, the significance of Paul’s opening words are that he is identifying himself to the readers, and by doing so in this fashion, he sums up 'who he is' by these phrases.

After referring to himself as a bondservant of Jesus Christ, Paul says he is “called to be an apostle...”

We are not all called to do the same thing, and there is no more or less important calling in The Church, or the "body" of Christ. However, we are all instructed to be certain of OUR CALLING, or as The Message Translation puts it, “God’s invitation to you, His choice of you.” (2 Peter 1:10) But let’s not get our ambitions or desires mixed up with God’s calling. Sometimes we WANT to be or do something that God has not called us to be. And, as Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa plainly puts it, “You can’t be any more than God has called you to be. And we often times get into trouble trying to do more than God has called us to do.” We are not responsible to God for any more or any less than what He has called us to. 

But why is it so important that you and I be certain of God’s calling? Why shouldn’t we just attend church, give faithfully, and serve where there’s a need? The way I'm challenged by this question is an important element behind Paul’s description of himself. Not his apostleship, but in his identity being firmly rooted in his calling.

The instruction found earlier in the first chapter of 2 Peter really give us insight to this:

“...Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One[Jesus] who invited us to God...don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others...But if anyone does not have [these qualities], he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.” (from verses 3-8)

Peter goes on to explain to us that for this reason, be certain of God's intent for you and you will be firmly rooted, you will not fail. (v.10) Essentially it's a stair step process with a successful life of following Christ being the top step. Each subsequent step is outlined as character, discipline, patience, love, etc. As we are shaped by these traits we can become certain of our calling. If we neglect the pursuit of these traits, it will be as if we've forgotten that the perfect blood of Jesus acts as perfect atonement for our sins.

Knowing our individual calling is a key to our personal spiritual development. And our resolve to become more like Christ is pivotal in reaching the world Jesus died for. Because when we build character, patience and love on top of basic faith in Jesus, we can be certain of God’s calling and firmly rooted in Christ. Only then can we exercise God’s calling, be used to reach the world, and really discover who we are in Christ.

So where are we on this proverbial stair step process? Are our lives marked by these characteristics? Are we on a steady path of building patience and character towards exercising God's best intention for us? Subsequently, do the people in our lives know that WE KNOW that we are forgiven and free from the snare of sin?

One of the most important lessons I learned in Bible College was to confront the truth in the Bible honestly. So when I'm directly challenged by the Bible's instruction I must honestly compare that to my life, and make no excuses. 

That is, if I really believe Jesus gave up his life so I could live.

-g

Are you a bondservant of Jesus?

I'm writing this blog to convey Biblical truth that will challenge my team of worship leaders, interns, musicians and sound techs as I am challenged by God's Word. If you don't fall into this category of people, but are encouraged by the blog, then great! Thanks for taking this journey with me. For this season I will blog my way through the book of Romans. May God lead my eyes to fall and settle on the words and concepts that will most appropriately lead and challenge my team for this season of life, in Jesus' name, Amen. Here we go-


Paul is writing this letter to the church in Rome, from the city of Corinth about 25 years after he saw Jesus on the road to Damascus. He was on his way to Jerusalem, with the intent to eventually go to Rome, which ultimately he did. The "in your face" biblical challenge starts out in verse one, chapter one. "Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God..." I'm stunned by this self description and I think it's worth considering. So let's do this in 3 parts, the first being the term, bondservant.


The best and most concise definition I can find for the word bondservant is this: devoted to another to the disregard of one’s own interests. The origin of the word comes from early accounts in the Bible in both Genesis and Leviticus. (Genesis ch. 9 and 29. Leviticus ch. 25) On some accounts the term is used to describe a person who owes a debt they can not repay. In another account, the bondservant is free, yet freely chooses to serve his master. He forfeits his rights as a free man and submits to his master's authority. In either case it's an interesting way for the apostle Paul to describe himself in this the first sentence of his letter. 


Unlike letters we write today, authors would begin by identifying themselves. Interestingly Paul opts to focus on his calling, apostleship and servanthood to Jesus to describe the very depth and essence of who he is. He did not say Paul, formerly Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee, a descendant of the tribe of Benjamin, a citizen of Rome, raised in Jerusalem "at the feet of Gamaliel" - all of which titles would be accurate, impressive and would carry much weight in the eyes of his readers. But he first called himself a bondservant of Jesus Christ: as if to say, "ABOVE ALL ELSE, greater than any other credentials or identifications, I am a chosen slave to the will of my master, Jesus Christ to whom I am in debt that I can not repay." 


So what about you and me? In writing a letter would we ultimately describe ourselves in such a way? Is the fundamental basis of our identity encompassed as a bondservant of Jesus Christ? Or better yet, are we even challenged that it ought to be? 


