St Paul Lutheran Church,LC-MS
5433 Madison Road
Cincinnati, Ohio  45227
513-271-4147

MIMIC
(Ministry In Mission In Christ)

Music

Music Committee Meeting    2/7/08
  • Music is valuable and critical to Lutheran worship.  Music should reflect what we believe. The saving message of law and gospel is proclaimed in hymns, liturgy, and special music. 
  • Familiar hymns and liturgies are preferred to encourage singing and participation and reflection on the Christ-centered words and message.
  • The MIMIC Music Committee recommends the new hymnal “Lutheran Service Book” be purchased for our church. It utilizes many of the familiar hymns, harmonies, and liturgies from the more traditional Lutheran Hymnal (TLH), as well as incorporates Christ-centered spirituals and newer hymns and songs.
  • The Pastor should have final oversight of congregational worship services. “Lutheran Service Builder” and “Creative Worship” disks offer several options for songs/hymns each week. If the first choice utilizes an unfamiliar or difficult melody, perhaps select second choice if more familiar.
Suggestions:
  • Service should end with uplifting congregational hymn.
  • Sing more familiar, traditional hymns – easier-to-sing melodies result in more enthusiastic singing. Sing at comfortable pace, not too fast, not too slow.  Difficult music detracts from focusing on meaning of words.
  • Consider uniform introduction to elements of the liturgy. . .either start right in or offer one note for pitch. (The approach varies from organist to organist.)
  • In addition to the individuals and ensembles who already share their talents, ask for volunteers from the congregation for occasional special music utilizing a variety of instruments. If we don’t have volunteers from the congregation, invite guests from outside the church, on occasion.
  • Consider varying Divine Service liturgy choices (e.g., by season) to help become familiar with several.
  • There is beauty and reverence added when utilizing the traditional “Thee’s” and “Thy’s” in some of the liturgies and hymns.
  • Introduce a new hymn at the beginning of some services. 
  • Perhaps sing several hymns before the service actually begins, as has been done prior to Advent and Lenten services.
  • At this time, the committee saw limited interest or resources for a stand-alone contemporary service at St. Paul, but if small group meetings or gatherings wish to incorporate other styles of Christian music that’s fine.
  • Consider one Sunday morning service, again. Singing is more inspiring when more parishioners gather together to sing. Also, reinstate the singing of hymns during communion during those services when more gather.
  • Have the choir process on special occasions, such as Easter and Christmas.
Committee members:
Lynn Avenson
Herb Ebert
Joann Marksberry
Dave Preisser
Barb Smetana		 Ed and Bev Strelau
Betty Wickfeldt
Co-Chairs: Mary Lou Schueler &
                           Robin Gehl
St Paul Lutheran Church
updated:  February, 2008