Fair Oaks Arts Blog

Our Pastor has been in a series the past 2 months, taking us through and teaching on the Ten Commandments. Its been awesome, but the Bible brings a lot of truth that some people don't want to hear.

Week 7 in the series brought about commandment 7...

"Do not commit adultery"

Not everyones favorite topic of discussion nor is it my favorite topic to plan a service around. Our incredible arts team landed on the idea that we would create an element surrounding the idea of "the moment". Some of the most common excuses you'll hear from someone who's committed adultery is that they don't even know how it happened. Or that they didn't even really have a choice.

There are a lot of boundaries that people will so easily cross over without even realizing it and those are "the moments" we're referring to. Adultery doesn't happen when the physical act is committed. It happens the second you allow yourself to pass a line you shouldn't. The second you confide in someone other than your spouse. Lying to your spouse about the random lunch you had with your coworker the other day. When you hop in the car with anyone of the opposite sex. When you have a private conversation with someone of the opposite sex, whether it be in person, via email or even facebook (we actually did another video about 3 years ago titled "Facebook Fidelity". You can watch that here.) These decision may seem harmless, but are deadly weapons in the hands of "the moment".

So I began to brainstorm with Mark (our video guru) on possibilities for this video. We knew we wanted to create lots of tension in the video and we wanted to sort of create this separation between the couple. An emptiness to fill the screen. So we storyboarded and knew specific shots that we'd want to help conveys this message and these emotions.

notice this shot where you can see the wife in the window & the husband at the door.

the empty hallway the couple had just seconds ago parted ways through.

the final shot with the husband watching tv while his wife cleans dishes in the background, soon to turn off the lights and black out the scene.

Although not my favorite topic, I think our team did an awesome job in setting the stage for our Pastor to preach on and for God to work through.

Watch the video in full below. And be sure to watch the song we did immediately after the video. They paired perfect together.

Video Script:

It happens in a moment…. There's always a moment.

"I can give in to this" or "I can resist".

Some people choose their moment and sometimes the moment chooses them, but, ironically it’s the people outside the moment who usually experience the most misery.

And for most people the moment happens when the seed is planted. Not when the roots have deepened.

One thing we know. The outcome is your decision and the moment will take everything you’re willing to give it.

Song Set...11/6/11

2011-11-06T12:05:00.001-05:00

Series: Take 2 Tablets (week 8)

Song • Artist

- I Fought The Law • Green Day

- Everybody Praise The Lord • Lincoln Brewster

- The Time Has Come • Hillsong

- Our God • Chris Tomlin

- Give Me Faith • Elevation Worship

Need To Know Outtakes 10.30.11

2011-11-02T14:44:00.002-04:00

Every week i have the awesome privilege of seeing our video announcements, the "Need To Know", get taped. It's quite a process and A LOT more work goes into it than most people would notice. For this week though, we're giving you a little behind the scenes fun of the outtakes from last weekends announcements. Enjoy.

Song Set...10/30/11

2011-11-01T10:08:00.002-04:00

Series: Take 2 Tablets (week 7)

Song • Artist

- Rolling in the Deep • ADELE

- You • Hillsong

- Send Down Your Love • C3 (Christian City Church)

- You'll Come • Hillsong

- From the Inside Out • Campus Praise Band

- Poison & Wine • The Civil Wars

Song Set...10/23/11

2011-10-25T10:41:00.003-04:00

Series: Take 2 Tablets ( Week 6)

Speaker: Executive Pastor Philip Bassham

Song • Artist.

- You • Hillsong

- Exalted One • Elevation Worship

releasing Nov. 22

- PTL • True North Worship

- No One Higher/The Stand • Steve Fee

- I Hung My Head • Johnny Cash

Song Set...10/16/11

2011-10-18T10:13:00.002-04:00

Series: Take 2 Tablets (week 5)

Song • Artist

- The Time Has Come • Hillsong

- Our God • Chris Tomlin

- Reign In Us • Starfield

- Came To My Rescue • Hillsong

- Thank You Mom • Good Charlotte

- Never Grow Up • Taylor Swift (10:45 only)

Song Set...10/9/11

2011-10-18T10:02:00.003-04:00

Series: Take 2 Tablets (week 4) - Communion

Song • Artist

- Holy • Kim Walker (Jesus Culture)

- I Exalt Thee • C3 (Christian City Church)

- Lead Me To The Cross • Hillsong

- Holy, Holy, Holy • Hymn rendition with vocoder

- Cry Of The Broken • Hillsong

Must be nice to be Yoda…

2011-10-04T14:51:00.007-04:00

If you are even vaguely familiar with Star Wars then you know the character Yoda. As the Grand Master of the Jedi Council and a guy you don’t really want to mess with, Yoda has a lot of weapons at his disposal. Of course, with being so amazing Yoda doesn’t always have to use anything in his arsenal because of his exceptional brilliance and ability to diffuse nearly any situation.

Yoda pretty much has it all.

So when Yoda sets out on a mission he doesn’t really have to worry about anything. Food? He’ll find it. Rest. He can sleep through anything. Fighting? Your choice – do you want lightsabers at dawn or do you want him to throw you through a window with his mind? It’s really up to you on this one.

Although he can’t control the inner workings of the ‘dark side,’ he is seldom fearful and understands that whatever is going to happen will happen. All he can do is prepare for the coming onslaught to the best of his ability.

Must be nice to have that kind of confidence.

Personally, I am terrified of heights. Not so much heights (I’m fine in a plane or a tall building) but rather falling. My recurring nightmare is falling out of a helicopter, to which I do the whole “action-hero-grab-the-skids-and-pull-yourself-up” thing… but I still end up ‘landing’ on my bed in a spastic fit that wakes up my wife.

There.

I said it.

I’m scared.

A couple weeks ago I tried to overcome one aspect of this fear by using ‘the lift’ to move and adjust some lights in our worship center. My head knows that the lift is safe. I have seen Phil, Ricky, Christian and Mark use it a hundred times like it’s the most structurally sound object in the world. They showed no fear and the thought of falling never crossed their minds – so I could do it too, right?

I told Pastor Christian that I was going to try to overcome my fear of the lift. To this he responded as Yoda would: “Do or do not. There is no try.” Sound advice, but I wasn’t quite sure how I – with all of my insecurities and shortcomings – would stand tall like the vertically-challenged Jedi Master who was confident in every situation whether he thought he would win or knew he would lose.

My first thought was actually “Well it must be nice to be Yoda… the Force and all.”

As this thought fluttered around my brain I came to the realization that a) Yoda isn’t real and b) am I forgetting who it is that I put my trust, hope and eternal life?

Jesus is way more powerful than Yoda, so why am I so scared? The problem is that I was trying to do it myself when the Bible clearly says,

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

And lean not on your own understanding

In all your ways submit to Him

And He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

I had to be reminded that I don’t have the strength to do things. I’m not always brave, and that’s okay… as long as I am 1) asking God to help me, 2) doing what I can do with excellence and 3) then leaving the rest up to Him. With God’s help I got up on the lift, soared to the lights, moved and colored several of them and most importantly, didn’t fall. It would be easy for me to say that I ‘manned up’ and just did it, but in all honestly I was near petrified at times. It was only through God’s grace and peace that I got anything done and still have at least some of my sanity.

So, next time you want to try and get out of your comfort zone with something remember that God is the provider of all our strength and courage.

Let it out: What are you scared of?

My Battle Scar: A perfect hex-bolt burn from not getting my arm up and around a hot light enough. I lived.

