Talkbox

My Sofa Story

2011-06-05T16:04:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know me, you know just how much I geek out over Craiglist. Here's the story of my wrestle with God
over a fabulous oatmeal colored sofa.

Frugal Fashionistas Unite

2011-02-08T19:32:00.000-08:00

I get asked sometimes where I shop. I'm a bit of a clothes hound. It's currently on my mind because I get in the mood
to splurge every time a vacation is near on travel savvy items that make me feel fantastic...what girl wouldn't.
But by "splurge", I mean a whopping $20 bucks.

Let me premise this with the disclaimer that I have absolutely no qualms with the chick who drops $100 on a swimsuit for that upcoming trip, more power to you. I fully intend to do that somtime myself a time or four in my adult life, but for now, I enjoy being a thrifty lady. And by "thrifty", I mean I frequent the thrift stores. And that will probably never change because while I wouldn't mind dropping that $100 if it was my only option, that wouldn't be fiscally responsible of me right now, nor would it be as fun for someone like me who loves a great deal.

And let me double premise this with yet another disclaimer that I'm not talking TJ maxx here. If you want to talk about Target's clearance section this week or NY&CO's latest "half off all the time" sale, we're two birds of a different feather. I'm talking bring your facemask and don't make eye contact with the weirdos in line next to you "thrifty". This is the real deal.

So you still want to know where I shop? Here are 5 of my FAVE places:

The goodwill OUTLET [yes there is such thing as a thrift store "outlet" but I can't give away its location if you're not already aware or I would have to kill you]

Plato's closet in R-ville [amazing jeans and you can buy a size down cuz' they're worn already]

The basement of the Salvation Army DOWNTOWN [gets all of Target's samples and home items...but I only bother to go on 1/2 off holidays 'cuz it's just way cheaper that day]

The Unique Thrift Store in Northeast [recently remodeled = way less stinky than the other ones]

The Chisholm Clothes Closet [this is a shout out to my home land...where Mrs. Bussey always lets me throw something extra in my "fill up a bag for $5" that doesn't always belong there. God love her.]

Here is my $20 splurge well spent. In a collage of sorts. Just for you.

gold jelly gladiators: $2 @ platos
gray suede boots: $14 @ platos
black and gold ruffle bikini (yes, with tags still on) $49 cents a piece @ goodwill roseville

The rest were bought at the goodwill OUTLET which prices their items at $1.50 a lb:
yellow AE cardi
tucker for target little printed T
simple racerback tank
black maxi dress
croc print bag
one of those overpriced "pink" hoodies from victorias secret
vintage nude leather and croc print wedge sandals
vintage geo print tie

Substance worship blog

2011-01-19T14:24:00.000-08:00

Hello.

Our friends over at Substance have started a worship blog. There's going to be some good stuff over

here.

Design find of the week. OH My Goodness.

2010-09-08T10:26:00.000-07:00

And here you go.

This is true.

2010-04-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

I'm about to design a little SOAP bookmark for HPC. (What is SOAP?)
But first...I was gut checked to put my heart where my mind is.
As we near a series on prayer in just a couple weeks, here is what I read today.
It's timely and so true.

Psalm 32:3

3 When I kept it all inside,
my bones turned to powder,
my words became daylong groans.

4 The pressure never let up;
all the juices of my life dried up.

5 Then I let it all out;
I said, “I’ll make a clean breast of my failures to God.”
Suddenly the pressure was gone—
my guilt dissolved,
my sin disappeared.

6 These things add up. Every one of us needs to pray;
when all hell breaks loose and the dam bursts
we’ll be on high ground, untouched.

Praying to be juiced up today.

HPC hooks for the next 2 series...

2010-04-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

Hey. This is for the HPC house band. Learn these hooks for April and May ;)

Brian Head Welch from Korn...what a hardcore love story.

2010-03-22T21:37:00.000-07:00

Came across the I Am Second campaign via heartwipe. Love this mini-doc about Brian
Head Welch from Korn. It's a hardcore love story ;)

BRIAN HEAD WELCH - I AM SECOND from BRIAN HEAD WELCH on Vimeo.

Check out http://www.myspace.com/brianheadwelch.

This is locally cool.

2010-03-18T23:16:00.001-07:00

Building me.

2010-03-14T23:41:00.001-07:00

I love this tune by Brandon Bee. [I should specify - his EP acoustic version, is my fave] Initially the melodic hook right after the first chorus caught me. Right before which he sings:

"Let my heart confess, Your holiness...is building me."

Then tonight I read Hebrews 12:14. "Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and holiness without which no one will [ever] see the Lord."

