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Music Ministry
At Covenant, we believe that music offered to the glory of God is itself worship, not just a part of worship. In that spirit, we sing and play musical instruments in order to elevate our worship and bring ourselves, individually and corporately, closer to God. We trust that “when in our music God is glorified and adoration leaves no room for pride, it is as though the whole creation cried ‘Alleluia’”. (1)
At the 8:30 service (with communion each week), congregational singing is most often accompanied by piano; there is no choir and the music is generally less formal. The 10:30 service (with communion monthly) features organ, with the adult choir singing weekly, and children’s choirs and handbells monthly. At both services, we strive to encourage and inspire strong congregational singing, using The Presbyterian Hymnal and Sing the Faith in both services.
At Covenant, you will hear great church music of the past as well as more contemporary church music. We intentionally program music for both choirs and congregation to represent a wide range of composers, styles, and levels of difficulty. We select pieces in which the text and music are both consistent with our Reformed heritage and relevant to our contemporary world. We work with the Pastors to integrate musical selections with lectionary readings and sermons. In addition to weekly worship, the adult choir typically does several larger works during the year, either as part of worship or in a separate concert.
While we enjoy singing a capella, we also employ a variety of instruments. The sanctuary houses a 15-rank Möller pipe organ (1963) as well as a Yamaha grand piano, and we find opportunities to use other instruments such as flute, oboe, brass, guitar, Orff instruments, African drums, and small orchestral ensembles on special occasions.
Participating in Covenant’s music program helps us grow both musically and spiritually. Just as we enjoy learning new music, we also enjoy welcoming new music-makers. The children’s choirs practice on Wednesday evenings and are directed by Anne Wick Manes. The adult choir and the handbell choir rehearse on Thursday evenings. If you are interested in joining either of the choirs, please contact Jeff Ryman or Lou Dolive; we will welcome you warmly, hand you some music, and join with you in lifting our hearts and hands and voices to God.
(1) Fred Pratt Green, 1971
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