Adoleo Worship Night

Last Friday around 500 people packed into the Englert theater for a night of worship. 

The Anthem band kicked it off (their main event will be on November 11th at Cornerstone in Ames), then Adoleo played the rest of the night. 

Some highlights included Voices of Soul gospel choir that joined us for an epic set of worship and Ally leading "Savior", which included crowd participation in a video project. 

I was sitting around thinking about how to include the crowd in the song. So I pulled 15 volunteers from the crowd with iPhones, and asked them to film the experience. I let four of them up on stage to get closer shots. We'll see at the beginning of November (the video deadline) whether or not that was a good idea. Here's a shot at the end of "Savior"...

I'm so proud of the Adoleo team, who has spent countless hours writing, recording, producing, worshiping, and praying- this was one of those late Monday night rehearsals at an empty coffee shop...

It's easier to use someone else's music that's tried and true, and there are good reasons most churches do that. But there's also something about giving our people their own voice with original music written by people in the church. It ignites latent creative juices, and energizes the people of God when they see writers using their gifts to encourage the body of Christ.

At the end of the day, most of the songs will not get beyond our church walls (if we had them), but the offering is not for man, but God.

Thus the name, Adoleo. ("I offer a sacrifice of worship")

Congrats Jason Munday...

... on being featured today on youtube!

The indirect connection to Adoleo: Jason's link to Ryan Seiler's youtube channel, Seiler's link to Adoleo's youtube

It's a jungle out there in cyberspace!

Spotlight

On The Rise: Jason Munday

The votes are in, and you've chosen singer, songwriter and producer Jason Munday as August's On The Rise winner! Jason was one-third of YouTube faves Ministry of Magic and a self-described "nerdy musician."

"This Hope" music video

Here's the first Adoleo music video. It was fun filming this in such a beautiful setting that encourages reflection on God's purposes. Nature has a way of displaying the glory of God.

Veritas and TSC Fall Kickoffs

Year two is underway! Here are some snapshots of what God is doing in our midst. In chronological order...

Veritas staff retreat.

Veritas service on Sunday.

Our study of Judges this month is stretching the limits of our teaching ability. This book is dark, yet its darkness points to the light of the gospel.

The nature of ministry in a transient town like Iowa City is saying good bye to people you come to love in a short time. Nathan rolled in to town the same time we did last fall, not knowing anything about Veritas. He ended up playing a critical role in planting the church, as he led one of our connection groups and became a friend and mentor to so many. He will be greatly missed.

This is our weekly reminder that we are not as strong as we think we are... Monday morning prayer at 7 am. "Prayer is that slender nerve that moves the muscle of omnipotence" - Martin Tupper

Last night before TSC started in our new venue, the Englert Theater

Jeff preaches to the audience of 202. The big difference between locations from this year and last is that in the bar we only had room to shrink. It was packed from the beginning. This year, there's room to grow! 300 more seats on floor and balcony

The Adoleo CDs came in this morning!!!! The website is up with the latest information. You can also find all the chord charts available for free under the "store" tab... www.adoleomusic.com

Psalm 40:5 is the only possible way to end this blog entry...

"Many O LORD, my God are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you. Were I to speak and tell of them they would be too many to declare."

SDG.

Adoleo... Released TODAY!

I don't usually resort to all CAPS (and exclamation point!). But I will today...

I'm proud to announce the release of Adoleo's first album, "This Hope."

Here's where you can purchase it:

Amazon (Click here) You can get the digital copy for $7.99

Itunes: $9.99

Kunaki (Click here) Order your hard copy for $10

We will also have them available tonight at Salt Company in Iowa City (Englert Theater, 8pm) or at Veritas on Sunday.

They will also be available on Thursday in Ames at the (free) Anthem/Phil Wickham concert, or at the Cornerstone Resource Center.

Adoleo... almost here.

Adoleo... it's coming!

Our first album is finished and set to release August 23rd. Here's a sampler...

Thanks, Boatman's, for the use of your pasture for the video and photo shoot. The video to "This Hope" should be out in two weeks.

"July"...Just what I've been waiting for!

I'm so stoked for the release of the official music video for "July." The song and video capture the pathos of summer. We all have our "Brookside Parks", places where we enjoy the goodness of God as we gather with friends and share life in God's good creation. The video is also a good companion to the chapter on "Hope" from Mere Christianity. These moments are a glimpse of what is yet to come.

It's great to see old friends, too. Ahh Travis and Wendy, Savannah is such a cutie! We miss Ames.

Adoleo

It's official.

The new name for the former "Anthem Iowa City" band is "Adoleo", Latin for "I worship"

Adoleo: To magnify; hence, in sacrificial language, to which this word chiefly belongs, to honor, to worship, or to offer in worship, to sacrifice, burn

"Adoleo" reflects our desire to produce worship music that's connected to and flows out of our local church here in Iowa City. We use Latin phrases as a reminder that we are joining the Ancients in our pursuit of truth (Veritas) and writing music (Adoleo) that rightly glorifies God. As Bach said, "Music's only purpose should be the glory of God and the recreation of the human spirit." (click here for Bach article)

Names are important not only because they are a statement of who you are, but who you are becoming. We are so prone to pride and the pursuit of fame and fortune- it's in us. And yet, it seems that we are joining a growing movement of song writers in the church (not just our church, but globally) who believe there has to be another way of making music that exalts Christ, not people. It's got to be about something bigger than fame and fortune... something that will far outlast this life, namely Jesus and his Church. Therefore "Adoleo" cautions us to be and become humble followers who exist to worship Jesus Christ and inspire hope in his followers.