Song Set...10/2/11

2011-10-02T12:05:00.003-04:00

Series: Take 2 Tablets (week 3)

Song • Artist

- You • Hillsong

- Bless Your Name • Eddie Kirkland

- Blessed Be Your Name • Tree63

- To Know Your Name • Hillsong

- The Name Of Jesus • Chris Tomlin

You

2011-09-29T10:57:00.002-04:00

Hey Church. Here's the song we've been introducing to you over the last few weeks. We're doing it again this Sunday. Take a listen and get excited. Sunday's comin.

and if you're looking to take the song with you on your iPhone/pod/pad (whatever device you may use)....

CLICK HERE for get the mp3 from itunes

or if you're more of and amazon fan - CLICK HERE

Song Set...9/25/11

2011-09-29T10:33:00.003-04:00

Series: Take 2 Tablets (week 2)

Song • Artist

- Send Down Your Love • C3 (Christian City Church)

- You • Hillsong

- Great Is The Lord • Elevation Worship

- From the Inside Out • Campus Praise Band

- Jealous Arm • Sojourn ( feat. Jamie Barnes)

Song Set...9/18/11

2011-09-29T10:27:00.004-04:00

Series: Take 2 Tablets (week 1)

Song • Artist

- You • Hillsong

- Let God Arise • Chris Tomlin

- Everlasting God • Lincoln Brewster

- Revelation Song • Jesus Culture

- Only You • David Crowder

September 11, 2011 - We Remember.

2011-09-13T10:07:00.006-04:00

If I asked you where you were a week ago Tuesday, you would probably have a hard time remembering exactly where you were and what you were doing. But, if I ask you “where were you when you heard the first plane hit the world trade center?” - you can probably tell me your exact location who you were with and probably even what you were wearing. September 11th was a defining moment for anyone who lived through that day. A day where our world changed forever.

This past Sunday’s service was one of the most difficult I’ve ever had to plan. It wasn’t really the planning of the day that was hard. Our Arts Team did an incredible job planning the services and getting all the details nailed down. It was the preparation (for me personally) that was a challenge. We knew that video was going to be an important element in the service. Trying to recap what happened 10 years ago and trying to retell some of the stories we had heard. Every ounce of information, every video clip that needed to be pieced together. It all seemed to bring more and more weight and emotion into the project. I found myself starting a few of the projects several times and having to just stop because it was too overwhelming. Nobody wants to relive that horrific day. Having to hear all the stories and watch all the footage kind of made me feel like I did.

We had two identical incredibly powerful services. We were honored to have Lt. Rex Strickland with men and women from Companies 40 and 21 in our services. As well as Sergeant John Wilkes of the Chantilly Academy Air force Jr ROTC and the ROTC group giving the presentation of the colors for the day.

September 11, 2001 was a day that we will always remember and should Never Forget.

“You have one life to live and you got to live your life in God knowing who Jesus is. I think that way you live a life that’s truly life and when God takes it away, you’re ready. You have peace…. God is the true source of hope in our lives”. – Richard Espinola (from the video below)

Set List From Sunday

Song • Artist

- Battle Hymn of the Republic • SHeDAISY

- Mountain's High • Delirious?

- House of God, Forever • Jon Foreman

- God Bless the USA • Beyoncé

Song Set...9/4/11

2011-09-13T09:58:00.003-04:00

Series: #WWJT (Week 10)

Song • Artist

- Hold Me • Jamie Grace (feat. tobyMac)

- Send Down Your Love • C3 (Christian City Church)

- Great Is The Lord • Elevation Worship

- Your Love Never Fails • Jesus Culture

- Power In Your Name • Casey Darnell

Song Set...8/28/11

2011-08-30T09:30:00.003-04:00

Series: #WWJT (Week 9)

Song • Artist

- Everybody Praise The Lord • Lincoln Brewster

- Salvation Is Here • Hillsong

- No One Higher/The Stand • Steve Fee

- How He Loves • Jesus Culture

- Here Am I, Send Me • Matt Papa

Song Set...8/21/11

2011-08-30T09:24:00.003-04:00

Series: #WWJT (Week 8)

Song • Artist

- Freedom Is Here • Hillsong

- Run • Hillsong

- Exalted One • Elevation Worship

- From the Inside Out • Campus Praise Band

- Freedom Reigns • Jesus Culture

Song Set...8/14/11

2011-08-14T11:28:00.003-04:00

Series: #WWJT (Week 7)

Song • Artist

- The Saving One • Starfield

- Let God Arise • Chris Tomlin

- Exalted One • Elevation Worship

- Our God • Chris Tomlin

- John 3:16 • David Nassar

- Love's Gonna Getcha • Tal & Acacia

Song Set...8/7/11

2011-08-07T15:40:00.003-04:00

Series: #WWJT (Week 6)

Guest Speaker: Pastor Scott Maurer

Song • Artist

- Exalted One • Elevation Worship

- Faithful Over Us • Casey Darnell

- Let Your Kingdom Reign • Elevation Worship

- Savior King • Hillsong

- More Real • Brooke Barrettsmith

Song Set...7/31/11

2011-08-02T13:20:00.002-04:00

Series: #WWJT (week 5)

Song • Artist

- You Deserve • Hillsong

- Yours Forever • Hillsong

- God Is Able • PlanetShakers

- Our God • Chris Tomlin

- Coming Alive (acoustic) • Phil Wickham

Song Set...7/24/11

2011-07-26T09:44:00.002-04:00

Series: #WWJT (week 4)

Song • Artist

- Send Down Your Love • Christian City Church

- Faithful Over Us • Casey Darnell

- Your Love Never Fails • Jesus Culture

- Give Me Faith • Elevation Worship

- Have A Little Faith In Me • John Hiatt

Song Set...7/17/11

2011-07-20T09:04:00.003-04:00

Series: #WWJT

Song • Artist

- Let God Arise • Chris Tomlin

- Great Is The Lord • Elevation Worship

- No One Higher/The Stand • Steve Fee

- To Know Your Name • Hillsong

- Pins and Needles • MuteMath

Song Set...7/10/11

2011-07-10T11:59:00.001-04:00

Series: #WWJT

Song • Artist

- Yours Forever • Hillsong

- Bless Your Name • Eddie Kirkland

- Send Down Your Love • Christian City Church (C3)

- Came To My Rescue • Hillsong

- Hakuna Matata - The Lion King

- Don't Worry Be Happy • The Locos

Song Set...7/3/11

2011-07-03T11:59:00.001-04:00

Series: #WWJT

Song • Artist

- National Anthem

- Firework • Katy Perry

- The Time Has Come • Hillsong

- Run • Hillsong

- Our God • Chris Tomlin

- You'll Come • Hillsong

Song Set...6/26/11

2011-06-30T09:23:00.003-04:00

Series: Hell, yes! Heaven too.

Song • Artist

- You Hold Me Now • Hillsong

- Revelation Song • Jesus Culture

- Let Love Win • The Museum

- Heaven Song • Phil Wickham

Don't. Be. Sugar.

2011-06-27T23:04:00.005-04:00

As I was eating cereal with my son one morning I happened to notice this set of information on the top label.

Among other things it says,

Sugar does not have a Daily Value.

What do you say about that sugar?
Those are fighting words where I come from.
(Yes, I am from Nerdsville as a matter of fact...)

Sugar is everywhere though. It is as common as salt, yet in this instance is completely insignificant. How could something so prevalent be so worthless?

This statement made me think of the grim reality of what many of us see as our daily existence. We push papers, we do things in triplicate, we take smoke breaks even though we don't smoke just to escape the monotony of 'the daily grind.' We are the common man and we are invisible. Great things are for great people - not us. We say, "I am okay with my daily routine because it is inside the walls of my comfort zone."

This is completely contradictory to scripture though.

"Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth." (1 Corinthians 1:26)

Don't miss what comes next though!

