creative fuZion lab//17// killing the rose...

Welcome to "creative fuZion lab" at designing for Philistines (on Thursdays)...
Once upon a time there was a blog kingdom where freaky creatives could share the chaos created in their minds for THE Kingdom. Sadly, it went away.Yet the creative minds keep blogging.
Now there is a place to share all those creative elements again at the creative fuZion lab on Thursdays.
So here’s what you do…
1. Each Thursday YOU post on your blog on whatever creative church element sparks your passion.
2. In your blog, link back to this weeks specific creative fuZion lab.
3. Then post the link to your particular post at the NEW Mr. Linky below.
4. Then come back and comment. If you don’t blog yet, still feel free to share your idea in the comments.
5. Then off you go. Go visit other people’s ideas, comment and share.
6. Ready to begin? Here we go. Let the creative fuZion begin.
Spread the Word.
Dorothy (vicar of vibe)



We've been doing a 4 week mini series entitled "The Full Gospel". It's really focusing on the details of turning your life over to Christ.
This vid was created by our Bill Hombach. Who wrote the poem, drew the artwork and filmed the vid. The music underscoring the vid was played by Brian Smith (cello) during our Tenebrae service.

Killing The Rose from CrossCurrent Ministries on Vimeo
The creative team didn't plan this series, so I've been playing with some conceptual ideas I've had for staging.
This is mimicking a throne canopy; hung with gaffers and safety pinned to the back curtain.

sabbath...

I've been working on finding a Sabbath day, even a half a day.

I'm working towards spending whatever part of Fridays I am able to...to refocus on God.

Well this morning I have volunteered to help an "older" woman out learning about her computer. Word was put out during our creative team meeting that she needed a computer geek to help her figure out her word program and e-mail. I laughed because one doesn't need a computer geek to teach basic computer skills.

Kind of odd. I am not a whiz at computers, but I certainly know enough and have a lot of patience when teaching basics to people. I often help out my mom via the telephone as she learns new things on her computer. No one else seemed interested, so I volunteered.

I'm curious to see how "old" she actually is. She actually sound like she is close to my age.

I learned some time ago to just go with the flow of what God is calling me to do. And I felt I was supposed to do this.

I was also supposed to move a lot of the stage design stuff I have stored in my garage to our new church offices. I actually have an entire section in the storage room to store stuff. This will help my marriage out. I was starting to take over too much of my husband's garage. But, that fell through.

Hmmm...

Going with the flow...

We'll see what the afternoon holds in store...

creative fuZion lab //14// He has Risen!

Welcome to "creative fuZion lab" at designing for Philistines (on Thursdays)...
This is a place to share any type of creative element that is designed for the weekend worship experience or dreams of future ideas.
Now there is a place to share all those creative elements again at the creative fuZion lab on Thursdays. So here’s what you do…
1. Each Thursday YOU post on your blog on whatever creative church element sparks your passion.
2. In your blog, link back to this weeks specific creative fuZion lab.
3. Then post the link to your particular post at the NEW Mr. Linky below.
4. Then come back and comment. If you don’t blog yet, still feel free to share your idea in the comments.
5. Then off you go. Go visit other people’s ideas, comment and share.
6. Ready to begin? Here we go.
Let the creative fuZion begin.
Spread the Word.
Dorothy (vicar of vibe)

For Easter the last two years we have been focusing on the fact that the people that may attend church only on the big holidays; and wind up seeing the same thing, over and over again. With that in mind we try really hard to not give them the same thing that they see every year and balance that with creating something that reflects who we really are every Sunday.

Styling the stage: Actually the stage design was very simple.
We started with the cross image created the previous week of the cross draped in black cloth strips (indications of our sins that we all draped over the cross on Palm Sunday), with during the Amena Brown dramatic reading-the black cloth (our sin) was ripped off of the cross to reveal the cross draped in white and purple.
People had really related to the cross element the previous week. And we had multiple people talk to us about the power of seeing their sins wiped away.




The purple panels were simply beautiful cloth I found at Wal-Mart. What was really cool, when we hung the panels up, crosses were revealed in between the panels. People thought I planned it that way. lol. Wasn’t planned this time, just God.

The previous Sunday we did a Tenebrae service (from Light to Darkness); for Resurrection Sunday we went from:
Darkness (Mourning)
Confusion
Hope and
Light (Celebration)
in four parts. This was wrapped around a four part drama based on the story on the road to Emmaus. In between we had mini-messages.

Instrumental Opener "Pride" (In the Name of Love) U2Personally I like when we use a secular song that fits the message. It’s a connection that people are able to relate to from their own world.

At the beginning of the Celebration portion of the service we had a dramatic reading of "Resurrection" (Amena Brown) with "Hosanna" instrumental playing in the background. It was during this time that the black cloth was stripped away from the cross revealing the purple and white.