"Adoleo" will also remind us that life is an act of worship. The word has the idea of offering burnt sacrifices. Paul takes the Old Testament concept of "sacrifice" and explains how that should look for us, on the other side of the cross. Romans 12:1, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your rational service to God." The "no duh" of life is to live every moment of it for God. So "Adoleo" is not just a style of music, it's a way of life. Every moment is a burnt offering for Christ. As our people listen to the music, we hope that they will not just hear melodies, but precious promises that become a way of life.

Adoleo is in the studio recording as we speak. The sound is going to be raw, slightly more acoustic driven than what you've heard on previous Anthem albums (indie-ish), at times a bit lyrically unconventional yet authentic (typical of Anthem i.e. "To Hear You"), a touch of banjo, soulful ballads, and a few tasty mainstream melodies. Overall the lining is a little darker in the clouds, yet filled with hope and joy. "This Hope", the probable album title, will be released sometime in August/September.

Until then I'll chide Clint and James to get us all something to listen to. I'll post it when I get it.

If you have some ideas for the album design, send them to me.

There's also a rumor that Anthem in Ames has some plans for another album- we can't wait for that... live album?

Thanks, Mary Ann for the tip on the name.

The Psalm Project and Anthem

I have to commend the Psalm Project blog to you, especially to all of you aspiring songwriters and artists out there. Here's a little background.

In 2006, I started this event called "Anthem." My vision was simple: young people gathering for a night of extended worship and prayer. Nothing revolutionary. But my hope was that through this God would draw out the talent in our youth and college ministries, causing students to aspire to write and create music for God's glory. I was a frustrated youth pastor, who often watched the most gifted musicians sit in the back and scoff at our worship team, who basically just covered the Big 3 (Crowder, Tomlin, United...). The mockers in the back were so eager to throw their instruments and voices in the mud of idolatry.

There's obviously nothing wrong with using mainstream songs for corporate worship, but I wanted to create our own worship culture. I thought we might get more buy in from students. What would it be like for kids, teenagers and college students to grow up dreaming of writing Anthem songs? Not for fame or career, but as an overflow of their passion for Jesus Christ and personal time spent with Him.

Anthem has recently multiplied- the movement in Ames is still strong (April 29th, 8pm at Cornerstone auditorium), but we've also started an Anthem team in Iowa City. Some amazing young talent has quickly emerged here- so much that we're recording an album this May! But one of the highlights from the last Anthem for me was during our prayer time before practice...

Here's where the Psalm Project ties into this Anthem rant

One of our new female vocalists and songwriters, Brianna Goodman, shared about being at the very first Anthem back in the Fall of 2006. She recalled being more into athletics at the time, with no thought of ever being a musician. Well, God has lit her heart on fire for Christ, and has given her the gift to express it. People like me (who don't have the writing gift) are so glad when God inspires gifted people! We get to use their songs to inspire our own worship.

That's why the Psalm Project gets me stoked and a little choked up (though I'm sure not as much as her mom, dad, and aunt :)... many of you know the Goodmans and Erin Burmeister).

Well, here's the link for Bri and Lauren's Psalm Project blog, with some YouTubes embedded. I'm sure you'll hear a song or two on the new Anthem album...

Just a quick P.S.... many of those scoffers in the back row of youth group have since given their lives to Christ. Alex Register plays electric in the Anthem (Ames) band. And others have come to help us plant Veritas in Iowa City (Jamie, Jack). Thanks Travis Pierce- it's never in vain 1 Cor. 15:58. SDG.

A Good Reason to Break the Blogging Slump!

One month between blog posts is a record for me. That's a record I don't want to break. It's time to break the slump. And what better reason than...

(Drumroll...)

Ryan Seiler, my friend and favorite song writer has finally released his first solo album!!!!!

Click here for the link to iTunes.

Here's a quick review and shameless plug for the album...

This is an acoustic driven album that combines catchy melodies with witty songwriting, all of which inspires nostalgia, hope and happiness.

"July"- track 1- is one of those songs that can singlehandedly pull you out of seasonal affective disorder in January, while making you reminisce during the summer as you listen with the windows down. This song highlights the catchy melody hooks and refreshingly unconventional songwriting that I love about this album.

Track 2, "Don't Leave", only gets better with an unforgettable hook that acoustic guitar players all over the world will be strumming around campfires and in their dorm rooms. Amazing work on this song, Ryan! Here's the youtube of the fully produced version that was on a Ministry of Magic album (Seiler's Wizard rock band):

The good songs keep coming...

"And we sing"- The true test for a skilled songwriter- make Jeremiah 8 into a catchy song.