"BUT GOD CHOSE the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; GOD CHOSE the weak things of the world to shame the strong. GOD CHOSE the lowly things of this world and the despised things..." (1 Corinthians 1:27-28)

It is God's plan for us, the common man, to rely on His strength and power to shake the world - to turn it upside down. (Acts 17:6) He used David, Samuel, and Daniel, among others, to leave their low-level existence to instead shape their world and bring honor and glory to God. Even the Apostles have this heritage of nothingness.

"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were UNSCHOOLED, ORDINARY MEN, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13)

Wouldn't it be a fair statement to say that these guys are the poster-boys for the cause of Christ? They didn't start out that way though.

All they knew was that they had been given a mission and, regardless of their inexperience, their lack of education, their low social status or any other plausible reason for self-doubt and fear, that God would supply all the strength and power they needed to make a difference in their world. Not only in their world, but in the world to come. Their courage and decisiveness continue to impact Earth even today.

God has CHOSEN that life for you. He has CHOSEN that life for me.

So what are you going to do about it?

___________________
Stop fearing death
I want something to live for
I've been holding my breath
I want something to live for
~ The Rocket Summer
___________________

Don't be sugar.
Be extraordinary.

Song Set...6/19/11

2011-06-22T11:42:00.002-04:00

Series: Hell, yes! Heaven too.

Song • Artist

- Run • Hillsong

- Your Love Never Fails • Jesus Culture

- You Hold Me Now • Hillsong

- Embracing Accusations • Shane & Shane

New Pre-Service Mix

2011-06-14T14:34:00.003-04:00

Heyo! Check out the new Pre-Service Mix located on the right hand side of this blog

-------------------->

Here we list all the music we play before, after and in-between our services at Fair Oaks! If you're interested in downloading one of the songs, just click on it and it will direct you straight to the song on itunes!

Song Set...6/12/11

2011-06-12T11:30:00.003-04:00

Series: Hell, Yes! Heaven too.

Song • Artist

- Hell • Squirrel Nut Zippers (Prelude Instrumental)

- Let God Arise • Chris Tomlin

- Abandon Me • Joel Slater & Fair Oaks Band

- You Hold Me Now • Hillsong

- Revelation Song • Jesus Culture

- Even The Enemy Believes • Brandon Bee

Song Set...6/5/11

2011-06-07T11:17:00.004-04:00

Series: Hell, yes! Heaven too

Song • Artist

- Everybody Praise The Lord • Lincoln Brewster

- Send Down Your Love • C3 (Christian City Church)

- You'll Come • Hillsong

- You Hold Me Now • Hillsong Chapel

In the service this past Sunday, Joel talks about the loss of his father. That death is a reality we need to face and how facing this reality should effect the choices and decisions we are making now. Check it out.

Song Set...5/29/11

2011-05-30T09:36:00.003-04:00

Speaker: Executive Pastor Philip Bassham

- Faithful Over Us • Casey Darnell

- Salvation Is Here • Hillsong

- Send Down Your Love • C3 (Christian City Church)

- Give Me Faith • Elevation Worship

- Smile • GLEE (Charlie Chaplin Cover)

Song Set...5/22/11

2011-05-30T09:28:00.002-04:00

Series: PASS/FAIL (week 3)

Song • Artist

- Great Is The Lord • Elevation Worship

- God Is Able • Planetshakers

- Our God • Chris Tomlin

- Send Down Your Love • C3 (Christian City Church)

- Price Tag • Jessie J

- Yes To You • Brett Younker

How To Pray for Other Christians

2011-05-26T10:59:00.003-04:00

One of the great things about working at a church, is sometimes your job calls for you to dig into Scripture as part of your work day. As I was digging in today on a task for an upcoming summer series, I stumbled upon something I read long ago that has helped me over the years.

I typically use is the Life Application Study Bible. It's a good one...but I'm sure there are many great options out there for you as well. Back in college I remember reading the book of Colossians and being struck by a little box that summed up how to pray for other Christians using tools from chapter 1 of this great book. It's one of those things that has stuck with me over the years. Now that I'm a wife and mother, it has even greater meaning to me and is a great way to pray for those you love in your life, step by step. I'm a lists girl, so anything that breaks things down in a 1 to 7 fashion is great for my type A brain! So here I give you nothing earth shattering, but God's Word simply put so that it can help you as you wrestle with how to better pray for those you love...or maybe even those you don't.

HOW TO PRAY FOR OTHER CHRISTIANS
How many people in your life could be touched if you prayed in this way?

1 - Be THANKFUL for their faith and changed lives (Col 1:3)
2 - Ask God to help them KNOW what HE wants them to DO (Col. 1:9)
3 - Ask God to give them deep spiritual UNDERSTANDING (Col. 1:9)
4 - Ask God to help them LIVE for HIM (Col 1:10)
5 - Ask God to give them more KNOWLEDGE of Himself. (Col 1:10)
6 - Ask God to give them strength for ENDURANCE. (Col. 1:11)
7 - Ask God to fill them with JOY, STRENGTH and THANKFULNESS. (Col. 1:11)

Taken verbatim from the Life Application Study Bible (emphasis mine)

Song Set...5/15/11

2011-05-22T21:47:00.007-04:00

Series: PASS/FAIL (week2)

Song • Artist

- Yours Forever • Hillsong

- Lay 'Em Down • Needtobreathe

- You Deserve • Hillsong

- Let God Arise • Chris Tomlin

- No One Higher/The Stand • Steve Fee

On this weekend we experienced something so incredible, it's hard to put into words. Pastor Stokes spoke on Baptism. How important it is and the urgency of it. Pastor challenged those who had come to faith in Christ, but never been baptized to do it right then. On the spot. No excuses. We had everything covered.

- Change of clothes to be baptized in

- Private changing rooms

- hair care products

- combs/brushes

- blowdryers

- a photo of your baptism

- free dvd of the service

...and the list went on and on. There was so much prep work that went into this Sunday. We had extra training for our volunteers who were incredibly amazing throughout this process. We had no idea what to expect, but we were prepared and ready to see God move. And move he did. We saw 26 people come forward and answer Gods call for them to be baptized that day. We rejoice and celebrate what we saw God do that day. What an honor to be a part of something so awesome.

Baptisms 5-15-11 from Fair Oaks Church on Vimeo.

Song Set...5/8/11

2011-05-08T11:37:00.002-04:00

Series: PASS/FAIL (week 1)

Song • Artist

- Crazy • Gnarles Barkley (chorus only with mothers day video)

- Freedom Is Here • Hillsong

- Bless Your Name • Eddie Kirkland

- PTL • True North Worship

- Send Down Your Love • C3(Christian City Church)

Song Set...5/1/11

2011-05-08T11:33:00.002-04:00

Song • Artist

- The Time Has Come • Hillsong

- Our God • Chris Tomlin

- You'll Come • Hillsong

- Came To My Rescue • Hillsong

- Little Is Much • Downhere

Good Friday Set List 4/22/11

2011-04-25T14:21:00.002-04:00

Song • Artist

- See His Love • Kim Walker

- How Great Thou Art • Aaron Ivey

- I Am • The City Harmonic

Easter Sunday Set List 4/24/11

2011-04-25T13:56:00.008-04:00

Series: There Is Hope (Week 4)

Song • Artist

- Coming Home (Intro only) - Diddy Dirty Money

- These Hard Times - Needtobreathe

- Great is the Lord • Elevation Worship

- To Know Your Name • Hillsong

- How He Loves • John Mark Mcmillan

- Yours Is The Victory • NewSpring Church

This weekend was an incredible moment for Fair Oaks Church. We had the largest turnout we've ever had for our Good Friday service. Tons of kids showed up for our Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday. And to top it all off, our Easter services were powerful and packed full!!

We saw numerous people begin a new relationship with Christ this past weekend. God is so good and we are so glad to play just a small role in His incredible story.

