Saddleback Church Christmas Services 2008 – Flexibility Required

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This Christmas season, Saddleback Church in Lake Forest CA (my church home) has asked me to do worship guitar duty for 13 Christmas services. So far, I have played 6 of the 13 services.

The reason for so many services is so that the congregation can bring friends, family and neighbors to a Christmas service where they will hear the Christmas message and be given the opportunity to make a decision for Christ.

Flexibility is key to being a musician at Saddleback Church.

Even after 6 services, there have been quite a few changes: changed song keys, omitting measures for the sake of time, switching songs, adding songs and rearranging songs, etc.

Between the services, I frequently make patch changes on my Mesa Boogie Triaxis Preamp in trying to refine the tones for each song.

I’m switching between two guitars for this program, my Gibson Les Paul Standard (1959 Reissue made in 1992) and my custom TR Guitars Custom Strat. Although, I may be playing acoustic guitar on one of the upcoming services. Like I said, you have to be flexible.

As in the past couple of years, Saddleback’s Christmas Service will be broadcast on the Fox News Channel on Christmas day. If you have a chance, please tune in. Pastor Rick Warren has prepared a great message.

It is my hope that all of you have a wonderful Christmas Season as you prepare for your upcoming services, fulfilling your destiny to significantly play guitar in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ, with skill and excellence.

Merry Christmas!