So apparently it’s Advent Season already! Finally it does not seem odd to be singing the Christmas music we’ve had in our choir folders for weeks.
Yesterday, though we hadn’t even switched the calendar to December yet, the choir at St. Luke’s performed a lovely anthem called “Advent Credo” (the words go something like….”I believe in hope….I believe in joy… I believe in peace… I believe in love”). This piece was simple, lovely, and calming. It was fairly easy to sing, with unison men’s and women’s parts through most of it. Our organist and choir director, Dr. Clyde Shive, played it expressively and we felt sure of all our cues.
When we finished, we received resounding “Amens” for it from members of the congregation. We went back to what
The “Amens” after musical performances are one of the things I love about St. Luke. There are nearly always “Amens,” although they are delivered with varying degrees of enthusiasm. A few people out there who always give an “Amen” and I admire that. I have never experienced or witnessed such an outward show of appreciation of a church choir.
It’s positive reinforcement that your singing was enjoyed, and an affirmation of the message of the anthem, not so much on the quality of the musical performance. To hear that “Amen” after a piece that has somehow gone wrong—someone hit some wrong notes, you made a wrong entrance, the parts were not together at one or two spots—is a metaphor and tangible reminder of how God forgives and loves us even when we do not deserve it. On those occasions the congregation seems to be ministering to us rather than the other way around.
The choir at St. Luke have moved into the final two weeks before the annual cantata, for which we’ve been rehearsing for many weeks. More on that soon!
Many other activities are bustling at the church as well, and it promises to be an exciting holiday season! Post comments and questions of your own, or, as always, check out http://www.stlukebrynmawr.org for the full story!
2 comments:
Thank you for doing this blog. It's fun as the pastor to get a different perspective on what is happening in the church. Everyone experiences the worship a little bit differently don't they? I hope you'll share the blog widely!
I love this! It gives me a broader view of what is going on around me at church. Even in the choir, I just sing what I am told, but you give more information and depth about what we are singing. Thanks, Em. Keep it up. I think this is (one of) your calling(s).
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