What would I give up so that I'm built not just to withstand on my own, but built to house the type of devotion that's set apart simply to please God? The kind that eventually speaks to others. That is consecrated / declared sacred.

Modesty?
Distraction?
Being undisciplined?
Selfishness?

Where is there excess?

Mansledding

2010-03-11T23:01:00.001-08:00

Only for a dog. Can't imagine people pulling cats along.

http://snausages.newslinevine.com/

Burger Tour Begins...

2010-03-11T20:55:00.000-08:00

We're in week 2 already of Burger Tour.
Tonight's stop: five guys burgers and fries. yum yum yum.

Here's a pic of Aaron slamming down a double.

3 Idea Bubbles [Every creative artist in the church should have floating above their head]

2010-03-07T15:24:00.000-08:00

[From the creative session @ the all volunteer luau]

IDEA BUBBLE #1: My gift is equally as valuable as the next guy’s. This statement is not about humility, as much as it is about perspective. Although it will promote humility! When we recognize that in the big picture of the church we are an equal part of the contributing body, we will avoid:

- Taking ourselves too seriously. A lot of creative people have artistic temperaments. We can be easily flustered. Easily offended. Prone to withdraw. It is so important to remind ourselves that we are on level playing field with the rest of the team of volunteers. And as such, excuses for eccentric behavior, only give our community of creative’s around the planet a bad rap! Oh no! There’s a bigger perspective to keep in mind. We have to remember that in the context of the church, the artist’s gift is just as valuable as the gift of cleaning toilets. And who doesn’t desire a humble heart, right? Wrap your heart around this and it will promote humility in you and integrity in the body.

- Being disconnected from community. Our gift is a part of our church life, but more importantly is our spiritual development and the maintenance of our life walk with the Lord. So attend a church based on things like it’s vision, philosophy fit, environment, location, kids program...etc. You will find your creative outlet to use your talents and abilities within. (In that order)

Musicians sometimes go about this in a backwards way. Think about it, if every greeter, kids worker, info center administrator, office volunteer, youth group leader, usher, connection group leader….etc, took their gift to another church on the weeks they weren’t using it, who would make up the body of High Point?

Though factors come into play such as financial compensation, dating someone who attends another church…etc, ultimately there will come a point where you need to decide for you and yours where to fully plant your feet. The word talks about keeping in community, and in Hebrews specifically about not forsaking the gathering together. Artists are not exempt.

Remember that before we are artists, we are Christ followers.

IDEA BUBBLE #2: Our role is to facilitate, not force a corporate response in worship. Facilitate means to assist in the progress of, go to bat for, greese the wheels for…

Corporate dynamics in worship ebb and flow. Some days you will feel a strong sense of the presence of God and see people more physical in their demonstration of their love for the Lord. Some days an influx of visitors can make the dynamic change and you’ve got 30 people scattered throughout who just aren’t comfortable in church yet – and you’ll feel it. Knowing that we’re there to facilitate, not force, what’s already happening in the hearts of people, takes a lot of pressure off, but on the flip side holds great responsibility.

Preparation is the key. If we’re not prepared to facilitate, we can see what the consequences will be just by looking up the opposite of the word “facilitate” in the dictionary which means to hinder, hurt, stop, thwart progress.

3 things you need to do to prepare for the day:

- Get some sleep the night before.

- Visualize your role and walk through the day in your head.

(set list, transitions, the stage set, your role, troubleshooting, what do I need to bring, make a list)

- Practice, pray and prepare your heart

After all is said and done, we fall back on what we do best which is simply worship the Lord. (John 4:23, 24) While others watch, we can bring them along with us in the moment.

IDEA BUBBLE #3: Creatives do it best when our hearts are set on salvation, and our minds are set on innovation. God is the most creative being on the planet. He crafted the earth, but all along He had the plan for the redemption of mankind in mind. That’s the secret in the sauce. It’s only when it’s combined with an understanding of why we are doing what we’re doing, [that it’s to draw people to Christ] that we’re actually effective.

We shutter at the idea of tradition for tradition’s sake, but on the other hand we have to be careful that we don’t innovate for innovation’s sake. Innovation doesn’t necessarily have to mean creating an idea from scratch, but improving upon or re-inventing an existing item is always a good place to start. Afterall, Picasso said, “every act of creation is first of all an act of deconstruction.”

So the responsibility that we have as creatives in the church is to stay current and keep updated with the culture around us. What’s at stake if we don’t, is loosing the attention of people who are desperately needing to connect with a savior.

Here are some great creative ideas coming out of churches these days.

