Day 21 - Sanctuary Choir
Friday, March 16, 2007
God’s Word
God’s Word
“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord all the earth. Sing to the Lord and bless God’s name; proclaim the good news of salvation from day to day.” - Psalm 96:1, 2
God’s Message
Olaf Christiansen, former director of the St. Olaf Choir and one my teachers, often said before a concert, “We sing to sensitize people to God’s message of love and grace.” A choir, whether in concert or worship service seeks to perform at the highest level possible, perhaps different from the congregational hymns or group singing.
Through commitment, dedication of purpose, and much drill and practice, our Sanctuary choir works toward that “higher level,” preparing anthems which bring beauty and inspiration to our worship services. Choir singers offer a great gift to the congregation through their music. For many years the choir has been greatly appreciated by our worshippers. Rehearsing regularly on Wednesday nights, all singers in the congregation are welcome to become part of the Sanctuary Choir.
All choir members would tell you that choir participation is not only giving a gift, but also gaining one. The choral experience feeds body, mind and spirit. It is physical, mental, and emotional. The eternal truths written in the lyrics of good anthems, many which come directly from the scriptures, or from the pens of pastors, biblical scholars, and Christians of great faith and insight, serve to edify and deepen the faith and spiritual understanding of those who sing.
Luther says that “Music is the handmaiden of the Gospel.” Leading the liturgy and hymns, and performing anthems as beautifully as possible, the Sanctuary Choir seeks to praise our God, and sensitize all who worship to the Gospel message of the love and forgiveness we have in Jesus Christ.
Prayer… Let ev’ry instrument be tuned for praise; let all rejoice who have a voice to raise; And may God give us faith to sing always: “Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!” Amen. (Fred Pratt Green)
Through commitment, dedication of purpose, and much drill and practice, our Sanctuary choir works toward that “higher level,” preparing anthems which bring beauty and inspiration to our worship services. Choir singers offer a great gift to the congregation through their music. For many years the choir has been greatly appreciated by our worshippers. Rehearsing regularly on Wednesday nights, all singers in the congregation are welcome to become part of the Sanctuary Choir.
All choir members would tell you that choir participation is not only giving a gift, but also gaining one. The choral experience feeds body, mind and spirit. It is physical, mental, and emotional. The eternal truths written in the lyrics of good anthems, many which come directly from the scriptures, or from the pens of pastors, biblical scholars, and Christians of great faith and insight, serve to edify and deepen the faith and spiritual understanding of those who sing.
Luther says that “Music is the handmaiden of the Gospel.” Leading the liturgy and hymns, and performing anthems as beautifully as possible, the Sanctuary Choir seeks to praise our God, and sensitize all who worship to the Gospel message of the love and forgiveness we have in Jesus Christ.
Prayer… Let ev’ry instrument be tuned for praise; let all rejoice who have a voice to raise; And may God give us faith to sing always: “Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!” Amen. (Fred Pratt Green)
— Submitted by Arne Everson
