Naomi's Notes - 01/20/08
During the past month I've heard many comments about the unusually large number of people involved in our production of "In Search of Christmas." I am so grateful for everyone's support and affirmation! Besides the Sanctuary Choir, 17 actors plus our Tech Crew and others behind the scenes were involved in this Christmas presentation. Andrew Tippett prepared a nice DVD of the program which was aired several times on Cable 10 (see him or Glenn Murphy if you'd like a copy).
What a joy it is to present special programs throughout the year. Everyone always seems exhausted but exhilarated afterwards. The fulfillment we feel by offering our creative talents back to God is worth all our best efforts.
As rewarding as it is for me to lead seasonal programs, Musical Day Camp, etc., I find I am more fulfilled as I lead/coordinate our weekly worship services. As far as I'm concerned, every Sunday is a "production" and requires all my best efforts. Danish theologian Soren Kierkegaard once referred to the "drama of worship" where the congregation functions as actors, worship leaders are the prompters and God, alone, is the audience -- some scholars today add that God is also the "star" of the drama. My goal is to have every worshipper involved in Sunday worship services.
One of my music minister colleagues, Dale Peterson, Auburn, AL says, "The most important role of the music ministry is NOT the preparation and presentation of special programs. Instead, it is in the week after week leadership given in our worship services. Whether the singing of a hymn, a choral anthem, the organ offertory....these are the things that hopefully aid us in worship week after week. ...What happens Sunday after Sunday is the 'meat and potatoes' of worship. The special programs are the 'desserts'...very enjoyable...but one should not live on them alone!"
Did you know that there's a biblical precedent for all of the above? In I Chronicles 15:16-16:7 there is an account of "The First Organized Worship Music Production." Check it out - it was quite an event with singers, orchestra and dancers everywhere! I'm both intrigued and humbled by verse 22 where King David chose Chenaniah to "lead the music, for he understood it." (p.s. Miriam was the first female music/worship leader - see Exodus 15:20-21.)
Most of the time our services/productions flow smoothly, facilitating our worship experiences. Sometimes, however, despite my (and others') best efforts in planning, there are "hitches" that threaten to dismantle everything and distract worshippers from focusing on God. But it has been my experience that the very Sunday that everything seems to go wrong, someone will comment how God spoke to them during the service. And sometimes I wonder if the service is so "slick" that the congregation's focus is on the talents of the worship leaders rather than on God. Ultimately, the only question that really matters is, "Did God 'show up' for each individual worshipper?"
See you in worship this Sunday --
Naomi