The now ever popular cardboard testimony:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqJlno-z6Nc

The live Mario. (During GCC’s “Get in the game” sermon series):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqtc8dJVUWM

The Lotza money music video by our friends over at River Valley: (During the series “Pocket Change”)

http://vimeo.com/9586322

The insanely successful idea of doing an Easter candy helicopter drop:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFf2-saqqTY

The dirt conference for church creative leaders:

http://vimeo.com/4420758

The list goes on and on and on and on…

QUESTIONS:

On innovating…

Q. How can we be more innovative in 2010? (And where should we be drawing creative inspiration from?)

On your gifts…

Q. If you could accomplish a talent related goal in 2010, it would be ____________.

Or, if you could accomplish any God related goal, it would be_________________.

On facilitating a response…

Q. How does your area of involvement (worship, audio, or media) directly affect the worship environment for people at High Point?

Design find: Luxury swine flu mask collection.

2009-11-15T14:30:00.000-08:00

LOVE this!

Craigslist find of the day...

2009-09-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

(I'm thinking...serial killer perhaps?)

FROM the free section of CL:

Let Me Play Chopin For You -- I'm Portable & Free

I am developing a series of 'performance lectures' focusing on the beautiful piano music of Frederic Chopin and the Paris in which he lived, circa 1844. For a limited time I am offering sessions free as I work to perfect the presentation.

I will come to you with my portable digital piano, an easel and all visual items -- all I need in an outlet for electricity. And yes, I will be performing Chopin's music live for you in your own home or wherever you choose to have me. Very, very few pianists would *ever* offer to do this for anyone, regardless of the price. But my passion for Chopin is such that I want to share it along with the incredible story of the city he called home and the people who lived there.

Hear about Franz Liszt, the Hungarian piano virtuoso who became the world's first 'rock star'; Victor Hugo, the French author who 'saved' the cathedral of Notre Dame by writing a novel about a hunchbacked bell ringer named Quasimodo; Eugene Delacroix, the Grandfather of the Impressionists whose paintings hang in the Louvre and which even influenced the design of the Statue of Liberty; Louis Daguerre, a former scenery painter for the Paris Opera House who went on to invent the photographic process that bears his name -- daguerreotypes!

I have a great deal to share, I just need a venue and an audience. Can you provide that?

This would make a great gift item or surprise event for someone who loves Chopin, Paris, history, the piano or just learning something new. I would prefer not to wander too far from the NW suburbs of Mpls. but can be flexible.

Please contact me to see if we can work something out.

Craigslist find of the day #2

2009-07-11T01:02:00.000-07:00

It's a bird, it's a plane...no, it's an unidentified animal. Under the "pet" section of CL.

From CL: (Post listing: Unidentified Animal)
"For all those saying its a cat? NO ITS NOT! for all those saying its a opossum? NO ITS NOT! And it sure as heck isn't a dog. After a little research. ITS A HAIRLESS RACCOON! I figured it was a coon, did a little searching on the web and sure crap thats what it is!!! Jeez people! Common sense!"

Craigslist find of the day #1

2009-06-23T21:59:00.000-07:00

We all love it. Craigslist. I've decided to post my "find of the day"
every so often to pay homage to the great online phenomenon
that is CL. Here is a daily find from the FREE section.
Because who wouldn't find this book useful enough to
drive themselves 30 miles in city traffic to pick up this gem.

Circuit Bending Tutorial!!!

2009-06-15T10:38:00.000-07:00

Maker to Maker – Soldering on Make: television from make magazine on Vimeo.

Doctor Kendall

2009-05-10T21:56:00.000-07:00

HPC May09 Rotations

2009-04-20T00:18:00.000-07:00

HPC April rotation

2009-03-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

"David" starts TOMORROW!

2009-02-28T13:26:00.001-08:00

David from Courtney Feia on Vimeo.

Event order for Amplify [FEB 09] is here

2009-02-16T00:24:00.000-08:00

C/Arts March09 Rotation

2009-02-06T10:24:00.000-08:00

We are STAYING in Minneapolis!!!

2009-01-26T14:22:00.001-08:00

Results for 2009 AUA Urology Residency Match

January 26, 2009

ID: 00787317

Dear Kendall J. Feia,

Congratulations! You have been matched for Urology Training at the following accredited urology residency program through the 2009 Urology Residency Match*:

University of Minnesota - 00923341
Minneapolis, MN

Please contact the program to be sure you are aware of their requirements, particularly as to participating in the NRMP match for your surgical training.

You were one of 259 applicants that matched out of 373 applicants who submitted lists. All but five of the 264 vacancies were matched.

Thank you for participating in the 2009 match. We hope you have found it beneficial. We welcome your comments as we prepare for next year’s match.

If you have any questions, you may contact the Residency Match office at 866-RING AUA x3913 or resmatch@auanet.org.

