Music in the Life of the Church

Union Church Choir

Feb. 4 On Eagles’ Wings, arr. Mark Hayes

Feb. 11 Order My Steps, Glen Burleigh

Feb. 18 Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley, arr. Gladys Jameson

Feb. 25 Be Thou My Vision, Dan Forrest

Union Church Handbell Ensemble

Feb. 11 A Mountain Springs Farewell, S. Tucker

Feb. 25 Ride on the Chariot, B. Ingram

February 18, A Capella Sunday

On February 18, Union Church will be participating in a national day of a capella congregational singing! All around the country, major worship leaders and planners have developed a wonderful idea that there needs to be one day of unaccompanied congregational singing for the church.  This concept seems weird, huh? After all, we never sing without being accompanied by the “Mighty Wurlitzer…” If it’s just not fathomable, check out some a capella congregations on YouTube. 

Why should we do it? It connects to the history of the church, while also connecting us to many Christian denominations, traditions, and regions of the world that continue to use a cappella music as their primary mode of music-making in corporate worship.  It offers to God something that is a gift that is different from our usual music-making, it encourages the congregation’s song by building up confidence in their own voices, and it emphasizes the unique ability of instruments to enhance the congregation’s song.  Also, it’s fun! Think about how beautiful it is when we end each Palm Sunday service with our a capella version of “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”

So, here’s what is going to happen and what you need to bring with you on that Sunday.  Most, if not all, of the music, will be done a capella.  Your music minister and worship planning team have chosen very familiar hymns that are very easily sung, so don’t worry about mistakes! You will need to bring one – and only one -important thing to worship—your voice! Come celebrate this wonderful day of music with us!

Musical Happenings

February 24: Berea College Festival of Spirituals Concert, 7:00pm