Issue 13
I
Corinthians 15:58
"So, dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always
enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you
do for the Lord is useless". (emphasis added)
The Easter season is always extra
busy for the church as a whole and for the musicians in particular.
There are more services, more music and everything seems to be more
important as we celebrate the greatest day in the Christian year.
As we work toward Easter Sunday, it is easy for us to become tired
and stressed and our enthusiasm can wane. However, all of the time
and effort is well worth it when the congregation joins in singing
"Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" while the children parade with palms
waving! Later on in the week, we are touched by that beautiful, moving
hymn "Were You There?" or "When I Survey the Wondrous
Cross". Easter Sunday brings the rousing sounds of "Christ
the Lord is Risen Today" or "Low in the Grave He Lay"
or any other great hymn of praise. When those voices all join together,
the roof almost lifts off the church. That, to me, is the best part
of any Sunday service - hearing the congregation sing our wonderful
songs of praise.
We can take heart in this scripture
from I Corinthians and remember that everything we do for the Lord
is worthwhile. Be strong and steady in our singing. Be enthusiastic
in our sacrifice of praise as we sing our treasured songs, both old
and new. Be strong and steady in our accompaniment of the congregational
song and help them to sing enthusiastically! The work of the musician
is to help the congregation worship. The work of the congregation
is to worship. Together, we can offer praises to our Lord that will
"raise the roof" each and every Sunday, not only with the
actual sound but with enthusiasm!
Book Alert:
The
Sound of the Harvest; Music's Mission in Church and Culture
by J. Nathan Corbitt ISBN-10: 0801058295
Stories, practical examples and personal
thoughts as well as discussion of the role of music in worship make
this a must-read for all musical participants in the church. The most
interesting part is Corbitt's explanation of the 6 purposes of music
in the context of worship. My two personal favorites are music as
preacher and music as teacher. This book would be a good choice for
your music or worship committee to read together. It could be used
as a beginning point for evaluating the music presently used in your
worship services.
Music Alert:
Timeless
Hymns with Ageless Classics. Arranged by Marilyn Ham Alfred
Publishing. Available from JW Pepper Music #8602438
This collection of piano solos combines
well-known hymns with well-known classical piano pieces. All are suitable
for worship, although some may be longer than needed. Selections could
be used for special music or as preludes or postludes. My personal
favorite is the coupling of I Am His with Bach's Arioso in A. This
collection is for the more advanced pianist.
Upcoming events:
CHOIRFEST 2007 May 6, 2007 at First Baptist-West
Allis. Come and enjoy the concert at 7:00 p.m. Better yet, bring your
choir or ensemble and participate in the singing. First-Baptist is
located at 1576 South78th Street, West Allis, WI. Call 258-7400 for
directions or information.
Any comments? Questions? Send me
an email at fbwamusic@aol.com
Mary