Sincerely,

Brent Heathcott, CAE
Director, Member Services

* For medical students graduating in 2009, and other qualified applicants, for their first year of urology, regardless of the number of pre-urology training years required.

HPC Feb Rotations

2009-01-23T12:18:00.000-08:00

The microkorg XL!! I want, I want!

2009-01-22T12:41:00.001-08:00

The macbook wheel

2009-01-11T22:30:00.000-08:00

hehe.

Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard

God Of This City - starting on Sunday.

2009-01-09T22:21:00.000-08:00

God Of This City from Courtney Feia on Vimeo.

HPC January 09 rotations

2008-12-28T13:40:00.000-08:00

Photoshop in real life

2008-12-19T01:00:00.001-08:00

I'm sorry, I can't remember where I saw this. But it's kind of neato burrito.

Um...there are no words. You tell me.

2008-12-19T00:54:00.000-08:00

Local find: blu dot

2008-12-17T01:10:00.000-08:00

Blu dot is a local Minneapolis based design company that is just avenues away from my house...good design.

Flickr pick 2

2008-12-17T00:19:00.000-08:00

Nice M you got over there.

HPC Song tut: Go (tell it on the...) VAMP/HOOK

2008-12-12T19:09:00.000-08:00

For HPC musicians ;)
Eventually 8ths on the bass would be great.

Song tut: Go (tell it on the...) VAMP/HOOK from Courtney Feia on Vimeo.

Flickr pick 1

2008-12-10T14:44:00.000-08:00

I'm going to post a design fave of mine each week from one of my fave groups on flickr.
Here is one from Network Osaka. I am a sucker for illustrated keys.

A midweek team e-mail about a Sunday set.

2008-12-10T14:09:00.000-08:00

Here is a glimpse into midweek song planning @ HPC.

_______________________________________

OK team, I’m feeling stoked about this set. Here is what I’m thinking for a Christmassy but outward focused message this Sunday.

All at the top:
Awesome is the Lord most high - Mandy - would you want to lead this one? [in E]
Cause then we could go right into...
Go Tell it On The Mountain – in the same groove [in E – can this tune be rocked out? I think so, I'll work on a couple lines for it]
Solution...by United [in D, the original key is B]
Your Grace Is Enough – lead by Kyle [in A, did I get that right Kyle?]

We will hard close and probably reprise Solution.

Dustin can’t be here afterall this week, so I am thinking that Michael – could you play electric and we’ll do 2 electrics this week? Because I’d love for you to learn the lead licks on all this stuff – most specifically solution. Then Kyle can play rhythm which will be nice for when he is leading and singing. Kyle is just itching to play electric aren’t you K? I think it’s awesome and I love it when we can go with 2 electrics. This is actually a really good set for it.

*Do any of you guys have an amp for a 2nd electric out of this bunch?

Keys ladies: I think for most of these tunes on the Motif we may use a rock organ, and on the Juno we’ll use big fat pads. But maybe on “Solution” there are a few punchy lead lines to follow the electric on, so I am thinking - Tegan, maybe I’ll send you something on that if you’re up for it and I’ll mix something up on the motif Sunday morning. That Juno just has too great of bright pads to ignore on Solution.

More charts and Utube links coming tomorrow after I finish arranging...
Let me know if you thoughts or questions in the meantime.

C

Christmas Essentials! Starting Dec 7th.

2008-12-03T22:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas Essentials from Courtney Feia on Vimeo.

For my mum. A little bit of extra christmassy list action. (Because there are not so many options for shopping in northern MN)

2008-12-01T18:44:00.001-08:00

HPC December08 Rotations (Just click on the image)

2008-12-01T15:23:00.001-08:00

Concerto Table

2008-11-21T11:43:00.000-08:00

If someone wants to buy me this...I'd be forever grateful. It only retails for 14,000. So ya right.
It's amazing. Work or eat, or both. Also comes in black. Complete with ipod docking station.
From lovegrove&repucci.

Carrot Clarinet

2008-11-20T12:19:00.000-08:00

I saw this on swiss miss.

New flickr color tool for design-y goodness

2008-11-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

Check out multicolr a new handy tool for picking color from flickr's photo pools. Neato. This new tool is all over the blogosphere.

The church that glows together grows together.

2008-11-10T12:23:00.000-08:00

I drove home late the other night from the office. When I got close to home, the park nearby had just finished some kind of event on the field. With all of the dust kicked up into the air, and the lights still on the place was glowing. It was so bright, and instantly drew my eyes in because everything else around it was so dark, and it was full of light. I had my camera in my bag, and felt like pulling over to enjoy.

