Catty Church Musicians - Taking The Ego Out of Church Music

It has been some time since I posted to this blog. Partially this was because I didn't know what I would say. Partially because I hadn't found a church. Well, I have a church now and it has given me some fresh perspectives on the issues that face theologically progressive communities.

Most recently my inspiration came from singing a Sara Groves song. I'm part of the worship design team. We planned this song to emphasize the sermon and scripture that day. Well, my guitarist and I decided to get up early and soundcheck before everyone got there. Church starts at 10, so we thought 8 would be perfect. Choir doesn't practice until 8:30. The organist was practicing from 8 til 8:30 without stopping. He didn't ask why we were there, even though it was clear. He basically ignored us. Then, while we were waiting,  the bell choir started coming in.

Yes, they have a bell choir. No, I don't know what that's about.

My guitarist had laid his gigbag on the front pew and I had left my purse there. It should be noted there are 2 large pews, 1 on either side of the aisle.

The director of the bell choir looked at our things which took up barely half of the 1 pew and informed us this was where they usually put their bell cases. When we asked if they typically used the other pew, we were informed we could use part of that side. It should be noted, there is an entrance on either side and the center of the dais where the bells would be. Either side would be sufficiently useful, no one spot being better than another.

Once they started moving things, the choir members actually walked between my guitarist and I when our music stands etc were set up. We were standing less than an arm length from one another. Somehow they felt it was acceptable to behave this way.

Maybe this rudeness had to do with the fact these individuals and groups are established contributors to worship. Perhaps they think highly of themselves. Maybe they're so comfortable they're oblivious to the impact and nature of their actions.

Yet, I'm here to tell you it doesn't fricking matter.

When someone is preparing to share their gift, they should be given respect. If a person doesn't do this everyday, they should be given even more support because frequently this person is less comfortable and confidant than a veteran performer.

I have to say, I was really disappointed. I don't sing for myself in church. I mean, I love it, but I don't do it for me. I do it because I want the congregation to have another thing to think about - another way to nourish their spirits. It's very disheartening to feel so unsupported by the congregation you're trying to serve.

Now, I should be clear. I didn't feel the general congregation was unsupportive, or the pastor. Actually, many of those individuals were very sweet and appreciative. Mostly I felt a coldness from my fellow musicians. You might think this bizarre. Frankly, I do too.

I am writing this post to remind us all of one thing - we're here for the same reasons, or we should be. These are:

1. To praise God

2. To glorify God

3. To nourish our collective spirits

And maybe even..

4. To play some good music with friends

5. To have fun

Any other reasons, particularly involving the ego, are a cancer in a congregation and should be stamped out immediately. I'm not interested in the kind of drama that comes with egos. There is no time for that. So, if your church is in a similar spot, I'd recommend sitting down and having a chat. Post haste. You'll be glad you did.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.1

Sermon Fun!

This has a few suggestions on what to do to amp up your worship service. There is nothing like a bad sermon to ruin the rest of worship (no pressure guys!). While sermons are not the only part of worship - music and prayer certainly have important roles - the direct connection between the congregation and scripture comes usually through the sermon time. It is for this reason, sermons need to be engaging and interesting to the congregation.

Church Search: Asbury United Methodist

This is a critique of a church I visited recently. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised and we plan to go back. There was a distinct feeling that the church was willing to change and move and transition however it needed to, which definitely is NOT present in a lot of church communities. I'm crossing my fingers!



To see some of the ministries etc the church is doing visit: http://www.aplaceforallpeople.com/

What This is Not and What is Good

Some people hate religion. I am not trying to convert them. I can't. It's a waste of everyone's time. I have my feelings on the subject of being outside of faith and/or faith community, but I cannot convince someone who hates religion that it is a good idea. I can only be myself, and if this has some impact on them, then wonderful. If not, it is their loss.

I am not apologetic. I both recognize the bad and the good of my faith and see myself as both separate (representing a new era) as well as growing out of a history of the Christian Church. I don't feel the need to go over things which have already been done and apologized for a thousand billion times.

Yes, some stuff sucked. If we go over that over and over again we'll all end up miserable and bitter. What a freaking stupid way to go through life! Those of you who enjoy focusing on all the bad things and magnifying them so it becomes impossible to see any good, you have my condolences and my pity. I can't be bothered. This is, of course, another type of narrow-mindedness (one which I would argue may be a special hell).

And for those who are skeptics, the problem we all know with skepticism, is you may also be wrong. This is a pointless and circuitous way of going through life (not to say you should never be skeptical, but to be so all the time and without allowing for another option is highly problematic).

So, here's the deal. I am not going to focus on past wrongs. I have already discussed them, it is done. I am now only interested in the positive direction of the future. This should occupy all our time and energy. Imagining a new and beautiful thing, what we in fact want, as opposed to the opposite.

I have found in my personal life that when I cut out those aspects, persons, feelings, and events which will bring me down and away from my goals amazing things happen. This is of course because all that remains are those good things. I think God wants what is good for us in life, as well as in the Church.

The Context of Scripture

Music - Mixing it UP!!

Eek! It's HOT!!

My husband and I have taken to watching "Reaper." The show is about a guy (Sam) whose parents sold his soul to the devil. The devil then has him be a bounty hunter, i.e. catch escaped souls and send them back to hell. When the devil gives the man his cell number, Sam says "What area code is this?" The devil replies, "Phoenix."

There is a reason. I've been on hiatus basically because it got so hot so quickly. This is the only explanation, that and a combination of work responsibilities as well as a general discouragement.

I've been feeling a little down about the church thing. I think perhaps this is a good thing to do a video about specifically. I'll get back to you with that...