In 1 Corinthians 11:1(NLT) Paul writes, "And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ." If we are to take the Bible's instructions as the absolute Word of God; the inspired instructions that are without flaw- see 2 Timothy 3:16-17,2 Peter 1:20-21, 1 Corinthians 2:13 - then let's conclude this thought by following the chain of logic:


1. The Bible is true, and It's instruction to us is perfect, and applicable.


2. Paul, under the inspiration of God, tells us to imitate him as he imitates Christ.


3. Paul considers his identity to be found in his relentless commitment to the will of God.


4. We too ought to consider ourselves as bondservants, in debt to a loving master, subject to His will. And this ought to identify us as deeply as our name, our fingerprints or our DNA. If it does not, then let's make it so. 


A simple prayer to kickstart this mindset:
Father, may my identity be found in You. Help me to relinquish my will to yours. I choose today to be a bondservant to Your will. May this fact dictate me decisions and demeanor today. Amen.


Next time we'll delve into the second of three descriptions Paul uses for himself, "called to be an apostle..." 


much love -g

Just Do It Series Set Lists

June 4/5
You Deserve - Hillsong
Let God Arise - Tomlin
God Is Alive - Fee
Blessed Be Your Name - Matt Redman/Meck
Our God - Tomlin
Love is Here - Tenth Avenue North

June 11/12
Our God Is Love - Hillsong
Your Love Never Fails - Jesus Culture
Mighty to Save - Laura Story/HIllsong
Kingdom - Kristian Stanfill
Revelation Song - Kari Jobe
Wondrous Cross- Redman/Tomlin
Amazing Grace - traditional
No One Higher/Stand - Fee

June 18/19
All to You - Lincoln Brewster
You Deserve - Hillsong
Grace - Steve Gompers
Freedom is Here - Hillsong
Beautiful Day - U2

Momentum Series Set Lists

Momentum Week 1:
Our God is Love
Your Name High
Jesus Paid is All
Salvation is Here
Freedom is Here
Offering: Awakening-Switchfoot

Momentum Week 2:
Run
God is Alive
Your Love Never Fails
All Because of Jesus
Yours Forever
Offering: Right now-Van Halen

Momentum Week 3:
The Time Has Come
Rise and Sing
Your Name High
Offering: Captivate Us-Watermark
Your Hold me Now
Revelation Song

Momentum Week 4:
Yours Forever
Salvation is Here
From the Inside Out
In Your City
Living for You
Offering: We Are One-Switchfoot

Momentum Week 5:
God is Alive
My Glorious
Lead me to the Cross
With Everything
Run
Offering: You Deserve - Hillsong

EASTER AT VERIZON!

What can I say to capture what went down at Verizon yesterday? Not sure there are words that can sum it up other than to say we have been praying like mad for God to be all over the planning, the weather, the invitations, the technology, the message, our children's programming, NeedToBreathe, the whole day...and the Holy Spirit moved in big ways. What an honor it was to be a part of a day filled with real life change for thousands and thousands of people. Humbled and Grateful to be a part of a church that doesn't do what's easiest, but is always looking for what's best and most strategic for reaching our friends and family with the gospel.


Opener:
Let Your Glory Shine - Lincoln Brewster

Rise and Sing - Fee
God is Alive - Fee
Yours Forever - Hillsong

Offering:
Manifesto - The City Harmonic

During Baptisms:
In Your City - Phil Wickham
Revelation Song - Kari Jobe
True Love - Phil Wickham
Wonderous Cross - Redman/Tomlin

Closing Music by NeedToBreathe! (Just an fyi: These guys could not have been nicer or more excited about partnering with us for Easter at Verizon 2011. While I was all ready a fan of their music, I'm now a fan of them as people. They are real deal. Now go support them and buy their music!)

Set List for 4/9&10

The Time Has Come - Hillsong
Wondrous Cross - Chris Tomlin
Grace - Steve Gompers/Nichole Broome

Offering:
Speaking Louder Than Before - Jeremy Camp

Closing:
Spirit of the Living God-Traditional Hymn
Freedom is Here - Hillsong

Set List Update

Sorry, haven't updated set lists in a few weeks! This will get you up to speed:

3/19:
All Because of Jesus-Fee
Forever Reign - Hillsong
From the Inside Out - Hillsong
Our God is Love - Hillsong

Offering: LIght Up the Sky - The Afters

3/26:
God is Alive - Fee
Your Name High - Hillsong
The Glory of It All - DCB
With Everything - Hillsong
Tag You Never Let Go - Matt Redman

Offering: By your side - Tenth Avenue North

4/2:
Our God - Chris Tomlin
Yours Forever - Hillsong
No One Higher/Stand - Fee
O Praise Him - DCB
Here is Our King - DCB

Offering: What if - Nichole Nordeman

March 12/13 Set List

Salvation is here - Kristian Stanfill/Meck Version
Your Name High - Hillsong
Beautiful Jesus - Kristian Stanfill
In Your City - Phil Wickham
Run - Hillsong

Offering Song provided by MecKidz worship team (and they totally rocked it out at every campus!): "Jump"

March 5/6

Our God is Love - Lee McDermott
Here is Our King - DCB
No One Higher - Fee
Rise and Sing - Fee

Offering:
Go - HIllsong

Set List for 2/26&27

Yours Forever - Hillsong
Our God is Love - Hillsong
You Won't Relent - Jesus Culture

Offering Song/Mixed Media:
Give me Your Eyes - Brandon Heath

Musicians & Vocalists - come see us!