This is how I want people to feel when they drive by our theater. Because of this:

(Matthew 5:14-16)

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

So here’s the challenge. What are you doing to share your light with everyone in the house? What are you doing to cause a ruckus, stir up the dust, how are you partnering with the church in its mission of becoming an un-ignorable glowing light for other people to see that points them towards Jesus?

Because we could be the church that glows.

Holiday

2008-11-10T12:20:00.000-08:00

I haven’t been blogging much lately, been busy, been out of town, now I'm going on a little holiday! I’m joining Kendall for two of his interviews later this week out on the east coast. We’re going to fly into JFK, then driving up to Hartford, CT for an interview, then drive back to NYC for the 2nd interview. We’ll have 1 day free to spend in NYC, (Saturday) and return to MSP on Sunday. Van Gogh is on @ the MoMA!!!, don’t know if I can get Kendall to bite on that one.

What should we do while we are in NYC? (And it’s got to be cheap.)

The Elephant In The Church.

2008-11-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

Making its debut this November - here is our next sermon series...

The Elephant In The Church from Courtney Feia on Vimeo.

HPC Nov. Rotations

2008-10-27T15:23:00.001-07:00

K's interview schedule

2008-10-27T15:22:00.000-07:00

For friends and fam who want to see where and when.

• Mon, Oct 20th fly to Atlanta – 7:45a DELTA
Drive to BMGHM
6pm Dinner @ program director’s house (shuttle will pick you up from hotel)
Tues, Oct 21 – Interview @ BSU

• Thurs, Oct 30 fly to Philly – 10:05a NWA
Fri, Oct 31 – Interview @ Thomas Jefferson
Sat Nov 1 - return to MSP

• Sun, Nov 2 - Mayo Rochester
Dinner @ 6pm - Chesters
Mon, Nov 3 – Interview @ Mayo

• Sun, Nov 9 – fly to Phoenix
Dinner @ 6pm – Cantina Laredo
Mon, Nov 10 – Interview @ Mayo, Scottsdale, AZ

• Wed, Nov 12 fly to NYC (JFK)
Drive to New Haven, Thurs, Nov 13 Interview @ UConn
Friday, Nov 14 drive back to NYC – Interview @ New Hyde Park, NY

• Sun, Nov 16 Dinner @ Sally’s (U of M)
Mon, Nov 17 – Interview @ U of M Minneapolis

• Thurs, Nov 20 fly to Cali, Dinner in Loma Linda
Friday, Nov 21 - Interview @ Loma Linda, CA

****Friday, Nov 21 - Interview @ Mayo Jacksonville

• Sat, Nov 22 fly to Albany, NY (Dinner)
Sunday, Nov 23 interview in Albany *this one is a maybe

• Mon, Nov 24 fly to Denver
Tues, Nov 25 – interview @ U of Colorado

• Thurs, Dec 4 – fly to Chicago, Dinner @ Northwestern
Fri, Dec 5 – Interview @ Northwestern

• Sun, Dec 7 – fly to Miami (Dinner)
Mon, Dec 8 – Interview @ U of Miami

• Thurs, Dec 11 fly to Detroit
Fri, Dec 12 interview @ William Beaumont U

TO DO: 53 hours till AMPLIFY

2008-10-20T10:20:00.001-07:00

TO DO:

Stop in rental place/bring tax ID form
Confirm crews/send quick job descrip.

Pick up:
Push lights $
Batteries $
Panels from theater
@ office: [lights/rugs/dots/signage/little tables/stools/plexi squares/clamp lights/spot light/lanyards/white vases?]
For vases $

Set up/building:
Clean floor
Get key for doors C & secure area
Rig screen
Rig side panels
Chairs arrive on Tuesday
Set up décor & instrumentation [rugs/chairs/tables/lighting/lighting truss/staging/décor/posters]
Media area
Outdoor spot light
Outdoor push lights
Entry area
Coffee area
Bathrooms?

Media:
Test projectors
Finish welcome video
Finish Amplify loops
Find someone to film
Make media shout script/load media
Upload mp3s for house mix to idisk
Get countdown video
Confirm crew schedule

Print:
Finish charts/books
Upload charts on CD/PRINT
SM logo for lanyards for crew
Reserved building area
“Enter here” sign
“COFFEE” sign
Orders

Music/programming:
Finalize charts/keys/switches
Troubleshoot spots
Confirm songs/leaders
Program the keyboards
Final meet w/ T and E

Bring:
Panels from theater
Lighting truss
Fabric
Peanut table
Chrome tape
Both laptops
Video camera
Bench

Remember to travel light.

2008-10-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

Ode to guitar center ghetto blasters.

