Caleb's Original

Caleb has really enjoyed learning to play guitar. We have seen him growing musically, and he has been showing some real talent in his natural rhythm and understanding of chord progressions. He seems to just have an ear for how chords work together. I posted a video below of his recital. He played a worship song called "Our God Saves", but in the video below, you will hear the first song Caleb has ever written. Though it's lyrically simple, keep in mind that he didn't just write the lyrics, but he also developed the melody line, a singable rhythm, and developed the chord progression used throughout the song. There are a lot of different things going on here. He is already asking me to co-write with him. I can't wait to get started on that! We're proud of you, Caleb! Stay focused and keep working hard.



"He Came to Earth"
by Caleb Bumgardner

Jesus, He came to Earth to save us
He washed away our sins
He washed away our sins

Jesus, He came to Earth to save us
He died and rose again
He died and rose again

He came to Earth to set us free
So we could live eternally

Jesus, He came to Earth to save us
He washed away our sins
He washed away our sins

Jesus, He came to Earth to save us
He died and rose again
He died and rose again

Christmas with David Phelps and the Immanuel Choir

David Phelps is going to be in concert with the Immanuel Choir on December 6, at 7pm at Immanuel. David is one of the most prolific voices in Christian music today. His Christmas CD is my favorite one of his. Although, I have to admit that Christmas music in general is my favorite. So, it should come as no surprise.

We haven't even begun rolling radio spots yet. However, we are already getting a lot of phone calls and emails. Some of the stranger locations people are calling and emailing from are Montana, Las Vegas, and Northern California. I can't wait to see all of the places we end up having represented that night.

One of the emails we received was hilarious. This lady is a "Super-Phan" of David Phelps. You'll understand why I spelled it that way when you read the email. Check it out below:

Jeff,

I invite you to come to www.davidphelps.com and get a taste of DP. We are a Christian bunch of phans (we spell it that way) and we praise together, pray together, stand awestruck at The Curly One's talent. Yes, I guess, we are groupies. Come join the phun.

Are you kidding me?

Jars of Clay

The Jars of Clay concert was incredible. They rocked out some of my favorite "old school Jars" songs, in addition to playing some of their newer ones. They also played some new songs off their brand new Christmas CD which is hitting stores tomorrow (October 16th). We just happened to get a sneak-preview of the CD and the chance to buy it early for only $10. Pretty awesome. I bet 2/3rds of the audience were not Immanuel people. This proves my suspicions that we need a venue in the Inland Empire for christian concerts.

Jars of Clay

I am very excited about the band Jars of Clay being in concert here, at Immanuel. They will be here tomorrow night, October 11th. If you are not familiar with the band, go to itunes and do a search. You will recognize a ton of their music if you listen to Christian radio at all. Tickets will be available at the door, or you can purchase them online at ticketforce.com .

Get your tickets and be a part of the "JARS" experience at Immanuel tomorrow night.

Jars of Clay is Coming to Immanuel

That's right! The Christian Band Jars of Clay is going to be at Immanuel on October 11th. Make plans to be here that night. It is going to be a great opportunity to worship together with one of Christian Music's greatest bands. I've put in a clip of one of their live worship concerts. Check it out!

Chasing Dreams

I've blogged recently about our view of God. Our view is shaped by how close we are to Him. Just to clarify, think about how objects appear smaller the farther away we are. We can't truly touch it, examine it, or understand it until we are up close to it. And when we're close to that object we can finally attest to the size of it. It's the same with God. We can't truly know Him for Who He really is unless we're up close to Him. And as a dreamer, that is when our dreams take flight. As Mark Batterson puts it, our dreams will never be bigger than our view of God.

I've got a huge dream that I've been living with since childhood. However, I never believed in it until I grew closer to the Lord. I've always dreamed of being a song writer and having something published. Now, I know, many of you out there have already lived out that dream. But, to me it is one of those intangibles. One of those dreams I believed I'd be chasing for a life time. I might still be. However, I'm taking a big step today towards seeing that dream lived out.

