Performance; Campbell University School of Divinity
Jun 27, 2012 blog, Uncategorized
Giles on piano at the Campbell University Chapel
A few months back I had the wonderful opportunity of assisting in worship on percussion for the Campbell University’s School of Divinity Chapel. Prior to arriving on campus that morning I actually thought it was for the freshman. I was pleasantly surprised to discover it was actually for the Divinity school (I do love doing the freshman chapel service as well however).
Leading in worship (musically) was a good friend of mine and anointed musician Giles Blankenship. Giles has a unique way/gift of making you feel very comfortable in worship and the presence of the Lord. To discover his music or learn more about him visit www.gilesblankenship.com. I absolutely love worshiping with him. For the set I brought a cajon, foot pedal with tambourine bracket (I find this goes great with “CCM” type songs especially during the chorus), shakers, brushes for additional effects on the cajon, one conga, and some rattlers. It was an intimate service that I will most certainly not forget!
Also I had an opportunity to play again with one of my favorite guitarists Kyle Johnson. Kyle is on electric guitar on my latest project Flor de Vida.
The Campbell Chapel is an amazing venue. If you are ever near the campus you should stop by and check it out. The combination of cathedral ceilings, cedar wood beams, tall clear glass pane windows and stained glass make for a breathtaking view during the day from inside the chapel. The chapel is literally flooded with light during a clear sunny day. It was so beautiful to play those slow worship songs and to look out and see the light breaking through the room… breathtaking… Above is an actual photo from a rehearsal prior to the service.
I will never forget spotting a young lady sitting by herself meditating during the worship while we ministered in song. I love experiencing moments like that.
ANW Worship Night
Nov 16, 2010 blog
On Cajon(box drum) photo by Marla Finn
It has been far too long since my last blog post and for that I am deeply regretful. I have so much to catch up on. I would like to start with my last event and perhaps work my way backwards to the Heartbeat for Worship 2010. Thank you in advance for reading this post!
Last Sunday was an amazing day. I started with a beautifully blessed morning with the family and of course Sunday morning worship at OCM ministries. I have this image of a brother in worship who happened to be directly in front of my line of sight… or maybe my spiritual sight… either way it was beautiful. The image haunts me, in a good way, if that is possible. Just to see witness a soul pour out to God is the most precious and beautiful thing. Sometimes I feel like the most priveledged person in the world when I am able to witness such an event taking place.
Later that evening I was blessed to be a part of an amazing event that I pray I never forget. A good friend of mine and worship leader for a beautiful community church called Snyder Memorial put together a worship event full of great music, testimonies, and scripture reading and even a large canvas to paint on while the worship was going forth. There is so much I could say about what took place that evening. There were moments I only wanted to cry tears of joy, and yet at the same time lay prostrate…
During the evening there was an acoustic hymn set on a separate stage with just a few of us. It was myself on cajon (box drum) some shakers and a tibetan hand chime, Giles and Kyle (acoustic guitar), Lauren and Erica on background vocals, and one song with Marla Finn on saxophone. That was a very special time. There was a couple moments I just wished it would never end. I only rehearsed the songs once with them yet the Holy Spirit was so strong upon me I felt like I knew the song in and out.
There was one part of the evening in particular that left a moving memory forever etched in my heart. There was a gentlemen whom i noticed got up and walked over to one of the few prayer stations that was set up. He struck me as a manly type of guy who perhaps was even in the military. As he reached for a tissue and placed his head in his hands I could feel his worship… it was one of those intimate moments that all you could say is…wow…
That what my view and perception from the stage is like. Although there are so many moments where I am carried away, my playing and worship is also inspired by others in the audience who get lost and found in Jesus. With arms stretched wide an open hearts, this is truly some great stuff that the kingdom is made of. I will keep this one short guys. Until next time… be blessed!
William
One of the prayer stations/photo by Marla Finn