If you've been with us through Lenten services I think you'll agree that the definitive feature of the season has been the music we've been blessed with. I stand in awe of what our musicians have been able to accomplish.
People don't often realize it, but a ton of subtle things go into worship. The physical dimensions of the space you're in matter. The number of people filling that space matter. The candles, colors, curtains, light, all of those matter.
Among all the things that enhance our worship experience, I'm hard-pressed to think of one with such positive potential as music. The right song or hymn can set the mood, reinforce the message, transform an ordinary service into extraordinary. Each Sunday we hope and pray that our hearts will be open as the Spirit comes among us. Nothing opens those hearts as effortlessly as music does. I could speak for half an hour about being prepared to hear the Word and that wouldn't have the same effect as one well-chosen song.
Anyone who has heard Jennifer Parkins sing during this Lenten season will agree with me, I'm sure. I've been floored every time. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Our children's choir...you can't see it but there have been 15-16 kids up in the balcony most of the time, like their own little section of our congregation. Those voices have pulled us beyond the ordinary. Phyllis Kanikkeberg and John Marone have added to the chorus, plus Emmy Parkins and a few others, all gifting us with their message. Who could help but marvel at the ease with which Louise Marone switches from instrument to instrument, style to style, as we've asked of her. That's not easy, you know! Mary Stout as well...I'm in awe every time I hear her play because she's so sensitive in interpreting the pieces she does. Patrick Adams has coordinated it all and jumped in on any instrument necessary, plus he chose a lot of this music personally. True story: I had no idea what this season was going to be about less than a week before it began. Then I heard Patrick's choice of music and I understood that I didn't have to worry about it. The songs would define the season. All I had to do was pick up on their riff.
I can't even tell you what a gift that is. Credit goes to the church too, for being willing to take chances and incorporate different styles of music and musicians. I'm not sure that "People Get Ready" has ever been sung to inaugurate Lent at any church ever. But how perfect was it...this announcement of change and struggle and anticipation? It reminds me once again that we are blessed to say "YES!" here and what amazing fruits of God's Spirit we receive because we have the courage to do so.
Thank you to all the people who have shaped, practiced, and performed our music during this season. And in that vein, you do NOT want to miss Easter! Those who were here on Transfiguration Sunday (and remember the excellent music then) will note that the hymn selections are basically the same with a couple surprises thrown in, bookending our experience from mountaintop to mountaintop. Hearing all those voices join in will be an incredible experience.
Take a minute to offer a prayer of gratitude for our musicians at church. It's one of the most vibrant parts of our ministry and one of the most impactful as well.
--Pastor Dave (pastordave@geneseelutheranparish.org)
No comments:
Post a Comment