Song Set...4/17/11

2011-04-17T21:50:00.004-04:00

Series: There Is Hope (week 3)

Song • Artist

- Run • Hillsong

- No One Higher/The Stand • Steve Fee

- God Is Able • Planetshakers

- Revelation Song • Jesus Culture

- Beautiful Things • Gungor

Song Set...4/10/11

2011-04-10T22:22:00.003-04:00

Series: There Is Hope (Week 2)

Song • Artist

- God Is Able • Planetshakers

- You Deserve • Hillsong

- Faithful Over Us • Casey Darnell

- Your Love Never Fails • Chris Quilala

- Holding On • Jamie Grace

Song Set...4/3/11

2011-04-04T10:39:00.005-04:00

Series: There Is Hope (Week 1)

Song • Artist

- There Is Hope • Safe-Mode

- Time Has Come • Hillsong

- Bless Your Name • Eddie Kirkland

- In Christ Alone (My Hope Is Found) • Matt Papa

- What I Want • The City Harmonic

Tied Up In Knots

2011-03-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

I have a 13-month-old son – his name is Coltrane. He is funny, smart, independent, handsome, curious and very strong-willed. I’m not sure where he gets that last one from, maybe his mom – that’s definitely where he gets his good looks and intelligence. Coltrane and I have an ongoing power struggle every time he needs his diaper or clothes changed. For example, I start to put his shirt on, but he knows better than I do how his arms need to go through the sleeves – or so he thinks. Halfway through and his elbows are at the end of his sleeves and his hands are stuck inside in some Alcatrazean-mental ward kind of way. It is then that the real fight starts. As I try and maneuver his hands back out, and through the sleeve the right way he is resisting, insisting that his way is the best way.

What he doesn’t know is that I can see the big picture. I can see how the moves he makes only gets him deeper ensnared. I can see that if he would just do it my way in the first place it would be easier, more efficient and get him done to go do the things he wants to do – in this case today, carrying around the remote control and my outside grill spatula. It is the very epitome of how we interact with God.

When God sets a task before us, how often is it that we try all our own methods first, trying to control the situation? Or maybe we shut God out by limiting the ways in which a problem can be solved? God is limitless though! He is omniscient and omnipresent and has no boundaries on what He knows or on what He can do. He sees the big picture and what a mess we’ve made by trying to make opportunities conform to our own ideals and methods. And like Coltrane, he lets us make our own choices and put our elbows out our sleeves before our hands…

Ultimately, the best choice is just to listen to God from the outset. If we followed his instructions in the first place everything would make a lot more sense. But we know that in our human states we rarely approach things this way. Instead we handle our business our way – and then realize that God was in control the whole time and can help us get out of any jam.

What happens if we messed things up though? I know I have on several occasions. Don't worry - HOPE is not lost! The difference can be made in how we react to these situations. When we find ourselves all knotted up we can still relinquish our stubbornness to God’s authority and He will help us overcome any obstacle. Don’t fight God. Let Him guide your path and the journey will be less frustrating and more efficient. This isn’t to say that there won’t be obstacles and we won’t have hard situations, but when we take our direction from God it will be infinitely easier and more productive.

And our clothes will fit the way they’re supposed to…

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge Him,

and He will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5

Song Set & Big Announcement!

2011-03-28T12:57:00.002-04:00

The song set for this week is coming up, but first let me just say we had some AWESOME communion services as we kick off into the Easter season. Five people were baptized in our services which was amazing to see! What made that all the more special, was that 4 of the 5 were the sons of our lead guitarist Dave. It was a pretty powerful moment watching those 4 guys profess Christ publicly. I have to admit - I cried. I love to see people of all ages proclaim Christ as their Savior!

Pastor Stokes also shared a BIG announcement at the tail end of the 10:45 service. Four people near and dear to the Fair Oaks team have been called to plant a church in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The Lead Pastor will be Christian Gaffney - our youth pastor and amazing communicator with a knowledge of the Scriptures that puts me to shame. He, his wife Stephanie and their two beautiful kiddos will be moving in 2012 to start a new work on Florida's Treasure Coast.

The next part of the announcement, hits me a little harder. Not only are the Gaffney's making this move, but so are Mike and Brenda Zizolfo...and their 3 boys. Mike has been a part of the Arts team for many years now, and has been serving as our fearless leader in the role of Arts Director for just over 2 years. Not only that, Mike and Brenda are my family. Brenda is my little sis, and I think of and love Mike as the brother I never had. I have to admit, the earthly part of me really HATES that we are losing them in a little over a year. But the spiritual part of me LOVES what is going to be accomplished for God's Kingdom through these two couples. I KNOW God has great things planned for them and is going to do a great work through them. It's amazing what God can do with a heart and life fully surrendered to Him, and the Gaffney's and Zizolfo's are getting ready to show us this firsthand as they follow God's leading.

It's also an exciting time for us at Fair Oaks as we keep plugging on towards the future. Every time God has led part of our church family away, He has always provided and filled in the gap. We are blessed to have so many creative and talented people on staff that can keep up the standard of excellence we have for the arts at Fair Oaks Church. And, it's exciting to think about how God is always bringing new people to us with gifts and abilities the arts as well.

Now without further delay...here's the song set from the 3/27 Communion services:

- Bless Your Name • Eddie Kirkland

- Jesus Paid It All • Kristian Stanfill

- Give Me Faith • Elevation Worship

- You Bled • Rend Collective Experiment

- Come • The Waiting Kind

- Beautiful, Scandalous Night • Robbie Seay Band

- To Know Your Name (Chorus only) • Hillsong

That About Sums It Up

2011-03-23T07:30:00.000-04:00

In my one year Bible reading, I came across this verse recently:

Psalm 33:3 (New Living Translation)
Sing NEW songs of praise to Him. Play SKILLFULLY on the harp and sing with JOY.

I have to say, if there ever was a verse that summed up what we value as an arts team, and why we do things the way we do, this would be it.

We are told to sing NEW songs to God....gotta keep it fresh and real! After a while, singing a familiar song can become just going through the motions. New songs really have a way of popping and making God's Word come alive once again through the amazing power of music.

To play SKILLFULLY. That is why we are continually working on perfecting our craft so that we can give our best to God, because HE is so worthy of it. I wish you could see the hours and hours of hard work behind the scenes that our musicians put it just to serve God with excellence and provide a truly awesome worship experience for you each and every weekend.

Lastly, we are to sing with JOY. To quote the musical Annie (one of my personal faves) "You're never fully dressed without a smile!". None of it matters if it doesn't come from a joyful heart that overflows with life and energy! We get a bit excited on Sundays on stage because we have the amazing privilege of praising God together in His house. We might jump up and down, dance a little bit, clap our hands, shout out a "woo" and stretch our arms to the sky. We can't help but contain our joy for our amazing God and all He has done for us.

I love my God, I love my church, I love what I get to do each and every week! And I LOVE that he reminds me of what's important through His word.

Song Set...3/20/11

2011-03-20T20:40:00.002-04:00

Guest Speaker: Don Kroah

Song • Artist

- Everybody Praise The Lord • Lincoln Brewster

- Great Is The Lord • Elevation Worship

- Abandon Me • Joel Slater

- How He Loves • Jesus Culture

- Cinematic • Cool Hand Luke

Fixated

2011-03-15T14:37:00.006-04:00

I'm not sure if it's the Irish in me, or my desire for Spring to get here fast, but I am obsessed with the color green. Being an artist comes with the added bonus of being able to fixate on a color.

For those of you with better things to do, I understand, colors aren't a big deal to you. It's ok, go do some math or find a graph to read that will make you feel better.

In addition to trying to slip green into the artwork for every church event this Spring I have also been painting my fingernails and toenails various shades of chartreuse and emerald. Sometimes I just get really attached to something and I can't let it go. When it comes to colors, I think that's okay, but Pastor's Message this past Sunday made me think about all of the things I'm not letting go of that might keep me from the best things for me.

