Issue 19
Matthew
14:25-31 About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came to them, walking
on the water. When the disciples saw him, they screamed in terror,
thinking he was a ghost. But Jesus spoke to them at once. "It's
all right," he said. "I am here! Don't be afraid."
Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me
to come to you by walking on water." "All right, come,"
Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on
the water toward Jesus. But when he looked at the high waves, he was
terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord," he shouted.
Instantly, Jesus reached out his hand and grabbed him. "You don't
have much faith," Jesus said. "why did you doubt me,"?
What a wonderful text in so many
ways. Notice how quickly Peter stepped out of the boat. It reminds
me of our initial enthusiasm for a project or activity, followed by
our questioning and doubt, practically before we get started. In another
way, this text is about keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. Peter was
just fine as long as he kept Jesus as his focus.
Life is full of many "waves".
In our work as musicians in the church, we begin our "singing
year" with all kinds of new music and new ideas. We are pumped
up and raring to go! Then the "waves" of life move in and
we begin to question or doubt what we are doing or how we are doing.
That anthem we thought was so wonderful turns out to be more difficult
than we thought. Choir members have to leave and it takes time for
new ones to join. The bell anthem that went so well in rehearsal has
some problems during the worship service. Music disappears from the
piano!!!
We need to keep our focus on Jesus
in all that we do and have faith that everything we do "in spirit
and in truth" will be received by Jesus the way we intended -
as an offering of praise and worship. Doubts are constantly knocking
on the doors of our mind and it is our faith in Christ that will silence
those knocks. When Jesus says "Why did you doubt me" I always
feel like he was a bit saddened by Peter's lack of faith.
As we begin our musical year, let's
step out of the boat with a boatload of faith. Let's silence the doubts
by keeping our eyes on Jesus.
Music Alert:
Organ - Augsburg
Organ Library, Autumn, Augsburg Fortress, ISBN 0800675797
This collection of organ pieces contains some substantial literature
such as Simon Preston's "Alleluyas" which is more suitable
for concert, but it also contains some lovely settings of hymn tunes.
These settings will require some concentrated practice but are well
worth it.
Choral - Order
My Steps (In your Word) by Glenn Burleigh, Hope Publishing,
C5083
This is a wonderful gospel setting of a powerful text. Burleigh, we
died just last year, may be familiar to some but if not, this is a
good piece to introduce your choir to his music. The parts are easily
accessible and there is a section where a soloist can improvise if
desired. The piano part is true gospel piano - great fun!
Handbell - A
Grand Celebration by Derek K. Hakes available through Jeffers
handbell Supply, AG 35271, Level 2
Large chords and basic rhythms make this piece a good start for beginning
handbell choirs. The stately mood created by these large chords makes
this piece appropriate for a special celebration or concert. Adding
some dancers or movement would really make this piece shine.
Upcoming Events:
ABC-Wisconsin
Annual Meeting
October 10 & 11, 2008. Plan on attending the meeting and the reading
session for musicians. We always have a wonderful time and you will
get to read through some new music.
Any questions or comments, contact
me at fbwamusic@aol.com
Mary
