Choir practice to resume on Wednesday September 5th at 7 PM in the Choir Room.
Message From Andrew
If someone you didn’t really know offered you money, how quickly would you take it? Perhaps if it were simply a few dollars, this might give you pause before extending your hands. Now imagine those few dollars multiplying into the tens of thousands- how then might you respond? It’s probably safe to say that most of us would jump at the opportunity to earn a decent sum of money. How could you say “no” to that? I would not- could not- have declined in this case.
I have received several thousand dollars from someone with whom there is no acquaintance, and despite how kind this individual sounds, this gift did not come without condition. It took hours of practice and travel, and finally, strong competition against several other very talented organists before being granted a full-tuition prize. The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music only awards this scholarship to the top three organists, and as I watched each piece of this experience fall into place, I knew that it was time to make a substantial move forward with my education.
I’m sure you know where this is leading; “goodbye” to the people to whom I’ve devoted myself does not come easily. Two years seems too short when I look at how the Chancel Choir, Lutheringers, and I have grown together, but my work cannot stop here. I am very, very grateful for all the kindness and support, and now, these things will accompany me to graduate school as I better myself in the craft of church music.
For you that remain: PLEASE DO NOT STOP what you’re doing. Invest yourselves spiritually, emotionally, and financially; make music at this church a priority. If you do, you’ll attract the right person to lead you further this August. Until then, I’ll continue to enjoy worshiping with you each Sunday.
More in the coming months!
Peace,
Andrew
I have received several thousand dollars from someone with whom there is no acquaintance, and despite how kind this individual sounds, this gift did not come without condition. It took hours of practice and travel, and finally, strong competition against several other very talented organists before being granted a full-tuition prize. The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music only awards this scholarship to the top three organists, and as I watched each piece of this experience fall into place, I knew that it was time to make a substantial move forward with my education.
I’m sure you know where this is leading; “goodbye” to the people to whom I’ve devoted myself does not come easily. Two years seems too short when I look at how the Chancel Choir, Lutheringers, and I have grown together, but my work cannot stop here. I am very, very grateful for all the kindness and support, and now, these things will accompany me to graduate school as I better myself in the craft of church music.
For you that remain: PLEASE DO NOT STOP what you’re doing. Invest yourselves spiritually, emotionally, and financially; make music at this church a priority. If you do, you’ll attract the right person to lead you further this August. Until then, I’ll continue to enjoy worshiping with you each Sunday.
More in the coming months!
Peace,
Andrew
Music is a gift- a gift from God- that we might have the means to express every aspect of the Church’s life together. This music, manifested through the talents of voices, bells, organ, instruments, or any other means, stands in a faith tradition that views it as far more than a simple ornament to worship. Emmanuel Lutheran Church in its many talented individuals has been entrusted with a profound gift, and we are expected to make music in praising the One who is its source.
Throughout the past year, hymns, anthems, and instrumental voluntaries have been at the forefront of this assembly’s musical offerings. The parish expressed its voice through bold congregational song, the Chancel Choir worked meticulously each week to rehearse and perform anthems on the congregation’s behalf, and instrumental voluntaries/handbell works were shared. Our hymn and anthem repertoire covered a wide range encompassing Gregorian chant, hymn arrangements, African-American Spirituals, as well as newly-composed and other works. The noticeable diversity in music this past year has been a reflection of the whole people of God because we at Emmanuel are not a lone island. There is no room for parochial exclusiveness in our music- it is a sign of membership within the church catholic and willingness to allow God’s creative work to take place.
Looking ahead, the question then remains for how to welcome and embrace divine intervention in our music ministry. The ensembles will continue to perform as they have within the past few months- especially as the Lutheringers take on more leadership roles within the liturgy- but it will not stop there. Each ensemble has room to grow in agency, and this does not mean that we are necessarily sorely lacking in musical ability. There is potential and talent, and faithfully tapping into those reserves for the holy purpose of music ministry allows the Divine to minister through us. Unfortunately, the process of music-making is often plagued by insecure feelings for how well (or not) one can play or sing, but each musician within the parish must remember this:
It is not about the quality of a person’s voice, how accurately one can ring bells on cue, or even about correct notes and rhythms. These things are important for sure, but the most significant thing to remember is to ask, “Was this music faithfully made? Did I do the best I could with the gifts I have been given?”
If executed faithfully, God can enter in, minister to the world, and fill the personal void left by our own insecurity. As Lutherans, this parish knows well that, in the end, we are held to a standard of grace with what we do, not perfection.
Emmanuel Lutheran Church has been abundantly blessed with musical talent. Words cannot describe how thankful I am to everyone who lent their time and talent. I look forward to our continued service together to the Church and the world.
Blessings,
Andrew
Throughout the past year, hymns, anthems, and instrumental voluntaries have been at the forefront of this assembly’s musical offerings. The parish expressed its voice through bold congregational song, the Chancel Choir worked meticulously each week to rehearse and perform anthems on the congregation’s behalf, and instrumental voluntaries/handbell works were shared. Our hymn and anthem repertoire covered a wide range encompassing Gregorian chant, hymn arrangements, African-American Spirituals, as well as newly-composed and other works. The noticeable diversity in music this past year has been a reflection of the whole people of God because we at Emmanuel are not a lone island. There is no room for parochial exclusiveness in our music- it is a sign of membership within the church catholic and willingness to allow God’s creative work to take place.
Looking ahead, the question then remains for how to welcome and embrace divine intervention in our music ministry. The ensembles will continue to perform as they have within the past few months- especially as the Lutheringers take on more leadership roles within the liturgy- but it will not stop there. Each ensemble has room to grow in agency, and this does not mean that we are necessarily sorely lacking in musical ability. There is potential and talent, and faithfully tapping into those reserves for the holy purpose of music ministry allows the Divine to minister through us. Unfortunately, the process of music-making is often plagued by insecure feelings for how well (or not) one can play or sing, but each musician within the parish must remember this:
It is not about the quality of a person’s voice, how accurately one can ring bells on cue, or even about correct notes and rhythms. These things are important for sure, but the most significant thing to remember is to ask, “Was this music faithfully made? Did I do the best I could with the gifts I have been given?”
If executed faithfully, God can enter in, minister to the world, and fill the personal void left by our own insecurity. As Lutherans, this parish knows well that, in the end, we are held to a standard of grace with what we do, not perfection.
Emmanuel Lutheran Church has been abundantly blessed with musical talent. Words cannot describe how thankful I am to everyone who lent their time and talent. I look forward to our continued service together to the Church and the world.
Blessings,
Andrew
We have a choir every Sunday at the 10:30 AM service as well as a Lutheringer handbell choir that plays once a month and on holidays. Come join us for wonderful music and worship this Sunday!
June 3, 2018
Choir practicing before service