BabuLife

The Worship Community Website

Be a part of a new worship community.  If you're into lighting, audio, video, worship music or worship leading, you'll find something out there that will interest you.  You can bounce ideas off of others, get CD reviews, learn about new music and tons of other stuff.  I joined today, check it out and be a part of this new community!

Thanks Fred for the email invite and for taking the time to assembe this valuable resource.

Visit www.TheWorshipCommunity.com

Audition Time

It's that time again.  We've got some auditions scheduled in September and I'm putting the word out here on the blog.  I'm hoping we might be able to recruit another percussionist to give our Super Cool Person, Jon, a break.  When he joined the team back in November there was a huge sigh of relief because after almost 6 years we were able to finally give our drummer at the time, Kevin, a break.  Then about 4 months later, Kevin left the church.  His 45 minute trek out to Overland Park twice a week just became too much.

If you're interested in being a part of the band, let us know by registering online here.  Band auditions are September 29.

We've also scheduled the next vocal team audition for September 22.  If interested, please register online here. 

All members of the band and vocal team must be members of Grace Church.  If you'd like to register for the next Prospective Members class, check it out here and register online.

-Babu

Ben

Vocal Workshop a Success

Last Saturday the vocalists on the worship team huddled up together for a 3 hour workshop.  We started off scarfing down some bagels and fruit chased by coffee and diet Pepsi (for me of course).

Earlier this year I purchased a DVD created by Paul Baloche called "Vocal Workshop".  I highly recommend this DVD for anyone looking for a place to start with their vocalists on the worship team.  They covered things from warm up tips, vocal styles, breathing, harmonizing and even concluded with tips on dealing with the audio team (helping vocalists avoid the diva attitude).

Check out the "Vocal Workshop" DVD here.

Super Cool Person of the Week: Gary

This week's Super Cool Person is Gary.  Let me tell you about my friend Little g.  Within the past 4 weeks, Little g has stepped into the keyboard role on a Sunday morning twice having to learn about 3 songs with no band rehearsal.  That's a pretty flexible dude right there.

Gary has been an integral part of our team since we started a second band back in November of 2006.  He has grown so much in his playing and has such great natural talent that all worship leaders love to have on their teams.  Even with the great ability and growth, I've been more pleased and have enjoyed even more his desire to worship and love to lead.  Each week he plays it isn't the sound of the music that brings him joy,  but the sight of the church singing and connecting with the Lord during the worship time.

Gary is another reason I love serving with the team of people on the Grace Weekend Service Team.

Be sure to tell Gary he's SUPER COOL this week!!!!

Failing Forward

"I want my staff members taking risks and making mistakes.  That means they're being innovative and it means they're not afraid to try. Now, I don't want them making the same mistake every week - that means they're not learning, and that is bad.  But I tell them, 'Make a new mistake every week.'  I tell them, 'Show the innovation and creativity to do something really stupid that you've never done before.'" - Rick Warren, author of Purpose Driven Everything and pastor of Saddleback Church.

The Real Walrus Man Story

Ok...to the Star Wars fans who hit this site...What really happened to the Walrus Man in Star Wars Episode IV "A New Hope". Had me rolling.

Happy Birthday Posh!

Number 2 is 4 today.  Happy Birthday darlin'!  We'll be spending the afternoon at the pool today.  Man...seriously...they really do get old fast.

Worship Confessional: 6/24/07

What a packed service today. Both went over our 1 hour and 10 minute time frame, but hopefully it didn't feel any longer.  We had a group of folks who went to Mauritania on a Medical missions trip share their story about their two week trip.  We also had 5 baptisms during second service.  Two families...so awesome to see people taking their next step in their walk with Christ.  I love singing worship songs after seeing people get dunked!

We had the violin onstage again this week.  Man Lynnora is awesome! Gary once again showed up to sub for Chris on the keys.  He learned 3 songs this morning and it didn't even show.  Our church is so blessed with such great talent.  Here's the list:

• Here is Our King - David Crowder Band
• Let God Arise - Chris Tomlin
• Here I am to Worship - Tim Hughes
• Happy Song - Delirious?
• Amazing Grace

Looking forward to having my guitar buddy Brad back onstage.  He'll be with us next week.

5 Weird Habbits

I was tagged by Daneen to list 5 weird habbits that I have. Probably not real weird, but they are habbits. Here goes:

• Nail biter - Ever since I was in kindergarten I have chewed my fingernails. Filthy habbit...and one I would love to quit.
• Sleep with the iPod on.  I almost fall asleep every night listening to music or podcasts.
• Star Wars - As you may know, I'm quite a geek.  I can never go to Target or Wal Mart without going to the Star Wars toy aisle.
• Diet Pepsi - I've thought about hooking an IV up.  I love it.
• CiCi's Pizza - I think last week I ate there every day for lunch.  If you bring a badge or a t-shirt from your place of employment, the buffet is $4.

So I'm going to play by the rules and tag five other Gracers: Brian, Dean, Doug, Heath, Addie.

She's a Snoopy Freak, Snoopy Freak...She's Snoopy Freaky

Took the family to the local theme park here in Kansas City at Worlds of Fun last Monday.  The big thing for the kidlets is Camp Snoopy which of course has the celebrated giant headed cartoon characters in giant oversized costumes.

We were walking up the hill making our way towards Camp Snoopy knowing that we'd be possibly happening upon the costumed characters.  I was enjoying my youngest on my shoulders listening to her happy chatting about the new sites and sounds at the amusement park.  We turned a corner and there they were in all their giant headed glory.  My oldest was pretty bold, however, the two youngest had some issues. The second wouldn't come close, but she would wave to them from a safe distance.

Somehow the Peanuts characters don't seem to translate well in real life.  This is something my youngest noticed.  Here's a shot of her when we turned the corner and saw the Peanut gang waiting at the entrance.  The look of sheer terror pretty much sums up the 3 minute exchange between Lucy, Snoopy and the blond one (can't remember her name...).  I couldn't peel the kid off my sholders.  We made a quick escape and enjoyed the rest of the evening avoiding Snoopy and his gang.  My youngest is Snoopy freaky!