It was a very snowy weekend for the first of March. However, fifty-five registrants braved the elements and enjoyed a memorable weekend of teaching, singing and fellowship.
From the Ends of the earth, we hear singing; "Glory to the Righteous One" Isaiah 24:16
Shared from www.hartfordchurch.org
A workshop on "Vertical Worship" was led by Dave Eastman from Chicago. Dave is an evangelist and worship leader who has influenced thousands in their devotion to our Father. The event allowed many song leaders from around New England to use their instrumental and musical talents, as well as hear Biblical messages.
Following many congregational songs to kick off the Friday night portion, Dave preached along with Power Point. He referred to two main scriptures. The first, Ephesians 5:19, speaks of how we should speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. The second, Colossians 3:16, also deals with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. However, this time it mentions that we should sing these with gratitude to God. Ephesians 5 maintains the importance of one-another or horizontal singing. Colossians 3 deals with a different aspect of singing. It is to God or vertical worship.
Lesson 1: Vertical Worship
Dave's contention was that both types of singing are ne
eded. However, his experience has shown him that we tend to be much better in our fellowship with horizontal singing (because it is done far more frequently) than we are with vertical worship. Vertical worship takes the focus off of what the up-front singers are doing or even those sitting nearby. We are praying and communicating to God alone through the music offered to Him.
Next, we practiced several vertical songs. Understanding and focusing on who we are singing to changes everything. After and during the mountain-top first night, thick and heavy snow fell. The forecasters said we would get that throughout the next day up until the early afternoon. The decision was made to stick with the original program (beginning at 10 AM) and trust God. At about 9 AM on Saturday, the snow stopped falling. The accumulation was less than originally predicted, about five inches.
The snow just proved a beautiful backdrop to the workshop as a few additional registrants arrived at the Greater Hartford Church of Christ building on Saturday morning. After more singing and playing, Dave Eastman once again addressed the crowd on "Glory To The Righteous One," the theme for the weekend conference.
The singers enjoyed lunch at various locations around the area in the aftermath of another powerful lesson. The discussions were lively as they interacted on news and worship from around New England. The session following the break was actually two classes. One was taught by Rich Evans from Worcester on "Planning and Organization." The other was led by another Worcesterite, Jerry Maday, on the subject of "Music Theory and Reality." People learned some conducting basics, including how and why to use a pitch-pipe - which all registrants received for attending the workshop. The day concluded with more worship and thoughts from Dave and several musicians.
Lesson 1: Vertical Worship http://youtu.be/CC0UbXME6Ng
See this site for the material covered ... (Including Quiet Times): Coming Soon
Though much of two days was devoted to this workshop, the time seemed to fly by. Many talented and passionate disciples dove into their area of expertise and heart in an attempt to personally connect more with God and then take it back to their home churches.
There will be a worship conference in Chicago this year for all those in the International Churches of Christ. For any interested, find our more at www.gloriousconference.com. And for those who attended this event - keep on singing and playing for the glory of The Righteous One. And spread the good news of vertical worship to Him.
Jimmy Allen
