Ephesians 1:6-8
So we praise God for the wonderful kindness he has poured out on us because we belong to his dearly beloved Son. He is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son, and our sins are forgiven. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
When someone gives us a gift that is especially meaningful, we generally thank them profusely. We will even bring up the topic in future conversations. A gift can be a conversation starter for life. God has given us the greatest gift of all – his Son Jesus Christ. This should be the beginning of a conversation for all eternity. It is in worship that we continue the dialogue with God – a dialogue of revelation and response. God speaks abundant grace in Christ and we – God’s church - respond through worship. We also respond by choosing to live the Christian lifestyle.
Because things ch ange in worship – the music, the text, the people – the dialogue is fresh and new. However, a conversation assumes some understanding by the participants. So we have to make sure that the choices in our worship assist and enrich the dialogue. If the dialogue is rich and stimulating – the best choices of music, prayers, readings – if we really listen and respond - we will grow in our understanding of our calling to be singers of the faith. As we grow and continue to educate ourselves, we can better serve our God, our worshipping community and our musicians. May God’s blessings be on our music ministries as we seek to enrich the dialogue we call worship.
Book Alert:
Dining with the Devil: The Megachurch Movement Flirts With Modernity by Os Guiness,Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, 1993, ISBN 0801038553. Guiness makes the case for God-centered worship at a time when many churches, particularly mega-churches, are embracing contemporary society and its ways. It will make you think whether you agree or not.
Music Alert:
Piano: Simply Curry,Lorenz, 2008, 70/1647L These hymn settings are classic Craig Curry arrangements that have eased up a bit on the jazz chords and difficulty level. Hymns include The Solid Rock, Day by Day, What Wondrous Love and Be Still My Soul. A very useful collection for all pianists, whatever skill level you possess.
Choral: I’m Gonna Tell the Gospel Story, SATB by Joseph Graham, Shawnee Press, 10058688.This a cappella piece written in gospel style is based on Luke 23 and Matthew 28. Your choir will love the overall effect and your basses will have fun with a wonderful line. Congregations will appreciate the inclusion of I Love to Tell the Story in this piece.
Handbell: SImple Praise by Derek Hayes, 3 oct., Lorenz, 10068217.
Three familiar shape-note tunes are combined in a piece that makes ample use of special techniques. Useful for any time of year, this piece will provide your ringers with an opportunity to develop facility with martellato, thumb damp, pluck and gyro. Simple Praise is also a20good piece for helping choirs keep the melody in the forefront.
Upcoming events:
ABC of Wisconsin Annual Meeting, October 9 – 10, 2009. Opportunities for mission work, Bible study and worship. Join us!
