Monthly Archives: November 2009

Delirious?

Gaz Simmonds | November 29, 2009

Last night i ventured up to Leeds with Katie, with the help of a very irritating, barely useful Sat Nav, we made it to the O2 acadamy! ‘Turn left then keep right’, ‘Turn right then keep left.’ ‘In 800 yards turn right’ Yeh thanks for that, let me just count out 800 yards in my head…

But we made it, and it was worth it! They played for close to 2 and a half hours! Including taking the role of their own support act, as the ‘Cutting edge band’ taking us back to where they started. Who would have known they were going to pull out ‘Men of Faith’?! And ‘The Happy Song’! Excellent.

It really struck me when they were performing, just how many powerful songs they have written, song after song was soaked in the incredible message of the gospel, and portray real hope and salvation. So many of their lyrics blow me away completely. It was like every song God was giving me a little nudge as if to say ‘Yep, thats me!’

There is always the old debate about performance and worship and whether the 2 should mix. And i totally believe they do. There is something amazing about seeing an example of worshippers, because although all the words may not be on the screen, and the songs may go above C or whatever worship leaders are told not to do. Your heart can’t help but jump on board and worship with them, even in the quiet of my heart i found myself in awe of Gods love, and through the lyrics, I couldn’t help but sing along and offer it to God deep within, even if i had no idea of the melody!

There was something really great about a packed secular venue, full of worshippers, worshipping using a slightly different expression than perhaps we are used to. God has really used these guys over the past 15 or so years. I know he will continue to do so in other ways. But it was really so encouraging to see 5 normal men, who simply gave everything they have to see Christ lifted in this world. There is not enough bands like Delirious in the UK, so if you’re reading, and this is your thing. Get on it!

Posted in Music, Worship | 1 Response

Busy Busy

Gaz Simmonds | November 24, 2009

So here comes the Christmas season for real. This morning we did our first Christmas themed assembly, well, advent themed anyway!

I have the proof copy of the Christmas magazine right in front of me as i write. Ready to go to the printers this week. Trees are going up, the Coca Cola advert is on TV, and it is exactly one month till Christmas Eve.

I must say that I never really believed people who work in Church, when they say how busy they are. Until last year. And i realised, yeh its Kind of a lot of work. But this year, I have been blown away again. There is so much to do!

It is such a relief when you can tick things off the to do list though i must say. The Christmas Magazine, ‘Spotlight’, is done, proofed and will be printed this week, and delivered next week. Can’t wait to see the finished product! Next week we have our Christmas Crafts fair at church. I took the fliers into the local schools. Best get printing the menu for the Cafe!

But the big one is planning for the Christmas Services. Christmas Eve is the big one. With 2 services repeated at 4pm and 6pm, I can’t wait! Got the Choir practices booked in for the debut of our new Contemporary Choir along with the Band Practices, should be rocking.

I will keep you updated of what’s going on. I love Christmas! And in the midst of all this, I am off to see delirious on Saturday in Leeds with Katie. Can’t wait.

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It’s Christmas Time

Gaz Simmonds | November 20, 2009

Isn’t it funny how at about this time every year, all you have to do is walk 500 yards down the street before you hear the words. ‘Ooh its come around quick hasn’t it’ or ‘I can’t believe they have their lights up already! Its only november’

I remember as a child every bonfire night we would go to watch the fireworks at Stand Road, being the busiest firework display in chesterfield parking was always an issue. So we used to park on a housing estate and walk 10 or 15 minutes. Each year there would be one or 2 houses, who would have their Christmas lights up. And every year we would watch them as we walk past, and comment it’s a bit early for that isn’t it, its only just november! Yet this was over 10 years ago now. And it still shocks us, no doubt this problem has been occurring way before i experienced it!

So when will we get over this shock? Maybe we won’t ever. Maybe in the year 2056 when the Coca Cola advert comes on tv at the end of april we will look back saying will be ‘Do you remember back in the day when we used to wait until October to put the Christmas lights out? That was the day.’

Having said all this we do have a strict tradition in my household that Christmas decorations definitely do not come out before December, and rarely before Christmas Eve. And it will continue to stay like that! Consequently i should point out we don’t put them away until September!

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