I'm pitching three songs today to a publisher. It's a weird feeling putting yourself out there. But, what do I have to lose. If they reject all of them, I'm no further away from being published than I was. (At least that's what I keep telling myself.) So, we'll wait and see what happens. Hopefully I won't receive that letter that says "don't call us, we'll call you". That wouldn't be good.

Lisa's Song

Anne Johnston-Brown, just one of many of our awesome Immanuel Choir members, recently wrote a song called We'll Be Alright, dedicated to Lisa Lyons . Lisa, our Outreach Productions Coordinator here on our Worship Staff, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is facing chemo, beginning this Friday, and possible surgery later this year. We're trusting God with this one, and we know He loves Lisa far more than any of us possibly could. Trust His hand!

Anne has also given this song another title that I like even better, Lisa's Song. Check out the music video she made for it below. We love 'ya, Lisa!

Leading Worship

I can't tell you how often I am involved in conversations about our role as worshipers in the church. Many often want to make it about our individual issues about musical preference and style, when the reality of it is that we were created to be worshipers. It needs to cease being about us and focus in on Him. Now, with that being said, I do believe God has made us musical for our enjoyment as well as His. If we don't like the music we're singing, it throws up a huge road block in our ability to lead others through that particular style or song. Therefore, we must constantly be aware of the people we are leading in worship and choose music that will both honor God and facilitate worship among His church.

I'll be talking soon about our role as worship leaders and the 1 Year Commitment we are asking our people to make at Immanuel. Check back soon and give me your input.

San Antonio or Bust

Well, tomorrow is the big day. Jody and I are flying out for San Antonio, TX tomorrow afternoon, and I can't wait for the rest of the choir and orchestra to get there. I am meeting with Scott White on Monday to make sure everything is set up properly and all that we need is in place. Scott White is the Minister of Music at the great FBC Woodstock in Woodstock, GA, and is serving as the Music Director for the Southern Baptist Convention this year. Scott and I have been friends for about 5 years, and I've loved getting to know him better. I'm looking forward to getting to hang out with him a little, though I know he'll be extremely busy. Travis Cottrell will be leading worship on Wednesday night, and The Immanuel Choir will get to lead with him. That is too cool.

To all who are going on the trip: Have a safe flight (or drive) and I can't wait to see you in TX. It is going to be a blast. A lot of work, tiring days, and long hours - but there is always excitement when our hearts are right and we're working for the Kingdom. See 'ya in San Antonio!

That Little Treat I Promised 'Ya

Okay, okay. I've heard the outcry and am hear to answer your request. Below you will find the video link to watch The Immanuel Choir singing Mountain Mover. Enjoy!

Ministry Highlight

I had the opportunity to meet by phone with Lavon Gray today. Lavon is the Minister of Music at First Baptist Jackson, MS. He will be the worship leader for one of the worship sessions with our choir and orchestra in San Antonio, TX at the SBC. During our talk we discovered that we had one year in common when we were both at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, TX. I seem to run into "Southwesterners" more often than you may think. There are many of us in the ministry, praise the Lord! Lavon is leading his choir to St. Petersburg, Russia from May 31st - June 9th. Lavon, I am praying for you as you minister in the name of Jesus. I can't wait to hang out in San Antonio and hear about what God did on that trip.

I hope our Immanuel family knows what a great Pastor God has blessed us with. We seem to take for granted people and things over time. The things that we've been experiencing and witnessing at Immanuel are not happening everywhere. We should marvel in the presence of God at what He is allowing us to be a part of. Serve Him with everything you have this week. Do not allow negativity to creep in to any aspect of your life. A negative attitude is the beginning of destruction. Stay positive, giving thanks to God in every situation.

