Music Matters

September 2011

Celebrate the Gift of Song

As human beings we often celebrate changes in our lives. These celebrations mark both joyous and grief filled changes. Events occur in our personal lives: births, graduations, baptisms, marriages and death. They are part of our congregational lives in the church as we celebrate the sacraments, historical anniversaries and completion of successful projects.

My congregation will shortly be celebrating the completion of a pipe organ purchase and installation in our sanctuary. Along with the hard work of the fund-raising and organ committees, other leaders in worship and congregational members have given financial support and encouragement along the way. Another closely related cause for celebrating this gift of song will be in 2013 when our denomination’s new hymnal will be published and in the hands of congregations all over the church.

As we look back at the path that leads to this moment, we see a musical heritage that has always celebrated the “gift of song”. Beginning in the early days of the church when Emma Smith, the wife of church founder Joseph Smith, was charged with collecting hymns for the first hymnal, to the development of leaders of song such as Roy Cheville, religious leader, theologian and educator in the church in the mid-20th century, and Jack Ergo, former director of music for the church’s headquarters and current head of the music department at the church’s university, congregations have been energized and ministered to as they become more skillful in their celebration at worship. With the purchase of fine instruments and programs to develop the love of singing for children and youth as well as adults, we can expect to develop skilled musicians and leaders of worship whose sensitivity and dedication make possible an enhancement of our worship.

Your congregation may not have the funds or size to begin large programs, but the idea of celebrating excellence in whatever is offered in worship can be promoted. Even small groups can encourage the participation of children and guide it with much practice, rehearsal, and the assistance of other experienced persons in the congregation. Celebrate the gift of song!

—Junia Braby

If you have suggestions or ideas for future columns, please contact:

Jan Kraybill
Principal Organist
Community of Christ Headquarters
Independence, MO, USA

or

Pam Robison
Worship and Music Support Specialist
Community of Christ Headquarters
Independence, MO, USA