Issue 9
Matthew
10:1, Luke 12:31
Ah, summer! It is my favorite season
of the year. Most people view this as a time for relaxation and vacations.
For the church musician, it can be as busy a time as any as we get
ready for another year. While my singers and ringers are taking a
break from rehearsals, I spend this time getting ready for the up-coming
fall kick-off. Sometimes, it seems overwhelming and when I went to
my Bible, I found a wonderful passage in Matthew that helped me put
things in perspective. The passage is from Matthew 10:1 and says "Jesus
called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to cast
out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness."
What does this have to do with church musicians?
In looking at this a bit more, I
came to realize that Jesus empowered his disciples to do the work
of His kingdom. Jesus entrusted them with the responsibility of furthering
His work. He didn't just send them out but gave them "authority",
what I interpret as the ability and skills to do what He wanted them
to do. In Luke 12:31, it says "He will give you what you need
from day to day if you make the kingdom of God your primary concern".
Jesus empowered his disciples and
gave them the necessary tools to touch people's lives. God will give
us what we need, (not necessarily what we want), to do the work if
we make furthering His kingdom our purpose. There is a great line
from a song (the title escapes me) that says "How can I further
your kingdom, Lord, if I'm busy furthering mine?"
So as we look at music and think
about recruiting and programming, we need to remember that our work
is about furthering the kingdom of God, not just picking a hymn or
song. Attention should be paid to what we choose and why so that the
music can help people enter into God's kingdom more fully. When we
feel overwhelmed or hurried, we must remember that God has given us
our talents and will continue to give us everything we need to accomplish
His purpose. The Holy Spirit will strengthen us as we go about our
work. We must remember to be thankful for our gifts and accept the
challenge to use them.
MUSIC ALERT:
Ten
Spirituals for Solo Voice by Mark Hayes ISBN 0882848852
Alfred Publishing, Medium High or Medium Low with CD
This is a great collection of very
singable spirituals including Deep River, Give Me Jesus, Gospel of
Grace (includes Amazing Grace). The songs in this collection are typical
Mark Hayes in that they are accessible to the church soloist and keyboardist.
This collection has enough material in it that it can be used throughout
the entire year. The CD that goes along with the collection makes
it easier for the soloist to rehearse and also provides an optional
accompaniment for situations when a keyboard player is unavailable.
BOOK ALERT:
Changing
Your Tune! The Musician's Handbook for Creating Contemporary Worship
by Lynn Hurst, Abingdon Press, ISBN 0687022975
If your church is looking to move
to a different type of worship service or just incorporate contemporary
elements into your present worship service, this is a great resource
for musicians and planners. Topics covered include designing the worship
space, sound requirements, projection, licenses, financial concerns
and evaluating your service. While you may not need everything that
is included in this book, it does have some wonderful tips, websites
for further information, and 4 "worship scripts" that demonstrate
a contemporary service structure. Great food for thought in this book
UPCOMING EVENTS:
July 14, 2006 6:30-10:30 Music
Night at First Baptist-West Allis
Come and join us in an open jam session.
Whether you want to play, sing or just listen, there will be something
for you. Enjoy a cappuccino or Italian soda while you listen. For
information call 258-7400
July 15-22 Fellowship of American
Baptist Musicians Conference
Come and join other musicians and
music lovers as we recharge and revitalize at Green Lake. This is
a wonderful week-long conference with plenty of workshops and concerts.
Come for the week or just enjoy one day. Check out fabm.com for further
information.
October 22, 2006 6:30 Second annual
Hymn Festival at First Baptist - West Allis
Last year's hymn festival was so
wonderful, we've decided to do it again! Come and join us as we celebrate
our faith with hymns. Be a part of the world premier of "Why
Do We Sing Our Faith?", a new hymn-text written just for this
occasion. Watch your mail for an announcement.
Any comments, questions or suggestions
email me at fbwamusic@aol.com
Mary
