And for those of you out there who are thinking of doing something
musically ... DHB!! (Don’t Hold Back). We have just started rehearsing so come on
along - Choir (on Thursdays at 7:00 and handchimes on Tuesdays at 7:00 (that may he moving
so call me or refer to the Sunday bulletin to double check. We have a lot of fun and also
have the occasional social get-together.
The Dentist's Hymn: Crown Him with Many Crowns
The Contractor's Hymn: The Church's One Foundation
The TV Weatherperson’s Hymn: There Shall be Showers of
Blessings
(From September, 1999 Nativity newsletter)
Not just another group of pretty musicians!
It is hard to believe that June, July, and August are over, but here we
are... The summer was busy even though the choir and handchimes choir don't present music
offerings. But the members still participate so at this time I want to publicly thank all
those who are in the music program. This year the choir robes were laundered instead of
dry cleaned so thanks to the members of the choir who volunteered for this task. And I
must add that the members are a big help during the year because each week after
rehearsals they all pitch in to return music to the cart, put chairs away, move the piano,
put the handchimes away, put music stands away, see that lights are turned off, etc. These
are no small tasks As we all know, many hands make light work ... thank you, thank you, and again, thank you!!
Meanwhile back at hymnody... The hymnody of the church is changing and
through these articles, I try to present various points of view about styles of music
while still affirming basic principles of Christian worship. This month I present some
comments by Dr. William Hendricks, Lecturer in Theology at Texas Christian University. Dr.
Hendricks puts forth three elements that are essential for praising God:
Adoration — Praise. Whatever the forms the music may take, let the praise of
people continue to come before the throne of God and let there be adoration.
Petition — The Scripture is full of promises that if we ask, we
will receive. Asking should be primarily for others, as well as for the necessities of
life for oneself. Put this into music and ask God for God's promised blessings.
Thanksgiving — Thanks be to God. Be sure that you acknowledge what has been given
to you.
Dr. Hendricks continues: "So far as I know, there is no musical
form that is inappropriate for the worship of God. It is the intention ... that decides if
it is, in fact, appropriate. The words should be conducive to lead our thoughts to God and
to hear God's thoughts to us .... I have one prediction and that is that ethnic music will
become much more of a factor in the worship of the church of the 21st century...
Do not crystallize your individual experience and make it apply to the
church universal. Somehow in this great body of Christ that is the church, as it moves
into the 21st century, God will give us new praise and new songs. Our question is: are we
ready for this venture?"
Dr. Hendricks has given us some food for thought. I believe that statistically there
are already (or about to be) more Christians in Africa than in the rest of the world so we
can expect change in the years ahead. As Dr. Hendricks asks: "Are we ready for this
venture?"
Karla Porter
Music Director