For the order of service see Sunday Set list 38 He has Risen!

We do what we do because we love it. Long hours, often without recognition, especially if you are working in what I call the "silent ministries". The ministries where basically no one knows who you are. We know that isn't the reason we do what we do. What I want you to know, is that YOU do make a difference! Keep doing what you do!

Are you excited about an upcoming element?

creative fuZion lab //16// tenebrae (shadows)...

Welcome to "creative fuZion lab" at designing for Philistines (on Thursdays)...
Once upon a time there was a blog kingdom where freaky creatives could share the chaos created in their minds for THE Kingdom. Sadly, it went away.
Yet the creative minds keep blogging.Now there is a place to share all those creative elements again at the creative fuZion lab on Thursdays. So here’s what you do…
1. Each Thursday YOU post on your blog on whatever creative church element sparks your passion.
2. In your blog, link back to this weeks specific creative fuZion lab.
3. Then post the link to your particular post at the NEW Mr. Linky below.
4. Then come back and comment. If you don’t blog yet, still feel free to share your idea in the comments.
5. Then off you go. Go visit other people’s ideas, comment and share.
6. Ready to begin? Here we go. Let the creative fuZion begin.
Spread the Word.
Dorothy (vicar of vibe)


Being such a young church, this is the first year XC has done any ancient/modern services.
We did both an interactive Passover Seder and a Tenebrae service.
The word ‘tenebrae’ is Latin for shadows.
The purpose of the Tenebrae service is to recreate the emotional aspects of the passion story. It is not supposed to be a joyful service, because this moment in time was not triumphant.
The purpose of the service is to recreate the betrayal, abandonment, and agony of the events and it is left unfinished, because the story isn’t over until the Resurrection on Easter.
Prepare your heart.
Come; experience the darkness before the light.
He has not yet risen.

How it all played out:
Cello bags were handed out as people entered the auditorium. They contained a black strip of cloth and a nail.
(We asked that people wear the black cloth around their neck and hold the nail in their hand during worship)

Instrumental Opener
(Instruments: acoustic guitar, keyboard, cello and percussion)
Worship Set 1:
Sing to the King

Welcome & Greet

Worship Set 2:
Here I am to Worship

Scene 1: Words of Institution - Chris E.
Scene 2: Communion (partake together)

Worship Set 2:
Carried to the Table (Leeland) (sung during communion)

Scene 3: Reader 1:
Father forgive them…
Reader: Covers first candle.
Creative element: Reader walks up to Cross with mallet and large nails, hammers nails into cross.

Scene 4: Reader 2:
I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.
Reader: Covers second candle
Creative element: Experiential movement of congregation hanging the black cloths on the Cross. Several mournful cello solo’s were played during this portion.

Scene 5: Reader 3:
Dear woman, here is your son, and to the disciple, Here is your mother.
Reader: Covers third candle.
Creative element: Start with the image created of Mary and baby from the Christmas Crescendo. Melissa Genter singing “Mary Did You Know?”.

Scene 6: Reader 4:
Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?
Reader: Covers fourth candle.
Creative element: Eloi - Special Song - April Eads

Scene 7: Reader 5:
I thirst.
Reader: Covers fifth candle.
(Short spoken piece Narrator, directions)
Creative element: [Experiential/Interactive: go to tables to partake vinegar water.] This is executed in silence.

Scene 8: Reader 6:
Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.
Reader: Covers sixth candle.

Scene 9: Transition: “Why” sung live by April
Dramatic movement piece interpreting the song “Why”

Scene 10: Reader 7:
It is finished.
Reader: Covers seventh candle.

Scene 11: [All lights are extinguished at this point; we sit in complete and total darkness,
THUNDER (percussion) 30 seconds-pause 30 seconds.}

Scene 12: Teaching moment about the sufficiency of the Cross.
Bridge (with alter call) - Chris Eads

Scene 13: Celebration
Worship Set 4
In Christ Alone
Wonderful Cross
Blessed Be Your Name

NOTES:
Several elements weren’t completed. I learned it doesn’t matter what position the person holds, they still needed to followed up with to insure that they are on task.
Some elements were dropped out and rearranged at the last moment. This created back to back elements of “just sit and listen to people sing” moments.

We are already planning on doing a Tenebrae service again next year.

How was your Palm Sunday?

Sunday Set List //38// He has Risen!!!

Since last Sunday we did a Tenebrae service (from Light to Darkness); today's service went from Darkness (Mourning) to Light (Celebration) in four parts. More details on creative fuZion lab on Thursday. It was unlike any Easter service I've ever been to.

