Music

Trinity Church Music

 Each Sunday, our organist leads in making music for our souls.

Why do we have music in church? What purpose does it serve? Why don’t we just recite the poetry of our hymns the way we do the psalms?

A primary function of music is to engage each person’s spirit. Through song, our spirits unite with the Holy Spirit. Music is the prayer of the soul, and it is often the melody that lifts us up more than the words.

A second function of music is the “numinous” purpose. It lifts us up out of our “selves,” by which it calls us to set aside our egos. It reminds us there is a higher purpose to life than looking good or sounding good. It is for each of us to learn the music we sing. It enlivens our spirit. That’s what the psalmist means (Psalm 81): Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob. Begin the music, strike the tambourine, play the melodious harp and lyre.

 And, music is practical. Music enhances movement. Clergy, Servers, and Congregants proceed at a given time to a prescribed place. If you had a choice between watching and listening to a group of people shuffle from one spot to another, and “covering” the action with music, most people would find music to be the more pleasant option.

Finally, music involves the senses: Sight, sound, rhythm, touch, and visceral feelings. It calls people to adjust their voices and attitudes, to work towards harmony. It becomes an outward, visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.

We are a Family in Christ – together.