We journey as musicians to deliver the word of God through the medium of music. A hope-filled message offered as thought, melody and harmony travels faster to the heart and soul faster than the spoken word. It can break through the thick veneer of fear, shame, and hate and open the heart and soul to joy, love and healing . This is our mission and we love it.
Chris Berquist, Music Director
Worship Music
Usually, the prelude is merely cover clutter music in which people visit. Here, the amazing happens every week. People enter the sanctuary and heartily greet one another. The cacophony resembles a fair atmosphere.
Then after the announcements, the deacon reads the statement below*. A statement is intended for the need to intentionally center to call upon the Lord and sit quietly in anticipation.
* “The prelude is a curtain dropped between the cares of the world and the peace of God. Following the announcements this morning, worshippers are asked to prepare for worship and meditate in silence during the prelude.”
After playing the prelude at the beautiful grand piano, we enter into our gathering song Surely The Presence of the Lord is in this Place. It is a declaration of belief and an invitation for God to come and be present in the worship, touching each individual. It truly is a mystical experience that sets the tone for the entire worship.
Music is important in the life of this Parish. The service is simple but poignant in structure. We utilize a New Century Hymnal as well as its predecessor, the Pilgrim Hymnal.
The Sanctuary Choir
The Sanctuary Choir is made up of approximately twenty spiritually enhanced singers. We sing a variety of music from simple praise chorus to intricate four-part harmony. They are very talented and extremely open to new things. I am blessed to have such talented individuals.
We also enjoy the musical excellence of several church members that include the flute, baritone horn, guitar, banjo, and piano. We have begun to integrate the guitar and banjo into family Sunday worship. We also use CD music where appropriate to expand the musical repertoire. I use both the piano and the organ to lead worship. The Allen organ is quite the instrument and occasionally sounds like a pipe organ.