Music is an important part of our worship services. It can speak to the soul deeply and powerfully, creating a time of beauty and reflection. Our diverse congregations each have their own musical styles and traditions. Some favor classical, others jazz; some draw from the Christian sacred music tradition, some from world music; some favor folk and guitar, and others have their own rock band. Some bring in all these styles with the regular participation of members of the congregation and professional musicians.

We typically frame the worship service with an instrumental prelude and postlude. Two to three hymns, usually drawn from Singing the Living Tradition and Singing the Journey, involve the congregation in singing. Choirs or soloists may perform an anthem (a piece with lyrics that complement the service’s theme) and an offertory (a piece performed while the congregation offers donations). Instrumental interludes can also accompany times of reflection or prayer.

While we do not have a choir, we sometime organize a group of singers for a specific service (the ‘Sometimes Sunday Singers’) This can be a fun and meaningful way for adults, youth, and children to get involved in the life of a congregation.