1. A controversy in a Catholic church in Michigan created a stir earlier this month. The approach of Rev. Edwin C. Dwyer (photo) to bring back the youth in church, was met with joy and hope by younger members of the congregation, but some of the elderly members complained. Stressing …
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A prophesy not found in Scripture, but practiced in churches! The self-fulfilling prophesy is not in Scripture, yet churches make use of it frequently. I am thinking about church music and church musicians. How often do you hear the complaint/concern/thought: “There are no new organists to accompany in church?” Cases …
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What kind of church? In December I received promotional email of a sheet music, classifying music by denomination, based of the type of worship service (with plenty of choice in each category). • Liturgical: e.g. Lutheran, Anglican, Catholic, Russian Orthodox • Evangelical: e.g. Baptist, Pentecostal, Community churches • More liberal: …
Read MoreSometimes I hear the complaints of monotonous elements of the worship service, and a desire to shake it up and change. But often people don’t have much of an idea about the background of what happens in church. If adults don’t know, they can’t explain it to the youth either, …
Read MoreThe Canadian Reformed churches want to sing more hymns. Regional Synod West has confirmed that in their meeting November 5 2018. Local churches, ministers, and church musicians have confirmed this desire. The limitation of the songs that can be sung in church, is the primary issue. Regional Synod West states …
Read More“A mentor important in mastery. Literally, physically observe and absorb their energy and spirit. You are not just watching them, you are experiencing them inside yourself. It is a very powerful way of learning. It’s an emotional relationship with someone you respect and admire.” (Robert Greene, author of Mastery) When …
Read MoreSinging Hymns and Psalms When churches add more hymns to their ‘repertoire’, often the assurance is given that more hymns will not replace the Psalms. Yet, practically this does not work out. Going to church as a teenager, I remember singing after the Lord’s Supper, in response and echoing the …
Read MoreI am impressed by how much people know about their sports clubs (here in Canada: ice hockey). Every club is different, but a person’s favorite club is untouchable in their eyes. – They know the rules, – have memorized the players and captains, – the past-players, – the goals and assists, – hat-tricks, – have in …
Read MoreI received my first appointment as an (amateur) church organist in a small Reformed church in Baarn, the Netherlands when I was 15 years old (still learning). The consistory provided with a document outlining their expectations. Every year I had a review and was reappointed. I translated this document hoping …
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