I Still Believe

Many have asked for a copy of this past Sunday morning's video of the Immanuel Choir singing I Believe. I felt the easiest thing to do would be to post it online. You should check it out. Let me know what you think.
Just click on this link: The Immanuel Choir sings I Believe

You've Gotta Be Kidding Me

Every year this happens. Every year. There seems to be that one spark of hope...that one ray of light...that one "true" American Idol..but then this happens. A few years ago it was Latoya London - but she was ousted at #4. Then it was Chris Daughtry - but he was ousted at #4. Now, Melinda. I don't know what else to say. I'm going to bed.

American Idol

After our escapade at Chick-fil-a, our worship staff came back to our house to watch last night's episode of American Idol. It was a lot of fun as we critiqued each vocalist's performance. In the end I took a survey from each person as to who was GOING HOME. Here are the results:

Ellen & Les - Jordin
Sharon & Alan - Jordin
Amy - Jordin
Byron - Jordin
Jody - Blake
Megan - Blake
Brad - Jordin

Alright, now for me. I believe that Blake will be hanging around for the finale. Here's why: I think that Blake will get the little girl and teen votes. I think that any fan of that genre, Maroon 5 types, will vote for Blake. That being said, I believe that Jordin and Melinda are close enough in style that they will split votes. In that scenario, Melinda is going to bring more votes in. Therefore, I believe that Blake and Melinda will meet in the finale next week. Go Melinda!

Click on the comments below and tell me who you think is going home.

Worship Team

Tonight my worship staff and I are going to be doing some hangin' out. My ministry assistant, Sharon, was given an invitation to Chick-fil-a during their training - so, we're hitting the restaurant tonight prior to their grand opening on the 17th. After dinner, we are headed back to mi casa (my house) to watch Blake, Melinda, and Jordin battle it out to see who will be in the finale of American Idol. This is the first year that there have been 3 extremely talented people in the top 3. Most years you can easily guess who's going home. I have successfully picked the ousted vocalist each of the past 7 weeks. So, tonight should be fun. As a worship staff we will rank who we think is going home tomorrow. I'll let you know every one's predictions. Who do you say is going home?

Feature

In ministry you pray for God to bless you with the tools, the abilities, and the people to accomplish the vision you believe He has given you. It's awesome when you see Him answer those prayers. Most of the time His blessings come in the form of people. In Immanuel's Worship Ministry God has blessed us with some incredible people. So, from time to time, I will be featuring those special people that God is using in incredible ways to help me breathe a little easier, and that are impacting this ministry.

Today, I want to send a thank you out to Brenda Heusterberg. Brenda is one of those God-sent choir members who is always encouraging me and willing to help. In preparations for San Antonio she brought her laptop to choir rehearsals each week and set-up shop in the choir rehearsal room - booking flights for numerous people over a several week span. Thanks, Brenda, for all that you do and your willingness to serve. And the Immanuel Worship ministry has several "Brendas" who are seeking to serve others. This is why I believe we see so many people joining the Immanuel Choir and staying...they feel like it's home. Keep working guys. We're gonna take this city for Jesus!

2007 At Immanuel

Looking through my calendar for the year, there are several things that I can't wait to get to. Obviously, as I've blogged about several times already, our choir and orchestra are going to San Antonio in June to sing at the Southern Baptist Convention. Several things about that excite me. Right on the heels of SA is our 4th of July Patriotic Celebration. We had a creative team meeting concerning that yesterday, and I am so ready to start putting those things into action. The fall just looks incredibly busy, but that is when I thrive. I can't stand the lulling slow times in ministry. I need a lot of action to keep going. In the midst of a busy fall, we have TEAM IMPACT coming in October. Just after that we have our HUGE Harvest Festival on October 31st. It is the absolute best Harvest Festival I've ever seen. Last year we had approximately 15,000 people come through our campus for that. It was an amazing community outreach. And NOW, THE REST OF THE STORY. We are in the process of trying to book one of Christian Music's premier music groups. I can't give the name until it is actually official, but if this happens, it will be amazing.

Get ready Immanuel. We're going to impact our community in '07. We will be more intentional about reaching out, becoming more and more relevant, and winning Highland, Redlands, San Bernardino, and the surrounding area for the Kingdom!