In case you didn't hear the message, the thing that struck me most about this week was in regards to Hosea 10:12 (Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.)

This year I really wanted to deal with my "unplowed ground;" the parts of my heart that I've held back from grace. It may seem weird to approach a year like that, but I really don't do New Years Resolutions, per se, and I decided that I really wanted a good grasp of what God & I are doing together before I enter the third decade of my life. So God has been showing me lately that the things I have held so tightly to all these years are really, really, really trivial. Which, I suppose, could have been predicted.

We all have unplowed ground, don't we? Things that seem harmless, so why bother with grace or God if they are so miniscule. We all have moments in life that have made our hearts a little harder and less open to the limitless love of God. I think the challenge is admitting they're there and then letting go.

So that's what I'm going to attempt to do. Let Go.

But not of the color green, because seriously, isn't green amazing? ;-)

Song Set...3/13/11

2011-03-13T15:24:00.005-04:00

Unfaithful: Week Six

Song • Artist

Dont Give Up The Fight • Revive

Let God Arise • Chris Tomlin

Abandon Me • Joel Slater & Fair Oaks Worship Band

Revelation Song • Jesus Culture

Dry Bones • Gungor

Coming to a phone near you

2011-03-11T14:27:00.000-05:00

No I'm not texting during church, I'm following the sermon notes on my phone.

By going to your 'youversion' Holy Bible app and clicking 'live' you can now find and follow along with the sermon notes, read the scriptures, take notes and bookmark bible verses each week. Once you've clicked 'live' search 'fairoakschurch' or type in the zip code (22030) and the notes will come up on your device.

The notes go live Sunday morning before the 9:00am service. Enjoy!

Worship Set - 3/6/10

2011-03-07T08:25:00.003-05:00

Unfaithful - Week 5

Song - Artist

Faithful Over Us - Casey Darnell

Let Me Sing - Todd Fields

You'll Come - Hillsong United

Abandon Me - Joel Slater

I So Hate Consequences (Acoustic Version) - Relient K

And don't forget about the vocal and band auditions being held on March 19th. If you would like to participate, register using the link on the right side of this page by March 13th.

Song Set - 2-27-11

2011-02-27T11:36:00.003-05:00

Unfaithful: Week Four

Song • Artist

- Never Going Back To OK • The Afters

- Run • Hillsong

- Salvation Is Here • Hillsong

- Let Your Kingdom Reign • Elevation Worship

- Hallelujah • Heather Williams

Also, a lot of people have been asking us who the track is during Pastors transition video. The name of the song is called "Poison & Wine" performed by The Civil Wars AND THE TRACK IS AVAILABLE FOR FREE RIGHT NOW AT AMAZON.COM

Lastly, our Worship Team will be holding Band & Vocal auditions on Saturday, March 19th at 10 a.m. If you're interested in auditioning just click the link directly on the right hand side that says "click here". You'll need to fill some stuff out and will be instructed what to do next. Thanks!

Song Set...2/20/11

2011-02-20T21:51:00.002-05:00

Unfaithful: Week Three

Song • Artist

- Great Is The Lord • Elevation Worship

- To Know Your Name • Hillsong

- No One Higher/The Stand • Steve Fee

- You'll Come • Hillsong

- Get To Know You • Remedy Drive

Song Set...2/13/11

2011-02-20T21:45:00.003-05:00

Unfaithful: Week Two

Song • Artist

- Freedom Is Here • Hillsong

- Faithful Over Us • Casey Darnell

- Your Love Never Fails • Jesus Culture

- You'll Come • Hillsong

- Come Home • Luminate

Song Set...2/6/11

2011-02-07T11:52:00.002-05:00

Unfaithful: Week One

Song • Artist

- Let God Arise • Chris Tomlin

- Blessed Be Your Name • Matt Redman

- Lead Me To The Cross • Hillsong

- From The Inside Out • Liberty Campus Praise Band

- You'll Come • Hillsong

Song Set...1/30/11

2011-01-30T15:52:00.002-05:00

Guest Speaker: Pastor Ed Holland (Akron Baptist Temple)

- Faithful Over Us • Casey Darnell

- Reign In Us • Starfield

- Came To My Rescue • Hillsong

- People of God • Gungor

Fair Oaks 50th Birthday Bash

2011-01-30T15:10:00.005-05:00

1/28/11

This past Friday night, our church held a birthday bash like no other. We celebrated 50 years of ministry at Fair Oaks Church and honored our founding members Floyd & Mary White. It was an incredible time of celebration and worship and we give God the glory! The best is yet to come!!

Song • Artist

- Footloose • Kenny Loggins

- You Deserve • Hillsong

- Let God Arise • Chris Tomlin

- No One Higher/The Stand • Steve Fee

- Blessed Assurance • Shane & Shane

- How He Loves • Jesus Culture

- Saviour King • Hillsong

- Birthday (instrumental) • The Beatles

We were able to shoot a reenactment video of the day William Floyd White received Christ as his Saviour. We shot the video at Jerusalem Baptist Church, in the exact building Floyd accepted Christ in.

Where's Joel?

2011-01-25T09:43:00.004-05:00

This weekend we celebrate 50 years of ministry here at Fair Oaks Church. Over the past months we've asked people to share their memorable stories, favourite moments and simply how Fair Oaks has impacted their lives through our ministry.

I thought I'd take a moment to show you a video of one of my most memorable Fair Oaks moments etched on my mind forever...you'll see why.

Song Set...1/23/11

2011-01-23T19:05:00.004-05:00

Song • Artist

Finn's Lullaby • Joel Slater

Faithful Over Us • Casey Darnell

Glorious One • Steve Fee

Mighty To Save • Laura Story

From The Inside Out • Liberty Campus Praise Band

It's a BIG deal.

2011-01-18T18:08:00.002-05:00

Fair Oaks Church 50th Anniversary from Fair Oaks Church on Vimeo.

I am sure you have heard by now, that Fair Oaks Church is turning 50. We, as a staff, have been planning this Birthday Party for a whole lot longer than most birthday parties require. It's special.

I mean, when you think of it, how many things last for 50 years these days? Not many marriages, very few businesses, and even governments make it to this age. Longevity is a virtue that few organizations get to really appreciate.

So we are 50 and we are SOOO PUMPED ABOUT THAT! God has blessed us in so many ways over the years, and it's time to celebrate what God has done, is doing & will do at Fair Oaks Church! We have a BIG BIRTHDAY BASH WEEKEND planned and it's coming up in less than 2 weeks! Here's the schedule:

50th Birthday Bash! - Friday, January 28th at 7:30 p.m.
Special Guest Speaker, Rev. Barry White
Will include a special tribute to Floyd & Mary White

50th Anniversary Services - Sunday, January 30th at 9 & 10:45 a.m.
Special Guest Speaker: Rev. Ed Holland

Song Set...1/16/11

2011-01-16T19:54:00.002-05:00

Song • Artist

Faithful Over Us • Casey Darnell

Everybody Praise The Lord • Lincoln Brewster

Great Is The Lord • Elevation Worship

Our God • Chris Tomlin

Give Me Faith • Elevation Worship

How has Fair Oaks impacted your life?