2008-10-09T00:52:00.000-07:00

I’ve been waiting to post about this phenomenon, but I can wait no longer.
I’ve been to GC about a thousand times in the last couple months keyboard shopping. It is not an easy task because I need the PERFECT machine w/ decent presets, a reasonable amount of user friendliness for my other keys players, at your fingertips knob twisting, and at least a little vintage flavor for this 2nd board. (My first board is now a motif es6 after selling the big beast es8 in order to get 2 boards) I should be much further along in my search for this keyboard. I should be done. But something keeps hindering my progress - guitar center ghetto blasters. It’s the guy(s) (always a guy) sitting in the corner, oblivious to the world around him, cap on head, pounding on the machine so hard that I can’t in the moment decide what’s worse, the fact that he has no respect for actual customers in the store, or the fact that he is going to play that same line for about 4 minutes straight. Always the same ear piercing decibel level, always the same punchy lead synth, always the same anger I feel when leaving the store.

Ghetto blasters, you know who you are. For the love of all that is sacred, please stop loitering at my local guitar center.

Wait for it...till about 1:02....here it comes, for 3 minutes straight.

Amplify.

2008-10-09T00:13:00.000-07:00

Get ready.

Amplify.

Branding colors.

2008-10-09T00:09:00.000-07:00

Hmmmmm? I think interesting.
Via swissmiss.

HPC October Rotations

2008-09-29T02:19:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Just click on the image below to pull up the bigger schedule.

T1 "put away" diagrams and instructions.

2008-09-29T01:01:00.001-07:00

Hi friends. Here are some pics of the changes we made to the theater 1 carts. The next time you are helping to tear down T1, Just look on the right door of each cart, and each compartment is labeled with a laminated diagram to show you what goes where. Everything has a nice little spot.

*Notes from Chad (Thanks Chad!)

This is an update of changes made to the setup of the stage. I will go through item-by-item so people can get a feel of what changes we have made and how to help tear down and set up. Please read through this so you can get a feel for what the changes are.

The goal for setup is to minimize any and all connections. The rule of thumb is this, if it can stayed plugged in it does. That means all microphones, monitors, and speakers that have cords running to it stay plugged in. The cords and the piece of equipment it is attached to get stored together.

I will start with the easiest and work to the harder.

Vocal Mics. ----- All vocal microphones stay connected to the cord they are attached
To and the microphone itself stays connected to the stand. That
means the cord, microphone and stand get put away together in the
bins on the microphone shelf.

Main Speakers ----- The Main speakers have a power cord and mic cable attached to them. The mic cable and power cable are zipped tied together so you roll up both cords and set them on top of the speakers. Nothing gets unplugged from the speakers.

Monitors ----- The monitors are like the main speakers. The power cord and mic cable are zipped tied together so. When tearing down, keep the power cord and mic cable plugged into the monitor. Wrap up the cords and place them in the bins with the monitor.

Guitar Amp ------ The electric guitar amp has a microphone attached to the front. Again like the speakers it also has a power cord zipped tied to the microphone cord. Wrap up both cords and place the guitar amp and cords in the bins together.

Bass Amp ----- The bass amp is just like the guitar amp with one difference. Instead of a microphone attached to it there is a direct box attached. Wrap up the mic cord and power cord and place all of them together in the bins.

Acoustic Guitar ----- The acoustic guitar is pretty simple. The acoustic guitar uses a direct box so; the mic cable stays connected to the direct box and gets put into the mic box. The acoustic guitar also has a ¼ to ¼ inch cable that gets used. That ¼ to ¼ inch cable is usually taken care of by whoever plays the guitar. If that cord has not been put away by the guitar person just put it into the mic bin.

Drums ----- Most of the time the drums are put away by the player. However if they have not been put away, this is what to do. Each drum has a microphone attached to it. Just wrap the mic cord up and place it on the drum. Do not take the microphones off the drums nor unplug the cord. Most of the drums have a place in the bins to be placed into. The drums also have cymbals. The cymbals get taken off and stored together in a cymbal bag. That bag gets placed into the bins as well.
With the drums is a table with the clicker on it. If that is up leave that for someone who plays the drums to take care of.

Stage lighting ----- The lights on the stage each have an extension cords with it. Do not unplug the lights from those extensions cords. Wrap up all the lights on the stage with the extension cords plugged into it. Place all the lights with the cords in the bins.

The Keyboards ----- The keyboards are by far a little more complicated. The power cord, mic cord, and monitor cord are all zipped tied together. That bundle of cords get wrapped up and placed on the keyboard in the bin. Along with that bundle of cords is a direct box. Again that gets placed into the bin on top of the keyboard. Now we have two keyboards so both are set up the same. Both have a shelf in the bin to be placed on. The rule of thumb for the keyboards is anything attached to the keyboards gets placed in the bins on it’s own shelf.

