The arts have always been a very important part of the church. The early church understood how the messages of the Bible could be communicated through many mediums. They led the way when it came to music, the visual arts, and even drama. In many churches today an emphasis is still placed on music because…
SPRING FORWARD!!
In last spring’s issue, I wrote about the season of Ordinary Time, which falls between Pentecost and Advent. Sometimes referred to as Kingdomtide, this season in the liturgical calendar often concentrates on growth: growth of God’s kingdom, the church, and the spirit of the individual. A perfect pairing with the season of growth in the natural…
ESSENTIAL CHORAL ARRANGEMENTS OF SPIRITUALS
For more than 100 years, congregations and audiences have thrilled to the excitement and energy created by the modern spiritual. From the early composers Harry Burleigh (1866-1949), William Dawson (1899-1990), and Jester Hairston (1901-2000), all the way to modern arrangers such as Moses Hogan (1957-2003), Andre Thomas (b. 1952), Stacey Gibbs (b. 1964), and Rollo…
CHILDREN’S MUSIC FOR FALL/CHRISTMAS 2019!
Summer is the perfect time to choose Fall and Christmas repertoire for your children’s choirs! With an outstanding selection of new products – along with a treasure chest of catalog classics – Shawnee Press has everything you need to nurture the musical and spiritual growth of your singers to last a lifetime. Be sure to…
A LESSON OF SPRING
At the close of winter and the dawning of spring, new hope is born that love will triumph and peace will cover the earth as wildflowers blanket the land. Spring has a welcome way of announcing its arrival. Like the tap at the door when a loved one visits, spring greets us with familiarity and…
Intentional Progress
The older I get, the more I learn that positive change happens when I become intentional in my actions. Weight doesn’t just happen to fall off, and muscles don’t automatically tone. Not only that, but sometimes intentional behavior is necessary to simply maintain the status quo: my house doesn’t stay clean, and my car doesn’t…
Multi-Generational Worship
Several months ago, the members of my church completed a survey dealing with the identity, strengths, weaknesses, and vision of our fellowship. Although the vast majority of responses concerning our worship services were positive, one suggestion for improvement cropped up several times: our folks would like to see more young people involved in leading worship,…
Sing To the Lord An Old Song
For this issue of WorshipSongsOnline, we asked our composers to tell us about their favorite “old timey” hymn. PEPPER CHOPLIN I like “Wonderful Grace of Jesus”. It is so hearty and strong – a great celebration. It was written during the time that John Phillip Sousa was active. During the chorus, the men sing what…
Making All Things New
It’s spring. And once again, God is making all things new. But he is not alone in His handiwork. Nearly two years ago, my wife, Cindy, met Randall and Brenda Bradley at Alleluia in Waco, TX. Cindy and Brenda hit it off, and their “getting to know you” talk turned to “what do you do?”…
KEITH CHRISTOPHER
Keith Christopher has been creating beautiful music for sanctuaries and classrooms for more than three decades. His choral canon includes a great diversity of styles and subjects. From festive anthems to tender songs of of worship and devotion, his music is always characterized by superb craftsmanship. He is a leading orchestrator and producer and is…
VOICES OF SPRING
Nothing puts a smile on my face quicker than watching the classic episode of Andy Griffith where Barney joins the choir and somehow ends up singing the solo. “Welcome sweet springtime, we greet you in song.” The look on the directors face is priceless, and one I have seen on many ministers of music in…
The Ancient Tradition of Blessings: A Threshold from the Here and Now into the Future
The word “blessing” comes from the Old English word “blêdsian,” which means to sanctify or consecrate with blood. Blood was life, and so to bless someone was to connect the human to the divine life source, to invoke divine favor upon earthly life. Nowhere is the connection to life more evident than in Deuteronomy 30:16-19,…
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