On the cover page of our weekly bulletin we print the words “A service of worship.” In the wider church culture we have essentially dropped the word service, or replaced it with something to do with experience. That’s unfortunate. Rarely would anyone object to the idea of service. We serve our communities, families, organizations, etc. […]
Bringing Service Back to Worship Read More »
Those charged with the glorious task of planning for corporate worship must take seriously their responsibility to think carefully about the words we sing. They must also think critically about the tunes we use. Often, this means vetting newer tunes which have not been proven by the passage of time and may be problematic because
What Should We Sing? Read More »
This past weekend was a gift. It was one of making music together, eating together, and worshipping together. I believe the process of creating, sharing a meal, and giving thanks to God is part of the gift of iron sharpening iron and helps us be more Christlike in our relationships. All this happened both with
This coming weekend (Aug.16-18) at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, NC our church is kicking off the fall season with a hymn sing on Friday evening. Then, our choirs and orchestra will gather for rehearsals all day Saturday as we prepare music for the next day. It will even include a string workshop led by
Fall Kickoff – Take the Long View Read More »
It’s rare to have a conversation about church sound systems that doesn’t include some frustration. Sound systems are clearly a blessing and a curse. They enable the sound source to be heard, and yet they can make it unbearable. A post on sound could go on and on, but I will make just one comment
Turn it up! Turn it down! Read More »
Untune that String. What happens when we disconnect music from the created cosmos? In this final Sunday School lesson from Cornerstone Presbyterian, I cover the implications and attitudes that result when music becomes more about personal expression than a reflection of the order of creation. “Take but degree away, untune that string,And hark what discord
A Short History of Music in the Church Part 6 Read More »
The hymn If Thou But Suffer God To Guide Thee, written by Georg Neumark in the 17thcentury, expresses resolve that the Lord will provide His people with the strength to endure any circumstance, even “the evil days.” Neumark was well-acquainted with evil days: his entire early life was spent amid the Thirty Years War, a conflict
“If Thou But Suffer God To Guide Thee” Read More »