2011-01-10T14:58:00.002-05:00

On the weekend of January 28th-30th, Fair Oaks Church will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary. In preparation for that weekend, we would love to know any way in which Fair Oaks Church has impacted your life. Maybe you met your spouse here, maybe you were called into the ministry here, maybe this is where you accepted Christ. If this church has played any role in your life, whether it seems important to you or not, we want to know about it. Head over to

http://LoudOnPurpose.com/Fifty

and click the button that says "Click Here To Share Fair Oaks Memories"

Song Set...1/9/11

2011-01-10T14:40:00.002-05:00

January 9th, 2011

Guest Speaker - Joe Sangl

Song • Artist

- I Want It All • Queen

- The Time Has Come • Hillsong

- Run • Hillsong

- PTL • True North Worship

- Saviour King • Hillsong

- You're Not My God (acoustic) • Keith Urban

What an incredible day we had at Fair Oaks Church. Financial Advisor, Joe Sangl spoke in both of our morning services and held a FREE seminar from 1-4 p.m. There was so much great content and how amazing it was to see people wanting to get their finances right in 2011, especially by putting God first!

...and dont forget, be sure to check out the wildly popular website JosephSangl.com

Song Set...1/2/11

2011-01-03T17:02:00.004-05:00

Song • Artist

- Everybody Praise The Lord • Lincoln Brewster

- Run • Hillsong

- Reign In Us • Starfield

- Revelation Song • Jesus Culture

- Set Your Sails • Future Of Forestry

Song Set...12/26/10

2011-01-03T16:36:00.002-05:00

Song • Artist

Let God Arise • Chris Tomlin

Great Is The Lord • Elevation Worship

Your Love Never Fails • Jesus Culture

Enough • BarlowGirl

Christmas Eve 2010

2011-01-03T08:11:00.007-05:00

Set List

Song • Artist

- Little Drummer Boy • Future Of Forestry (with drum breakdown)

- Joe To The World (Unspeakable Joy) • Chris Tomlin

- Angels We Have Head On High • Chris Tomlin

- O Come Let Us Adore Him • LifeChurch.tv

- The Night Before Christmas • Brandon Heath

- He Has Come For Us (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen) • Chrystina Lloree Fincher

- We Wish You A Merry Christmas • Weezer

Here are a few highlight shots taken during the service. You can see them all here.

Prepare Him Room

2010-12-28T06:49:00.003-05:00

This Christmas season I've sung the familiar carols like I do every year, but this time, one line has really jumped out at me. It's in JOY TO THE WORLD and it simply says "let every heart PREPARE HIM ROOM."

Dictionary.com defines prepare as "to put in proper condition or readiness". I don't know about you, but I love the tv shows on channels like TLC where a home design expert comes in and shows a couple how to redecorate a room in their home. It's really amazing what they can do with a little imagination, color and a new perspective. They don't typically change the structure of the 4 walls of the room, but they maximize it's potential making it look like something the owners never dreamed it could.

That's kinda how I see this whole "prepare Him room" thing. God wants to take our hearts and our lives do things we never thought possible in us. All we have to do is open ourselves up to His Word and it's transforming power. Think of it as His Holy Spirit coming in like an expert interior designer to remodel our hearts. Whitewashing the walls where they have become murky with a year's worth of sin; clearing out the clutter, junk and baggage we've collected; and creating a clean, welcoming space for our God and Father, our Creator and Savior.

As resolutions are made this year, I hope you will join me readying your heart for what God can show you this year through His Word. So I ask you the question, what are you doing to make room for God in 2011?

I'm preparing for God to change me this year, by committing to read the Bible from cover to cover in 2011. That's why I'm really excited about the ONE YEAR BIBLE groups we are starting at Fair Oaks. Because I can use all the accountability in this endeavor I can get.

So, as you make your list for the new year, and check it twice, consider the condition of your spiritual life, not just your waistline. Make it a goal to spend time in God's Word every day. If you are in the NOVA area, why not join a One Year Bible Group with us? If you're not, just dig into the Word of God every day, and watch as God takes the room you have prepared for him and does so much more with that space then you ever dreamed possible.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Sunday 2010

2010-12-20T10:24:00.009-05:00

This past Sunday was an incredible day at Fair Oaks Church. We celebrated our first UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER SUNDAY. We attempted it last year, but were bombarded with tons of snow. The service kicked off with an Ugly Christmas Sweater Dance Off Video

We followed it up with some incredible guitar playing

And closed out the opener of our service with a fun video parody of "Airplanes" with a cameo appearance by our very own Pastor Stokes. Enjoy.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Sunday Set List

(Song•Artist)

- We Three Kings • Steve Ouimette

- Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy) • Chris Tomlin

- Angels We Have Heard On High • Chris Tomlin

- Love's Come Down - Joel Slater

CLICK HERE FOR A FREE DOWNLOAD OF "LOVE'S COME DOWN"!!

- Future Of Forestry • What Child Is This

"Love's Come Down" FREE Download

2010-12-19T11:50:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone! If you've been in any of our services lately, you've heard our newest worship song called "Love's Come Down" which was written by our very own Joel Slater. Well, we here on the Arts Blog want to wish you an early Christmas! Our team spent the past week laying down tracks and recording this song for your listening enjoyment. Best of all, we're offering it as a FREE DOWNLOAD! All you have to do is click the link below.

So spread the word, send your friends, co-workers and family over here for some free music and while you're at it, invite them to church!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD "LOVE'S COME DOWN"

Dont forget about our Christmas Eve service THIS Friday, December 24th at 6:00 p.m.

www.LoudOnPurpose.com

Happy Birthday Joel!

2010-12-18T21:20:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Joel! Hope you had an awesome day!!

Be sure to check back on the blog tomorrow for a free gift from Joel!!

Christmas Classics

2010-12-14T20:32:00.005-05:00

Well, we are down to the wire here at Fair Oaks. This Sunday will be our Ugly Christmas Sweater Sunday and then we will have our Christmas Eve service on the 24th at 6:00 p.m.

These services are jam packed with christmas goodness and guaranteed to blow the roof off! I'd love to tell you about what we have planned....but i cant. You'll just have to come and check it out for yourself!!

But until then...here are some Fair Oaks Christmas Classics to keep you occupied!

Song Set...12/12/10

2010-12-12T14:46:00.003-05:00

Series: Joy Story 3 - week 2
Speaker: Pastor Stokes

Song • Artist

- Hallelujah (Light Has Come) • BarlowGirl

- O Come Let Us Adore Him • LifeChurch.tv Christmas

- Love's Come Down • Joel Slater

- For Who You Are • Hillsong

- O Come, O Come Emmanuel • Future Of Forestry

Song Set...12/5/10

2010-12-05T14:36:00.003-05:00

Series: Joy Story 3

Speaker: Pastor Stokes

Song • Artist

Sing • Josh Wilson

Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy) • Chris Tomlin

Glorious One • Steve Fee

To Know Your Name • Hillsong

Love's Come Down • Joel Slater

Christmas at Fair Oaks!!

2010-12-03T08:51:00.002-05:00

Watch this!

Also, we'll be starting to introduce some Christmas songs this weekend. One of which will be Chris Tomlins "Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy)" which has an incredible chorus.

What i love most about the songs we'll be singing, such as Joy To The World, is that they weren't written to be Christmas songs. They were written to be worship songs.

We're excited about whats coming up here at Fair Oaks Church. Hope to see you Sunday as we kick off our new series JOY STORY 3!!

Song Set...11/28/10

2010-11-28T17:37:00.004-05:00

Speaker: Pastor Christian Gaffney

Song • Artist

Everybody Praise The Lord • Lincoln Brewster

Great Is The Lord • Elevation Worship

Your Love Never Fails • Chris Quilala

How He Loves • Kim Walker

Your Arrival • Phil Wickham

Song Set...11/21/10

2010-11-22T07:59:00.005-05:00

Song • Artist

9:00 a.m. Church Meeting

- Freedom Is Here • Hillsong

- No One Higher/The Stand • Steve Fee

- Came To My Rescue • Hillsong

- Give Me Faith • Elevation Worship

10:45 a.m. Communion Service

- Jesus Paid It All • Kristian Stanfill

- Lead Me To The Cross • Hillsong

- Nothing But The Blood • Phil Wickham

Bread & Cup

- In Christ Alone • Owl City (free download)

- Innocent Blood • The Waiting Kind

Closing

- In Christ Alone • Matt Papa

My Grandmother

2010-11-17T21:52:00.003-05:00

A few weeks back I got a phone call from my Dad saying my Grandmother, his mother, had passed away. It wasn’t totally unexpected. My grandmother had been struggling with dementia for a long time and in the last few months of her life, her health quickly spiraled downward.