Music stands ----- All the music stands have a place in the bins. The bottoms of the stands get folded up and placed in the bins. The top of the stand does not get taken off.

Again the rule of thumb is this. Whatever can stay connected does. If you work with any of these items for setup please keep this in mind when you tear down.

Thank You.

Fun @ the film lab.

2008-09-19T00:43:00.000-07:00

Haven't mastered chroma keying yet, but sure was fun trying.
Tonight we built a home-made green screen in my Connection Group.

Anti-theft lunch bag

2008-09-17T09:26:00.001-07:00

No description needed. But if lunch theft is an issue for you - then use one of these.
I saw this over @ one of my fave blogs swissmiss.

Sunday Set 9.14

2008-09-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

Fire Fall Down [United]
Salvation is Here [United]
Song of Hope [Robbie Seay band]

Announcements
Offering hook: Leaving on a jet plane
Connection Group plug
New series intro video [Traveling Light]

Message
Closer - Song of hope

This post is part of Sunday Setlists over here.

Sunday Set 9.7

2008-09-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

One Way [united]
Real [gateway]
Fire Fall Down [united]

Feature tune: One [u2]

Super fun set this week.

Thanks to Stoney and David for letting me pull from their fab designs for this series graphic.
This post is part of the Sunday Setlists party over here.

What are your creative habits?

2008-09-01T00:17:00.000-07:00

What does your creative process look like? BESIDES the token answer "I make sure to change my atmosphere alot during the day, and creativity just sneaks out whenever it does so I flow with it". What are your real creative habits? I'm just curious.

Like...

What time of day/morning/night are you at your best?

In what coffee shops? What are you drinking?

Or in what area of your house? The porch? The office? The outside patio?

What are you sporting? Comfies or trendies?

What season of the year? Winter, spring, summer, fall...

What kind tunes are you listening to? or do they distract you sometimes from thinking?

Sunday set 8.31

2008-08-31T23:40:00.000-07:00

Great day. Labor day weekend in Minnesota is always a little intriguing. I'm sure it is everywhere. Everyone and their mother has a cabin. (literally...because most lakeshore is still owned by their mothers) My cabin is anyway.

In spite of the holidizzle we had a good crowd. Pastor Tory's message was off the hook as he spoke about relationships on the first week of a 2 week series called "One". I found it very difficult to hold in the "GAFAWWW" as he shared differences in how men and women are wired differently. Good job T - we were all with you today.

The line-up:

Hanging by a Moment [Lifehouse]
One Way [United]
The Stand [United]

Announcements
Offering - nice job Ike, laying down a funky fresh jive.
Message
Closer from above

This post is also a part of a set list carnival over@ Fred McKinnon's blog. Thanks Fred.

Epic surf.

2008-08-31T22:41:00.000-07:00

Be in prayer for the areas that are going to be hit by Gustav.
But don't neglect to appreciate the surf forecast. You don't see
this condition very often for the coast of central TEXAS.
If anyone knows of any kamikazes riding closer to
the storm I want to hear about it. The FL panhandle is
6-10 ft tomorrow but fair conditions.
[from surfline.com]

TEXAS:

Sunday 08/31	Monday 09/01
POOR SURF: Flat and poor conditions.	GOOD-EPIC SURF: 5-8 ft. - head high to 3 ft. overhead and good-epic conditions.
Minimal dribbles at best	Gustav swell; offshore flow; biggest in the afternoon; possible bigger sets at standouts

HPC Sept. Rotations

2008-08-31T20:35:00.000-07:00

Fall is totally here. Time for school, a new mailer, a new series, and a new influx of visitors. It’s an exciting time to be part of this amazing force called the church. Each week we’ve got another opportunity to be the first impression some people will have of Christ and THAT is why your role is so important. Say hello to a few new faces joining the team – if you haven’t worked alongside someone before make sure to introduce yourself and do whatever you can to show them the ropes.

Heads up on these items.

Emily N! Jumping on the set up team. Jacinta and Kelly – it’s an all out girls day down in the kids on Sept 27th. Show Em around.
Announcing Mrs. Moriah Sunde on the voxs rotation.
Theater 1 – keep an eye out for an official tear down changes sheet on the instrumentation you’ve been wondering about. Thanks for your patience while we continue to re-configure the carts for this area and make the process a little easier with each change.
ALL Keyboardists! Say goodbye to our beloved motif es8 – it has been replaced with a motif es6. (same exact keyboard, but smaller) The only thing you won’t like is that the keys are not fully weighted – but what you will LOVE is the option to play more because we are getting 2nd keyboard as well. I want to be able to accommodate those of you who would like to play more than once a month and also be able to experiment with more sounds as part of live worship (rock organs, lead patches, electronic sounds...etc) Stay tuned for more info on our 2nd board coming soon.