Musicians and Vocalists: this is your time - your time to use your talents in a way that has outrageous impact, challenges you artistically, encourages your spiritual life, connects you to community and is just plain fun!

Who: Musicians and Vocalists interested in participating @ Meck
Date: Wednesday, 3/9
Time: Drop in any time between 5-8p (15-20 minutes per person)
What to bring: Your instrument (drums available on site) and come prepared to play/sing a song that represents your style
Where: North Charlotte Auditorium

More info?
Email Kgray@mecklenburg.org or leave a comment here!

2/19&20 set list

Let God Arise- Chris Tomlin
God is Alive - Fee
Hosanna - Hillsong
My Glorious - Passion
tag of 'How great is our God' - traditional

Offering:
True Love - Phil Wickham

2/12&13 Set List

All Because of Jesus - Fee
Here is Our King - DCB
Revelation Song - Kari Jobe
Your Love Never Fails - Jesus Culture/Chris Quilala
Freedom is Here - Hillsong

Offering:
Come to Save Us - Sons & Daughters

Do you know how much He loves you?

A team member sent me a video link this week about worship and there was one part that really stood out and grabbed my attention. The video was an interview with Kim Walker-Smith and she said the following about worship:

"If you are not passionate about your relationship with Jesus, not passionate about worshipping, i really think it's because you don't know yet how much He loves you.

Because the word says we love Him because He first loved us. And what that means is that the moment we encounter His love, it ignites the flame of passion in our hearts. The way that we were created, in our DNA, in the very fiber of who we are, we were created to respond to His love, so when we have that encounter we can't help but respond back in love to Jesus. That's what makes the passion real, that's what makes the love real, it doesn't have to be something that's hyped up or worked up, because when you go into worship, it's just that love coming out because we are responding to His love."

A great thought for all of us - is our worship (personal and corporate) our response to His love and sacrifice? Do we get that? Do we really know how much God loves us? Do we really understand the depth of that LOVE?

"At the wonderful, tragic, mysterious tree
On that beautiful, scandalous night you and me
Were atoned by His blood and forever washed white
On that beautiful, scandalous night"

Do you know how much God loves you? Does your worship reflect that truth?

Set List for 2/5&6

At all THREE sites - Praise God!

Living For You - Gateway Worship
Rise and Sing - Fee
The Time Has Come - Hillsong
He Loves Us - Kim Walker/Jesus Culture version

Offering Song:
Your Love - Chrystina Lloree Fincher

Set List for 1/29&30

Run - Hillsong
With Everything - Hillsong
No One higher - Fee
tag of Jesus paid it all - Kristian Stanfill

Offering:
Psalm 62 - John Michael Talbot

1/22&23 Set List

Here is Our King - DCB
O Praise Him - DCB
You Hold Me Now - Hillsong
God is Alive - Hillsong Live

Offering:
All I Want - Future of Forestry

BASS PLAYERS NEEDED!

Do you play bass? or know someone who does? We are in REAL need of some bass players at Meck as we go to three campuses. Please email kristinagray@carolina.rr.com if you're interested or leave a comment right here on the blog.
Thanks!

THANKS!

For everyone who came and everyone who prayed for the 'jam session' tonight, I want to say THANK YOU!

We met some AWESOME people and God was definitely in the house! Humbled yet again by the artists of Meck.

Did you miss out? Get in touch and let's chat about your role with the arts!

Jam Session for New/Interested Musicians & Vocalists!

Musicians and Vocalists: this is your time - your time to use your talents in a way that has outrageous impact, challenges you artistically, encourages your spiritual life, connects you to community and is just plain fun!

Who: Musicians and Vocalists interested in participating @ Meck
Date: Wednesday, 1/19
Time: Drop in any time between 5-8p (15-20 minutes per person)
What to bring: Your instrument (drums available on site) and come prepared to play/sing a song that represents your style
Where: North Charlotte Auditorium

Set List for 1/15&16

All of the songs in the set are by Hillsong:
Our God is Love
Your Name High
Stronger
Forever Reign

Offering:
Dare You To Move - Switchfoot

Set List for 1/8&9

Wow - what a kickoff to the new series!

Freedom is Here - Hillsong
God is Alive - Fee
You'll Come - Hillsong
Yours forever - Hillsong

Offering:
Shine - Collective Soul

Set List for Jan 1/2

Run-Hillsongs
Salvation is Here - Lincoln Brewster Version
Lead Me To The Cross - Hillsongs United
No One Higher - Fee
Rise and Sing - Fee