Singing Together as a Sign of Baptism Philip and Sarah Majorins
Iconic Life: Baptism and Music
Singing Together as Baptized Christians: A Brief Theological Introduction
o Singing is the primary way in which baptized believers have historically participated in corporate worship.
o When baptized voices vibrate the world, all are reminded that matter matters. Bodies matter.
o The sacramental nature of Christian Life. o Communal singing as the doctrine of Incarnation. o A personal & communal act that expresses the sacramental presence of God to his people and a watching world.
“Singing is for the one who loves.” -‐St. Augustine
o “Liturgy” means “the work of the people”
o The quality leader is one who is thoughtful about offering a healthy diet and is adept at providing the congregation with the right utensils with which to eat the various courses.
Iconic Life: Baptism and Music
Suggestions for Song Leaders
Setting the Table and Eating Well
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Strong vocal presence that forgoes attention & embellishment
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Singable tunes that are in proper keys for congregation (A3 – D5)
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Musicians as servants and facilitators
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Encourage baptized persons to move from receiving and spectating to participation in Christ’s body. The “work of the people” begins in corporate worship and ends in service outside the church doors.
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Choosing songs that reinforce service theme/church year/and part of the service flow.
Setting Up the Environment: The Use of Musical Mediums and Space
“You can only invite people to sing, you can’t force them” -‐Tony Alonso
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What unspoken messages does your worship space communicate?
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How are your song leaders physically positioned? Why?
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How does your worship space orient worshippers?
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How does the way you use sound and amplification orient worshippers?
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Is there space for the “voice of the people?”
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Encouraging congregation to SING!
Iconic Life: Baptism and Music
Healthy Menu for Singing: A Balanced Diet Psalms 1) Cantor and People 2) Chanting Psalms (BCP & Psalter) 3) Contemporary Forms (verse & chorus) Examples: Shepherd Me, O God (Ps. 23) & Our Eyes Rest on You (Ps. 123)
Short and Simple Phrases from Scripture
1) Taizé 2) Rounds & refrains
Example: O Lord Hear My Prayer
The Whole Story: Hymns 1) Historic texts in hymn form 2) 18th & 19th Century hymn form 3) Contemporary (new & re-‐cast hymns)
Liturgical Responses
Often repeated phrases that tie together historic Christian Worship Gloria / Kyrie / Doxology / Sanctus / Agnus Dei Examples: Gloria, Sanctus
Spiritual Songs Songs that reflect the congregations’ current historical experience. 1) Solo songs 2) 20th Century Gospel tradition 3) Songs reflecting local or personal context 4) Praise & worship movement
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Iconic Life: Baptism and Music
A Few Resources Books:
Our favorite sites for streaming:
For the Life of the World, Alexander Schmemann
http://redeemerknoxville.bandcamp.com/ http://cardiphonia.bandcamp.com/ http://bifrostartsmusic.bandcamp.com/ http://highstreethymns.bandcamp.com/ ancientfaith.com Our personal blogs with further resources: Abstractcathedral.com (Philip) Glorianotes.com (Sarah)
Desiring The Kingdom, J.K. Smith
Liturgy as a Way of Life, Bruce Benson
Chanting the Psalms, Cynthia Bourgeault Music:
Psalms for All Seasons (CRC Psalter) Lift Up Your Hearts (CRC hymnal) Taizé Community (France) Our favorite online sites for resources:
Cardiphonia.com (current liturgical ideas & resources) Igracemusic.com (recast hymns) worship.calvin.edu hymnary.org reformedworship.org
Iconic Life: Baptism and Music
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