Thanks for all that you do.
Let’s rock for the flock.

Conduit Labs

2008-08-26T22:49:00.000-07:00

I'm curious to see where these guys go. I've been getting invites [as I'm sure you all have] through facebook to participate in an online "game" called loudcrowd. Everytime I try to play it displays an error, but I really want to try it. I used to be obsessed with this video game in high school called bust a groove, or at least I think that's what it was called. Anyway, loud crowd is made by the guys over at conduit labs who are experimenting with and creating new ways for online social networking. I like.

Sunday Sets 8.24 / 8.17

2008-08-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a great day! I love my team, and I love the trade in for the es6. Props to Tegan for being such a good sport on the new board. Recently I sold our Yamaha Motif es8 and am in the process of trading it in for 2 smaller units. I love the motif family, don't want to give that up - but with us being portable, there are better options for portability. So now we've got a Motif es6 and something new on the way that I haven't decided on yet. Stay tuned and I will post a recap of my keyboard search. I sure do love Nords.

Sunday Set
8.24

Awesome is the Lord Most High [Tomlin)] - Courtney
God of this City [Tomlin]- Courtney
Our God Saves [Baloche] - Kyle
Announcements
Community Spotlight [a local ministry drive]
Offering
Volunteer Spotlight
Message
Hard Close
Post Church Picnic

Sunday Set
8.17

All Because Of Jesus [Fee] - Courtney
God of this City [Tomlin] - Courtney
Blessed Be Your Name [Redman] - Kyle
Announcements
Offering
Volunteer Spotlight [and surprise marriage proposal!]
Message
Close [reprise w. Blessed Be Your Name]

Thanks Fred over @ the sunday setlist carnival here.

Ikea lovers.

2008-08-22T23:22:00.000-07:00

View the full 2009 catalogue here.

"Perhaps an Opening Cermonies IT dude spit out his coffee on the machines in the server room when Li took to the sky?"

2008-08-11T11:37:00.000-07:00

Think it's real?
(via gizmodo)

Sunday Set 8.10

2008-08-10T16:37:00.000-07:00

Today's lineup:

SONG OF HOPE [ROBBIE SEAY BAND] - COURTNEY
ALL BECAUSE OF JESUS [FEE] - COURTNEY
EVERLASTING GOD - ORION
ANNOUNCEMENTS - MIKE
OFFERING - ELIZABETH
INTRO VIDEO - GOING FOR GOLD [BELOW]
MESSAGE - TORY
CLOSE - REPRISE

Thanks to Fred for the Sunday Setlists Carnival you can participate in here.

The Keyboard Napkin.

2008-08-07T00:03:00.000-07:00

Invented by Valentin Engler, Marius Morger,
& Daniel Grolimund, this is a product I'd like to try.

Set List Archive

2008-08-06T23:21:00.000-07:00

I'll try to post weekly from now on...but here are the July sets.
I'd LOVE to see yours!

7.6.2008
MIGHTY TO SAVE - COURTNEY
REAL - COURTNEY
AWESOME IS THE L MOST HIGH - COURTNEY
ANNOUNCEMENTS - MIKE
OFFERING - ELIZABETH
INTRO VIDEO - THE DIRTY DOZEN
MESSAGE - TORY
CLOSE - REPRISE

7.13.2008
REAL - COURTNEY
PRAISE YOU - COURTNEY
EVERYTHING - KYLE
TEASER VIDEO - CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
ANNOUNCEMENTS - MIKE
OFFERING - ELIZABETH
FEATURE TUNE - "RHINESTONE COWBOY" - JORDAN
INTRO VIDEO - THE DIRTY DOZEN
MESSAGE - TORY
CLOSE - REAL

7.20.2008
HOSANNA (BALOCHE) - MANDY
THE STAND - KYLE
HERE IS OUR KING - KYLE
ANNOUNCEMENTS - MIKE
OFFERING - COURTNEY
INTRO VIDEO - CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW
MESSAGE - TORY
CLOSE - REPRISE

7.27.2008
LEAD ME TO THE CROSS - COURTNEY
LIVING FOR YOU - COURTNEY
MY SAVIOR LIVES - COURTNEY
ANNOUNCEMENTS - ORION
OFFERING - MIKE
INTRO VIDEO - CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW
MESSAGE - ELIZABETH
CLOSE - REPRISE