The next two songs show the juxtaposition of happiness and heartache, with the wedding song "Our Name" preceding "Run Home", a song about a young boy who was killed in an accident.

"All Things New" gets me choked up every time, as it's the story of Pastor Tom Nesbitt, whose life story is about forgiving his father who blazed a trail of drunkenness, abuse, neglect, and marital unfaithfulness. The song, however, is so filled with hope, as it draws our attention to Christ.

The last two songs round out the album so well. The chorus to "Greener" causes personal reflection, "If the grass is greener on the other side, it's only because I'm not attending mine" while the last track leaves you with a nostalgic toast to good times... "To God, to friends, I hope I'll see you again..."

I commend this album to you... well worth the $10 on iTunes

Ryan, congratulations on a long awaited solo album! I've been begging for it for years now. I hope you make a living on your gift and passion of music.

Santa Claus is coming to town

Here are some thoughts from Bruce on Santa...

And some even better thoughts from Driscoll...

http://blog.marshillchurch.org/2010/12/13/what-we-tell-our-kids-about-santa-pastor-mark-for-the-washington-post/

Worship

Heaven meets earth...

Anthem in a Bar

Our first Anthem in Iowa City was...

The pictures will do better than words. It was a "tavern" transformed into a temple, and for those who were there, I think it will be one of those "I was there" moments.

It's hard to say how many people were there. I would guess between 300-500. Below you can see there is an upper level that was a few rows deep with people.

At the end, I pulled up Carson Gardner, who is a sophomore in high school from the Ames area, to lead "You deserve" and Justan Spaid to sing "We are not the same", which is a song he helped write. The atmosphere was electric.

This Anthem was a nice change of pace for the band because there was a lot less emphasis on the production side. Because there was a business above the bar, we did a "quiet" run through of the set sitting in a circle. As it turns out, we may do that more often because we weren't as worn out for the actual event.

The bar became "Beth El"... house of God.

Here's the set list. Notice all the question marks at the bottom. We weren't sure how long the set was going to be, but we knew we had to be done by 9:45. Iowa City used to allow anyone 19 and older into the bars, until this summer...

I wanted to thank all of you who came down from Ames. There were probably 100 of you that made the trek down to join us for worship. Thanks for your continued prayers and support. This is just the beginning.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Some idiot in the projects

How have I not seen this until just now?! (Thanks Spaid and Lance). The epitome of viral...

Anthem is tomorrow!

It was about 4 years and 2 weeks ago that we had our very first Anthem, under a tent in the parking lot at Cornerstone Church. It has morphed into something pretty amazing, and God has used it as an event to stir up the hearts of young people to be undivided in their devotion to Christ.

Tomorrow over 1,000 students will gather for a night of worship and prayer. If you are within driving distance of Ames, Iowa... you should be there!

Here's a sneak preview from Monday's rehearsal...

Is Ryan Seiler going to be there?

Of course.

What about Jesse Antelman?

Yep.

But you'll also see some new faces... Brenton on drums (jumping in for Clint on part of the set)

Wally on bass... (here giving his best bass player pose). Bass players are always a little... unique. No offense Bryan, but you kind of fit the stereotype... Zombie movies and listening to music where 32nd notes at 132 are cool. We'll miss you at this Anthem, Bryan.

If you don't like it loud, bring ear plugs. Phil will have the auditorium rockin'. Our water bottles were vibrating off the stage. I wonder if Isaiah got ear damage from his glimpse of glory with the voices of the seraphs, whose voices were so loud, the doorposts and thresholds shook (Is. 6:4). And the place was filled with smoke. We'll have a little of that, too.

But more than the band, music, hazers, yada yada- hundreds of people have been fasting, praying, and anticipating the presence of God among us in a powerful way. We gather to pray, seek and worship our great God.

See you tomorrow. 8:00 at Cornerstone (Click here for directions)

James and James

Recently I've been listening to Xuadalupe by our very own James and James.

James Laugerman is one of our brilliant Anthem song writers (His glory never fades) here in Iowa City, and I'm still recruiting his counterpart, James Pusey, to come to Iowa City (apologies to all my homies at Cornerstone who are holding onto him with white knuckle grip...)

This album is brilliant! I'm especially addicted to tracks 1 and 3. I was listening to this with our staff (now you know what we've been busy doing) and Clint said this should be on the radio. Hear it for yourself. The five song demo is only $3.

What?

Yeah, 3 bucs.

Check it out here: http://jamesandjames.bandcamp.com/

Keep writing, James and James!

Cool Band

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros... These guys remind me of Iowa City- a strange and yet tasty mix of barefoot hippie, indie, eccentric, artsy, earthy, organic, retro, and yet brilliantly original music. I dig it.

Thank You, Supporters

Here's a video we (Lance) recently (2 minutes ago) finished to say thanks to our supporters and to give a glimpse of our kickoff.

The First Salt Company in Iowa City from Veritas Church on Vimeo.

Click here for other videos on our vimeo site or click here for our announcement videos on our Facebook fan page

A Glimpse of Worship in the Bar

First Salt in the Blue Moose - How He Loves from Veritas Church on Vimeo.