Rehearsal/run through this morning had loads of glitches. But during our pre-service time of pray, we turned it all over to God (as we always do) and man, today rocked! Loads of new people showed up, even had to go with overflow seating.

But best of all, God was moving. People really singing, crying, cheering! People were glowing when they left!

Instrumental Opener
Pride (In the Name of Love) U2

Worship Set 1
Our Love is Loud
Amazing Love
I Will Praise Him (a wonderful song written by and sung by the Kids)

Welcome & Greet
FIRST MOVEMENT - MOURNING

Definition #1: Mourning - Drama#1- Mourning
Deliver Me (ended with Jesus, Jesus, How I Love Him chorus)

Message # 1

SECOND MOVEMENT - CONFUSION

Definition #2: Confusion - Drama #2 - Confusion
Message # 2:

THIRD MOVEMENT - HOPE
Definition #3: Hope - Drama #3 - Hope
Message # 3

FOURTH MOVEMENT - CELEBRATION

Definition #4 - Celebration - Drama # 4 - Celebration

Dramatic Reading of "Resurrection" (Amena Brown) (Hosanna instrumental playing)

Worship Set 2
Hosanna
Better is One Day/Amazing Grace

I pray for each and every one of you - that your heart be completely filled with joy and amazement of the glory of the Resurrection!

This is a small part of the wonderful group that serve as worshippers and worship leaders at Sunday Set Lists on Fred McKinnon's blog.

Dayenu!

One of the most the amazing things to me is that God didn’t have to do anything for our sinfulness.
In the Passover Seder there is a responsive reading called Dayenu! (it would have been sufficient). It recounts all the amazing things that God has done for us, recognizing that each event alone would have been sufficient in itself. So today, the day before the Resurrection of Christ, let’s reflect on some of the amazing things our God has done and recognize His sufficiency.

Dayenu!

Leader: Had God split the Sea for us, but not led us through it on dry land

People: It would have been sufficient


Leader: Had God led us though on dry land, but not provided for our needs in the desert for forty years

People: It would have been sufficient


Leader: Had God provided for our needs in the desert for forty years, but not fed us the manna

People: It would have been sufficient


Leader: Had God fed us manna, but not given us the Sabbath

People: It would have been sufficient


Leader: Had God given up the Sabbath, but not brought us to Mount Sinai

People: It would have been sufficient


Leader: Had God brought us to Mount Sinai, but not given us the Torah

People: It would have been sufficient


Leader: Had God given us the Torah, but not brought us into the Land of Israel

People: It would have been sufficient


Leader: Had God brought us to the Land of Israel, but not sent the Messiah

People: It would have been sufficient


Leader: If God had sent the Messiah, but not sacrificed His Son for our sins

People: It would have been sufficient


Leader: If God had sacrificed His Son for our sins, but not raise Him from the dead

People: It would have been sufficient


Leader: But God did all of that and more!

People: Dayenu!

ha, ha, ha...

creative fuZion lab //15// Experiential Passover Seder

Welcome to "creative fuZion lab" at designing for Philistines (on Thursdays)...
Once upon a time there was a blog kingdom where freaky creatives could share the chaos created in their minds for THE Kingdom. Sadly, it went away.
Yet the creative minds keep blogging.
Now there is a place to share all those creative elements again at the creative fuZion lab on Thursdays. So here’s what you do…
1. Each Thursday YOU post on your blog on whatever creative church element sparks your passion.
2. In your blog, link back to this weeks specific creative fuZion lab.
3. Then post the link to your particular post at the NEW Mr. Linky below.
4. Then come back and comment. If you don’t blog yet, still feel free to share your idea in the comments.
5. Then off you go. Go visit other people’s ideas, comment and share.
6. Ready to begin? Here we go. Let the creative fuZion begin.
Spread the Word.
Dorothy (vicar of vibe)


This took a lot of research and prayer. Especially to insure that we covered all the main portions of the traditional Passover Seder and which elements to incorporate experiential elements for congregational interaction.
We purchased a children’s Haggadah (it was Jewish, not Messianic) and pulled out the various elements and decided on 4 experiential elements. Everything was prepared for 300 participants.
Our pastor and one of our congregants (a Messianic Jew) lead the Seder from the stage.
I wasn’t able to be there for the actual Seder that Sunday, but many said it was a great experience.
Particularly moving to me where a couple of Messianic Jews who commented on how much it impacted them. Very, very cool.
If you plan on doing a Passover Seder, I’d highly recommend purchasing a Messianic Haggadah and using someone who is very familiar with an actual Passover Seder. It will save you a LOT of time.
If you have any futher questions on details, I’d be happy to answer any questions.

Here is the outline (order of service) we used. Experiential elements are noted in bold red.

