Worship Under the Stars 2006 - Venue
Hey Everyone -
It’s that time - full-force planning for Worship Under the Stars 2006 is on the way. Just in the last couple of days, I’ve been contacted by people from Albany, Brunswick, St. Simons, and as far reaching as Tennessee about the dates, currently set for sometime the weekend of Oct 20-22.
As you may recall, the vision I’d had for “Worship Under the Stars” was for an outdoor concert. Last year’s venue was the Jekyll Island Amphitheater which seats approximately 1100-1200 (nobody really knows how many can be packed in, so this is our best guess!). Because of the hurricane, we moved indoors - but this was a blessing because we had between 2500-3000 people!
Nearly every day I see someone who asks about WUTS ‘06. I believe that it has the potential to be a lot bigger this year, and as a result - we’re seeking God for wisdom in regards to the proper venue.
Honestly, my heart yearns to do this in the outdoor amphitheater - it’s so magical, it’s perfect for audio and for concerts, and has a great stage and facilities. We have originally planned to go forward with this idea and offer Friday, Saturday, and potentially Sunday night worship experiences. Last year’s crowd would PACK OUT the amphitheater for two nights.
The reality is that being outdoors for that many nights would require 5 (five) nights of good weather - Wednesday (load in), Thursday (setup, dress rehearsal), Friday (performance), Saturday (performance), Sunday (potential performance). Although all things are possible with God, we realize this is also asking a lot. But that’s why we’re praying and asking for wisdom.
Sure - we could go back indoors to the convention center - weather wouldn’t be an issue then. Even then, I think we would have to do two nights. We lose the sense of an outdoor, “under the stars” event, though.
The only larger venue for a 1-night, outdoor show is the Glynn County football stadium in Brunswick. If we could use this facility, we could do one, outdoor show. At the same time, when I envision the night, the football stadium doesn’t seem to have the “magic” or “appeal” that the amphitheater has.
So you see our dilemma. Please pray for us to have wisdom. Also - you are the ones who would attend. Pray about it yourself, and if you’d like - click the “Comments” button below and let us know what YOU would prefer!
For the Kingdom,
Fred
May 10th, 2006 at 7:05 am
Fred, dear friend, I’ve read “I envision” & “my heart” many, many times over the last few years and again.
Today I have to ask… what does God envision for WUTS’06?
What does His heart yearn for? This should be our focus…and yours.
How about a smaller yet more intimate WUTS … broadcast live in the web?
I was not able to attend this year due to my wife’s infirmaties but am able to worship with you on the DVD. The experience for me is as good as live because I’ve not had the pleasure of a live performance.
In prayer…
May 10th, 2006 at 8:03 am
Pack out the Amphitheatre Fri. and Sat. nights! It’s a beautiful setting for WUTS!
Stadium just wouldn’t have the right “feel”……I’d feel like we were doing one really BIG half-time show!
todd
May 10th, 2006 at 12:01 pm
I will attend no matter where you all decide. Having it at the stadium would still be under the stars, maybe not as magical but it gives the opportunity to have a lot of people to attend. You will be in my prayers. Looking forward to it. Thanks, Joyce
May 10th, 2006 at 12:55 pm
Fred,
Its clear that your original vision has been for this worship event to be outdoors, under the stars, in the amphitheater. I think the vision of the environment and atmosphere of the venue for this worship event could be of no less importance that the event itself. I would encourage you to pursue the vision. There is always a weather factor outdoors, and a seating limitation no matter the venue. I would suggest you plan for 2-3 performances, perhaps no-charge ticket the events for crowd control, trust God for the weather, and, for the event to unfold just as you originally envisioned . . .only bigger, while thanking Him for working what seemed like a disappointing venue change last year together for good: the double capacity crowd attending last year (without tickets) were all able to attend, and, you learned that 2+ performances are needed this year.
We’re with ya no matter how or where you determine to hold the event.
Blessings,
Paul
Ps 148:3
May 10th, 2006 at 12:56 pm
Hey Fred,
I will pray for the Lord’s leadership in the WUTS 2006. I can’t wait to experience it again. I listened to the CD every morning to work so I can get my additude ready for a day of work. It blesses my heart everytime I hear it.
Karen
May 10th, 2006 at 1:38 pm
Hi GSU friend!
I am so proud of you and your accomplishments! We all knew your talents and your heart would take you far! I have been thinking and praying- I think “under the stars” means feeling surrounded by God. I also think that through your music your audience receives this closeness and even a desire to committ to Christ and a new way of living. Where you choose to perform is not going to change your message. Follow Him and you will succeed. Just to throw out an option- it’s away from the beach- but solves the seating problem- Wild Adventures. I know they schedule in advance, but who knows…?
Either way, keep the music coming! What a great service you are performing. I am praying that you will find your answer soon! Say hello to your family! Angie
July 31st, 2006 at 9:50 pm
If you are in need of any artists to come and play, I have a suggestion that you hear Issac Smith, He is our Pastor’s son and is fairly new to us at our church. He is an extremely talented and annointed worship leader. I think you will be amazed at his presence and how Gd has given him such great ability. His music reminds me of Jason Upton. If you are interested call me 912-659-4973
He comes from The Tabernacle in Atlanta to The Fellowship
in Garden City. Great Music