MUSIC IN LITURGY

The World of Doorman-Priest is entering into a weekend of study on preaching and music in liturgy. I enjoy music with the liturgy. Good music. Unfortunately good music is not always available. I have been assailed with some very bad music in my church. Hymns that should have been flushed long ago. Hymns that are played in funeral dirge tempo. Spirituals that drone WORSE than a funeral dirge. And some just plain sloppy and inept organ playing.

Music needs to be an emotional experience. Something that reaches into my soul and pulls me closer to God. Music that enlivens and uplifts. Music of quality and integrity. This happens, of course, with gifted leaders and practice, practice, practice. And so I cannot be too critical here because I am do not participate in the music program. There are some very dedicated people and the music they are making of late is quite good. Given a choir of six, they have a wonderful spirit and a wonderful sound. I would like a whole lot more but I am grateful for what we have.

One Sunday a few years ago we welcomed a liturgical dancer. Just one. Doing a modern ballet routine to music on a CD. She had beautiful form and flow with the music as she danced up and down the main aisle of the church and up and around the altar. I just didn't quite understand it. It was beautiful. It just somehow seemed to be apart from the worship service. Maybe if we had had some kind of introduction and/or teaching first, I might have been more appreciative. If the music had seemed to be a part of us and not just for the performance of the dancer.

But then I remember even farther back than the liturgical dancer -- drums. Or drum, as in one. And a singer who could sing with the drum. The drum and the singer were one and they were part of the liturgy and there was rythm and there was dance. In fact in our staid congregation people were swinging their hips and clapping their hands and they were a part of the celebration of God.

Yes, music is good. We need more of it. Music that reaches our souls. Music that carries us up to God. Music that brings God into our souls.