Issue 15
He
(God) is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles,
the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their
responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work ad build up
the church, the body of Christ, until we come to such unity in our
faith and knowledge of God's son that we will be mature and full grown
in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ. Ephesians
4:11-13
As musicians, we spend a large amount
of time teaching - ourselves and others. We have to teach ourselves
new music for use in the service, we have to learn new music for our
choirs and then make sure that we can teach it to them so that it
can be used effectively in our worship services. The main reason for
any and all music is to praise God. Yet there is another reason for
using music and that is to equip our congregations to do the work
of Christ. Sometimes, music can convey a message that stays with people
for a long time. It can settle in their hearts and manifest itself
in their spirit. It can convey a spiritual truth in such a way that
people understand and remember it. What could be clearer than "Holy,
Holy, Holy" in its presentation of the doctrine of the Trinity?
Can you get "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" out of your
mind now that I have mentioned it? The hymns and any other music we
use should be of the highest quality. If we are using music to praise
God and equip our congregations to live out the message of Christ,
then we need to make sure that we look at our choices with our minds,
not just our hearts. Try reading through the words of your hymn and
anthem choices without the music. Ask yourself what the words are
saying about our faith in Christ. Look at the poetry by itself and
let it settle in your heart. Then look at the music by itself and
analyze how it portrays the text. Do the words and the tune match
in character and message? Is it accessible to your congregation if
they are to sing? Does the music support the text in style and mood?
Sounds like a lot of work for a three-minute musical selection. However,
we have to keep in mind that we are contributing to the depth of faith
of our congregation. If we are to equip our people to live out the
message of Christ in this world, then we should be as confident as
possible that the tools we are giving them are the best we have to
offer. As Ephesians says, God gave us the gifts we possess in order
to equip his people. Let's give our congregations all the help we
possibly can with the music we choose.
Music Alert:
Handbell: Fantasy
on Kingsfold by Dean Wagner. MHP 2134. 3-6 octaves. Mysterious,
free-flowing 17-measure opening section followed by the hymntune setting
(O Sing a Song of Bethlehem). Uses chimes in bass octave and ends
with suspended bells, leaving the listener wondering. This setting
provides your choir with an opportunity to be expressive and use a
variety of bell techniques.
Choir: Shelter
in the Storm by Joel Raney #10028415, available from jwpepper.com.
This hymntune setting incorporates "Precious Lord" and uses
a soloist. Get all of your groups involved in this one and enjoy the
great piano accompaniment.
Piano: Celtic
Tapestry by Joseph Martin. #HE 5064. This collection includes
a setting of Morning Has Broken, Immortal, Invisible as well as Londonderry
Air (O Danny Boy) and 9 others. While some may not be useful in a
worship setting, they will make great pieces for concerts, recitals
or for keeping your skills sharp. Martin's piano writing is quite
expansive and technically challenging.
Book Alert:
The
Art of Worship: A Musician's Guide to Leading Modern Worship
by Greg Scheer, Baker Books, ISBN 978-0-8010-6709-9
If you are looking for ideas to help you incorporate contemporary
music into your worship service, this book will provide suggestions
and examples for you and your worship team. This book is also useful
to anyone trying to evaluate and improve their music ministry.
Upcoming Events:
October 12-13 ABC-Wisconsin annual
meeting at Green Lake.
Come and attend the workshop on hymns! Learn and Laugh!
October 20 Music Night at First
Baptist-West Allis 6:30
Like to sing? Like to play? Then come and join us in an evening of
both. Bring your instrument and sit in on the jam session. Costumes
are optional!
October 28 Hymn Festival -First
Baptist -West Allis 6:30 p.m.
The hymns of Isaac Watts will be featured in an evening of singing
and learning. For information call 258-7400.
Any comments? Questions? Send me
an email at fbwamusic@aol.com
Mary
