Message Series: “Hope Has Come”

Song / Version / Key / Leader
“Open Up The Heavens” – Meredith Andrews – Key of B – Female 1 Lead
“Cornerstone” – Hillsong – Key of C – Male 1 Lead
“Never Once” – Matt Redman – Key of G – Female 2 Lead
“How He Loves” – Jesus Culture – Key of G – Female 1 Lead
“Nothing But the Blood” – Jesus Culture – Key of C – Female 1 Lead

Starting our new series for the month of December, I thought that there was no better song to open with from our list than “Open Up the Heavens.” It is a great invocation song with a chorus melody that will remain in your head for days! I encourage you if you aren’t familiar with this song to check out the lyrics and consider introducing it to your church.

We then transitioned to the key of C for “Cornerstone” and played the intro lead line while Pastor Devin welcomed everyone and read a passage of scripture. I love having a modern hymn in the mix, especially when coming out of a fairly new song or when following with a more “free worship” song such as “How He Loves.” It gives nice balance.

Ending with the down verse, “…faultless stand before the throne,” we went to the key of G via midi pad to begin the intro of “How He Loves.” I prayed during this intro to let it breathe a little and help shift gears before we began singing. We again ended with a down chorus after a “free worship” moment (which we planned) before Pastor Ron (our executive pastor) came to pray and lead us into the meet & greet time.

After the sermon, Pastor Devin lead us into the response time and set up Communion. During the time of reflection he set up just before we took the elements, we played/sang “Nothing But the Blood.” We only did verse 1 and verse 4 with the choruses, while also added in a little more movement to it with a marching snare beat beginning at verse 4. This gave it a fresh feel and added dynamics. I would encourage you also to be creative when doing either a hymn or a song that your congregation is really familiar with. Adding a different beat, instrument line, etc. will give “older” songs new life.