Finally serving in ARPC

I was invited for an "audition" on Saturday only to find out that they wanted me to play in the service later that evening. Just like in Grace 1, ARPC's music team needs to play on Saturday and Sunday. They were gracious (actually desperate as their drummer was out of town) to let me play that evening, but not the next morning due to work.

Oh man, it may not be like the usual charismatic kind of worship which I was so accustomed to with set musical arrangements and the worship leader literally dictating how we should play. Many times I took chances in building a groove that might force a return to the chorus, etc. This time however was nonetheless challenging to play without a drum shield, which required me to control my volume; playing the song only once or twice as rehearsed with little time for improvisation; thus there were no hand signals to give instructions. Please don't even think I was playing with lesser skilled musicians. The team may not be locking and grooving together that well, but every individual players were excellent! There were times when you could hear everything joining up nicely. It simply shows the great potential they have to really lock in to the music. One thing I must mention is that. I have never played so much swing in my life! Yes, in that few hours, Jassy went into some swinging tune and I just try my best to swing along. Oh, I luv it!

The main problem with playing in ARPC was a technical one which was the volume of the snare drum. Just before the service started, I had an idea to place my hoodie over the snare drum to play. The result was a muffled, 70s sounding snare with a more manageable volume control. Even at a controlled level, I couldn't do without ear protection. I thank God I am used to it even when playing softer than usual volume.

I really can't wait to play next month if my schedule allows. I just have to wait and see. Oh how I miss playing the drums to God in church. Thank God for that opportunity last weekend!

Pentecostalism to Presbytarianism

A lot people have commented that it's a big change to conform a Pentacostal church to a Presbytarian one. Wikipedia have a good definition for what Presbytarianism is about:

"Presbyterian theology typically emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Scriptures, and the necessity of grace through faith in Christ."

That is a very simple definition bout it speaks volumes about my theological stand in my life now. However I still miss the charismatic stylenof worship that I have been so used to for 27 years. These days I joked that my only charismatic experience is when I am listening to my iPod, but that is no joking matter. Linage did introduce me to Sovereign Grace Music, which is good, but they are no Hillsong United which is my primary inspiration in worship music (I wonder how they are going to top the song "Tear Down The Walls", but they always do with each new album!).

This Saturday I will be meeting the worship team in ARPC for some sort of audition. The worship music is not as structured as what I have been used to with some serious arrangements and the occasional dreaded, but much needed, rhythm charts. In ARPC, the music is simpler. The dominant instrument is the piano (and they have great players!). The drummers... Hmmm... They certainly need help. I am not a drum guru, but I really think the drums have to do justice to the music we play in church because since we offer our best services to God, I believe we should attempt to offer our best music to God as well.

Ok, I am rambling about music now. Yes, I miss playing drums to God. It is something that playing in Figtree or Gloria could never replace. When I do not play "to God" then I am playing "for the glory of God". I know playing in ARPC will not be the same as playing in Grace, but nonetheless it is still playing to God where the words of the song is "interpreted" in rhythms.