My Grandmother was an amazing woman and I know I could type so much about her here. But what I’d like to share with you is a post that my cousin Bobby posted to his Facebook the day after my Grandmother passed away. I've always considered my cousin Bobby like an older brother to me and just like an older brother he said everything I’d want to say and more right here...

"My grandmother passed away last night, she was my Dad's mom. I have a few things to say about my thoughts and feelings. I am not as sad and upset as some would think you would be and its not because she simply lived a long good life or because we weren't close. In fact my grandmother was quite a big constant in my life and the lives of her seven other grandchildren. Like most grandparents she was there for everything in my life be it birthdays, holidays, graduations, weddings, etc. She even lived with my family in the apartment of my parents home for several years as well. She never stopped being a grandma even when we were older. For example, I remember leaving the house in fall weather walking down the front steps and without fail hearing the upstairs window slide open and my grandmother yelling "Bobby! Where is your coat?".....I was 21 years old mind you. I would turn around and yell back "i'm good grandma don't worry about it" and hop in my car laughing to myself. Deep down when I think about silly stuff like that now I can see how much she really cared and how much she loved us. Its the little memories like that one that make me shed some tears because of who she was to me, but her death actually brings me more joy than sadness when I really think about it.

You see, apart from how good or loving my grandmother was she also had something else that was way more important. My grandmother loved Jesus with all her heart, this was visible and in the forefront of who she was. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that my grandmother is in heaven.

Now at this point is where I depart a little bit and get real aside from the emotion of it all. When someone dies, especially if its a relative or someone close to you people always say stuff like "at least they are in a better place now" and I think most people believe that. Unfortunately most of the time those are just words to make people feel better when they think about the event and can often be far from the truth. Believe it or not there are people that go to a much worse place after death and they were all someones son, someones daughter, someones father, someones mother, someones grandmother, someones grandfather, etc. We often think just because they were good and loving people they get some free pass to heaven........to be blunt hell is filled with "good" people.

Indeed my grandmother was a good and loving person and I mean in the truest sense she really was, but last night none of that mattered. Last night all that mattered was that she loved Jesus with all her heart and knew that his sacrifice was the covering for all her sins. This is the only reason she is in the most awesome place in all the universe and that is what makes me extremely happy.

When I die.....be it 50 years from now or tomorrow....I am going to stand before God alone. Its not going to matter who my parents were or who my wife and kids were. No one is going to be there testifying before God how good I was to them. Its going to be me and Him, and all he is going to look for is if I accepted the sacrifice of his son for all the sin I committed in my life and inhereted from the world I was born into. When he sees that, I will be ushered in as a son and welcomed into a place my mind cannot even begin to perceive. That day I will get to see my grandmother again as well as others that have gone before me in Jesus. Right now my gandmothers joy has to be off the chart as she meets with those that have gone before her in Christ that she knew. She and those she knew in Jesus get to exist with their savior who loves them more than anyone on this earth possibly could.

This is why this day as a whole is not a sad one for me, but a happy one. Sure I am sad for myself and others in my family that someone we loved dearly is gone.....but this is the beginning of the story, the prologue if you will.....not the end.

To quote one of my favorite song lyrics of all time "Save sorrow for those in doubt, bleed every tear out" in other words don't be sad for me who you know where I have gone because of my faith in Jesus. Save your sadness for those who died that you weren't quite sure where their faith was.

Love you Grandma......see you soon,

Bobby"

Me and my Grandmother when i was just a baby.

Song Set...11/14/10

2010-11-14T14:43:00.002-05:00

Song • Artist

Run • Hillsong

Salvation Is Here • Hillsong

Our God • Chris Tomlin

With Everything • Hillsong

You Are On Our Side • Elevation Worship

I Love Music.

2010-11-09T15:01:00.008-05:00

If you know me even a little bit, you know that I love music. I love playing it, listening to it and writing it.

Here's some new music I picked up - maybe you'll enjoy it too!

Lecrae: Rehab

Gungor: Beautiful Things

Elevation Worship: Kingdom Come

House of Heroes: Suburba

The Waiting Kind: In The Land Of Hope

Audrey Assad: The House You're Building

Song Set...11/7/10

2010-11-09T10:40:00.003-05:00

Song • Artist

The Time Has Come • Hillsong

Our God • Chris Tomlin

Your Love Never Fails • Jesus Culture

In Christ Alone (My Hope Is Found) • Matt Papa

Pressing On • Relient K

Song Set.....10/31/10

2010-11-03T12:52:00.003-04:00

Clint Howard: Week 8

Song • Artist

Great Is The Lord • Elevation Worship

Blessed Be Your Name • Matt Redman

No One Higher/The Stand • Steve Fee

To Know Your Name • Hillsong

impulsive

2010-11-02T05:34:00.001-04:00

lately i’ve been trying to follow what i believe have been God given impulses. for example, 2 weeks ago i was reading the book we’re studying in our small group, and it was talking about Isaiah 64:6...

"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags..."

immediately a conversation came to my mind that i’d had with a waitress at Bob Evans (BE was Pastor Christians idea). while we were eating at this fine establishment, the waitress learned through our conversations that most of us at the table worked at Fair Oaks Church. she asked me to be in pray for her because she is a bad person (i can't remember her exact words but this was what she was saying). at that moment i didn’t really know how to respond to her, but i said that i would.

fast forward to 4 weeks later to when i was reading my book and came across Isaiah 64:6. i realised that this scripture is what i should have told our waitress on our visit the previous month. she had somehow viewed us church employee’s at the table as higher than she because of our calling---definitely not the case!

when this woman came to mind as I read Isaiah 64:6, I became very burdened to share this scripture with her. just because i work at a church and lead worship that does not mean that my righteous acts are better than hers, to summarise...we both fall short as people in God's eyes. the only difference between us is that i know Jesus, and he stands in my defense before a Holy God.

i took my book across the street and photo copied page 60 with Isaiah 64 quoted and explained by the author. after stapling my biz card to the top of it, i drove to Bob Evans. when i arrived i asked for the waitress, but she was not scheduled to start until later that evening. i asked the girl at the desk to pass the page on to her if she didn’t mind.

i’ve not heard from the waitress, and that’s ok. i followed through on an impulse that, i believe, God put on my heart, something, to be completely honest i never wanted to even do. i was nervous walking into the restaurant and talking to the 16 year old serving pie behind the counter as i asked if the waitress was working. i was somewhat relieved when i was told she wasn’t working, but had she been i would have followed through. i would have told her that i had something that she needed to read, and i would have passed her the piece of paper.

i don’t want a pat on the back for doing this. actually i’m a little reluctant in telling this story cause i don’t want any kind of recognition for doing this. i just want to be obedient when God says, “do this”.

shortly after my Bob Evans experience i wondered, what other things has God been pestering me about that i haven’t follow through on? making a video of me sharing the gospel and putting it on my facebook page was one. the day after i got word of my auntie in australia passing away i thought, “it’s time”, there are so many people/friends i have on fb that’ll i’ll never be able to reach on a personal level to tell them about Jesus. this is a way that i can share with them how God has changed my life and desires to change theirs.

has God been asking you to do something crazy for him, big, small, insignificant in your eyes? remember, you’ll probably won’t want to act on it but heaven only knows what will come of it.

