Time for Sabbath

I'm heading on vacation for a few days this week.  This will be a great time for me to get away with my wonderful wife and three kids.  I'm praying that this becomes a chance for me to get away and devote some serious and focused time with the Lord.  Even Jesus needed that time with the Father, so why shouldn't I?  If you have any ideas on what would make some great devotional books or music for this time, I would appreciate the help.  Unfortunately, you'd have to reply in about 24 hours from this posting!  I'll be in the wonder-land of not having access to internet!

Relationships are the accompaniment music for worship

This last Sunday was great!  The first half of the worship service was acapella.  That may not sound earth-shaking to you, but it was definitely out of the box for the Northside family.  I was so proud of the band.  They were willing to humble themselves and not play a note, but simply lead the congregation by joining in the song.

The effectiveness of a worship band is, I believe, primarily shown through relationship.  An effective worship ministry can not be made up of only "far-out, artsy musicians."  Since ministry is about people, the band must be connected to people within the congregation.  It's the same with any ministry (preaching, youth, children, small groups, etc.)

In your opinion, what is more important in a worship band...talent and proficiency, or a pastor's heart?