Bridge into Seder: Chametz prayers before and after (together),
Mention Chametz removal (yeast + sin, Christ is sinless),
light candle (And candle prayer),

Opening Seder prayer, explanation of symbols
Explanation of symbols and Passover teaching:

Blessing for Wine Cup (#1)
Leaders: Drink wine
Leader will symbolically wash his hands.

Blessing (karpas): Explanation to congregants what they are to do
Experiential movement #1 Dipping of Celery in Salt water.

Worship Set 2 (2 songs related to seeking God) Breathe
Breaking of Matzo (not eaten) done symbolically by the pastor

Story of the Passover
We decided against this clip. Too silly for the serious mood we were creating. But, funny...

Message of symbolism of Christ as THE Passover Lamb.
The protection of His blood (on the threshold),
Responsive reading Dayenu! This is cool. We adapted it for our service.

Worship Set 3
Enough

Cover matzo, raise (second) cup of wine PRAYER, then drink the wine (lean to the left)

Shank Bone (explain the shank bone)

Blessing over Matzah (explanation while passing -
while Chris teaches and HOLD the matzah; take together
Reading, eat while lean to the left...

Blessing over Maror (horseradish)
Explanation of what is happening: go to the table dip lettuce in horseradish and charoset.
Experiential movement #2 to table eat them together
Had a sign on each table (and front doors of auditorium) listing INGREDIENTS in the charoset in case of nut allergies.

Ingredients in the charoset we made:


Worship Set 5 (related to freedom)

Blessing of the (#3 Redemption Cup and 4 combined) cup of wine Pass (wine)
Blessing of the (#) Cup of Wine; everyone partakes of the wine...

Explanation of the Egg

i'm an otter...

I love personality tests. I took the Meyers Briggs Personality Indicator test years ago. It finally made sense why everyone called me an extrovert; I kept saying I was an introvert. Turns out I score 9 out of 10 on the introversion scale. I now explain I am a gregarious introvert.
Another popular test involves various animals. Lion, Otter, Golden Retriever and Beaver.
This is a short description of each personalities:
Lion--Powerful--Desires control
Otter--Popular--Desires fun
Beaver--Perfect--Desires Perfection
Golden Retriever--Peaceful--Desires Peace

We took this test at our recent fuZion retreat (creative arts team). I got to teach and it was a lot of fun. Being an otter, I wanted it to be a fun activity. So after we took our tests, I broke everyone up into their animals groups. They were to pick one positive trait and one negative trait and find a short, creative way to express these traits in their animal character, then present to the total group.
It was hysterical.
Here are the results. See if you are able to guess which group was what animal based on the pictures.

If you care to find out what animal you are; go through these lists of character traits and find the one where the words describe you the best.
Have you taken this test before? What is your animal personality type?

too funny...

Warning: Language



I warned you.

God's Chisel...

from the Skit Guys.
God's Chisel

creative fuZion lab //14// styling on the fly...

Welcome to "creative fuZion lab" at designing for Philistines (on Thursdays)...
Once upon a time there was a blog kingdom where freaky creatives could share the chaos created in their minds for THE Kingdom. Sadly, it went away. Yet the creative minds keep blogging.
Now there is a place to share all those creative elements again at the creative fuZion lab on Thursdays. So here’s what you do…
1. Each Thursday YOU post on your blog on whatever creative church element sparks your passion.
2. In your blog, link back to this weeks specific creative fuZion lab.
3. Then post the link to your particular post at the NEW Mr. Linky below.
4. Then come back and comment. If you don’t blog yet, still feel free to share your idea in the comments.
5. Then off you go. Go visit other people’s ideas, comment and share.
6. Ready to begin? Here we go. Let the creative fuZion begin.
Spread the Word.
Dorothy (vicar of vibe)


This has been one of those weeks. Seriously...
We had our creative fuZion retreat (last Friday and Saturday), where I taught break-out sessions on ENHANCE and taught a total group session on personality indicators (Lion, Otter, Beaver & Golden Retriever). More on that later this week.
Gearing up for our Passover Seder (this past Sunday)
And I left Sunday morning to visit family in Indiana; so therefore had to have this coming Sunday’s elements for our Tenebrae service all prepared.
When we arrived at the retreat facility our worship leader said ”oh btw, could you decorate the worship space.” She had brought a couple pieces of cloth an old graphic backdrop. Good thing that I had brought my ENHANCE bag. So, I found myself styling the stage on the fly...

So we threw some gaffer clips and hung cloth. Now take a look at how we hung the graphic banner. Next time I will have a plan for styling the stage at the retreat.

Since I wasn’t actually at church this week. I don’t have pictures of the set up for the Passover Seder. Someone did take pictures and as soon as I am able to get my hands on them, I will post them with the details.
How is your week gearing up? Is it a little hectic?