The Switch

2010-10-27T13:38:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure if you have noticed but, Velocity Student Ministry has changed it's name to Phoenix. You can't have the same old artwork when you change your name, so I have been staring at pictures of birds for two weeks, letting the images marinate in my brain. This is a tiny peek at what I've been working on:

And while we are talking about PHOENIX STUDENT MINISTRY, they are beginning a new series pretty soon called Pneumatic. And here's what that looks like:

Want to know more about what's going on with our Student Ministry? Check out http://www.loudonpurpose.com/phoenix !

Song Set - 10-24-10

2010-10-24T11:45:00.002-04:00

Clint Howard: Week 7

Song • Artist

You Deserve • Hillsong

Reign In Us • Starfield

Saviour King • Hillsong

Give Me Faith • Elevation Worship

Swim • Jack's Mannequin

Song Set - 10-17-10

2010-10-24T11:39:00.002-04:00

Clint Howard: Week 6

Song • Artist

Let God Arise • Chris Tomlin

Everlasting God • Lincoln Brewster

Our God • Chris Tomlin

Give Me Faith • Elevation Worship

I Am Woman • Helen Reddy

The Fickle Pickle

2010-10-19T17:57:00.003-04:00

I recently had my gall bladder removed. If you ever look at a picture of our insides, the gall bladder looks like a little green pickle. Kinda gross actually. In researching the procedure, I discovered that the gall bladder's role is to basically aid in the digestion of fat. Thus, the extreme pain the stones caused when I ate fried chicken wings and curly fries all gloriously dipped in ranch dressing - and ended up in the ER.

Once it's removed, the digestion of fats by your body doesn't stop (thank goodness my fried food days aren't over!), but the liver just goes ahead and takes over the role the gall bladder once performed. To quote my surgeon "I don't know why anyone has a gall bladder anymore. It is not necessary."

We the church are also a body. We all have different roles. 1 Corinthians 12 tells us

"The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ."

I don't know about you, but when I think about the human body vs. the church body, I often wonder which organ I might be. Am I bit of the brains since I'm on staff and part of the team that plans services? Am I a mouth since I sing with the vocal team? Am I a joint, because I oversee and serve with the connections team, which strives to get people connected and plugged in at Fair Oaks? I guess I'm a little bit of all these things.

So, which part of the body are you? We are all gifted in different ways. We are all passionate about different things. We all have different training and life experiences that make us unique. Think about which role within Christ's body you are fulfilling. And take a moment to make sure that you aren't the gall bladder. That you aren't necessary. That the role that should be yours has to be taken over by another part because you aren't fulfilling your function.

Let's be the church. Let's be HIS body reaching out to a world that desperately needs us.

ChairMakers

2010-10-12T10:14:00.008-04:00

Recently, our Youth Pastor, Christian Gaffney did a series with his students entitled "ChairMakers". I'd say this series is definitely in my top 3 series that have been done at Fair Oaks. The premise behind "ChairMakers" comes from Psalm 22:3 which says

"Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel."

So what Christian has done for this series is taken a worship song that we sing in our services and broken down how the songs are deeply rooted in scripture. How the songs came to be written and what it means when we sing these songs in our services. Essentially he's "piecing together" the songs just like a craftsman would piece together a chair. After having the knowledge of how a chair is built do you really begin to appreciate the work that has gone into building it. When you see the connection in how these songs were written is when you truly see the full impact these songs encompass. (Pastor Christian also unpacks what the series is about in the first few minutes of the first video "how he loves")

There are so many people who accuse new worship music as being "fake" and having nothing to do with the Bible. Too many people simply come to church on Sunday and allow the words to exit theirs mouths without any thought of what they are saying. I want to strongly encourage you to watch these videos and realize the significance each song has and what it really means to stand in church on Sunday and sing "He loves us" or "Worthy is the lamb who was slain".

May these songs take on new meaning in your life. My hope is that after watching these videos your relationship with God would be soaked in freshness and admiration.

"How He Loves" by John Mark McMillan

"Revelation Song" by Jennie Riddle

"Blessed Be Your Name" by Matt Redman

Song Set - 10-10-10

2010-10-11T09:50:00.002-04:00

Acoustic Set
Clint Howard Week 5

Song - Artist

Came to My Rescue w/ukulele - Hillsong United (w/Train "Hey, Soul Sister" interlude)

How He Loves - David Crowder

Lead Me to the Cross - Chris & Conrad

Your Love Never Fails - Jesus Culture

If I'm Brave - Ali Rogers

Give Me Faith - Elevation Worship

We will be singing "Give Me Faith" again this Sunday, 10/17. Download it from itunes using the above link. It's a great song with awesome truth to it.

Song Set.....10/3/10

2010-10-03T16:43:00.002-04:00

Series: Clint Howard (Week 4)

Song • Artist

Give Your Life Away • Aaron Ivey

One Way • Hillsong

Let Me Sing • Todd Fields

No One Higher/The Stand • Steve Fee

Revelation Song • Jesus Culture

Of Men And Angels • The Rocket Summer

Courage, or the lack of

2010-09-28T06:42:00.001-04:00

This season of growth groups I’m leading a group called ‘Crazy Love’ by Francis Chan, this is a guy that I really look up to as a speaker and follower of Jesus Christ. I was reading his blog the other day and thought I would share, I would never guess after the thousands of people he stands before and speaks to about God’s love, that he would lack courage speaking to just one.

It’s encouraging to know that he struggles with similar things that you and I do and that God is awesome at how He works all things together for His good.

“On Wednesday morning, I flew up to Seattle. On the plane ride up, a gal was sitting in my row with an empty seat in between us. I knew I was supposed to talk to her about God. I asked for an opportunity, but basically chickened out and didn’t make the effort. I then went to the pastor’s gathering where I preached on “courage” of all things. The whole time, I was struck by my failure that morning on the plane.

After speaking, I went right back to the airport to fly home. When I arrived at my seat, guess who was seated RIGHT NEXT TO ME! Do you know how impossible that is? For her to be on the same flight was already amazing, but for her to be seated right next to me was near impossible! Even she had to know it couldn’t have been coincidence. I was able to then share with her why I believed God placed her next to me. She opened up about her life, and we had a great conversation. The greatest part is that she had to know that God Himself was pursuing her. As for me, it was another reminder that God is constantly walking with me.”

"But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth." Jeremiah 9:24

Song Set.....9/26/10

2010-09-26T12:05:00.000-04:00

Series: Clint Howard (week 3)

Song • Artist

Great Is The Lord • Elevation Worship

Run • Hillsong

No One Higher/The Stand • Steve Fee

Our God • Brett Younker

My Best Friend • Weezer

My Routine

2010-09-21T20:25:00.004-04:00

I like to read a Psalm and a Proverb each day. Sometimes at night, sometimes in the morning. Without any fanfare or flowery language here you have it for today:

Psalm 21 in the Message

^1-7Your strength, God, is the king's strength. Helped, he's hollering Hosannas. You gave him exactly what he wanted; you didn't hold back. You filled his arms with gifts; you gave him a right royal welcome. He wanted a good life; you gave it to him, and then made it a long life as a bonus. You lifted him high and bright as a cumulus cloud, then dressed him in rainbow colors. You pile blessings on him; you make him glad when you smile. Is it any wonder the king loves God? that he's sticking with the Best? ^8-12 With a fistful of enemies in one hand and a fistful of haters in the other, You radiate with such brilliance that they cringe as before a furnace. Now the furnace swallows them whole, the fire eats them alive! You purge the earth of their progeny, you wipe the slate clean. All their evil schemes, the plots they cook up, have fizzled—every one. You sent them packing; they couldn't face you. ¹³ Show your strength, God, so no one can miss it. We are out singing the good news!

Now your homework for this blog is to read Proverb 21. School started since the last time I blogged, homework is appropriate ;-)