click to enlarge
This Sunday is our Celebration of the Green, a time when we gather to listen, sing, and participate together in holy worship. As I think about this upcoming service, I’m reminded of the many moments of musical offering we have shared throughout the past year: our Children’s Choir singing in worship and leading us in our Call to Worship through sung meditations; our Youth Choir traveling on tour, not only singing but learning and serving throughout the city of Chicago; and Nova, Sanctuary Choir, Wilshire Winds, Carillon Ringers and so many others lending their gifts, time and love to the life of our church.
Music is one of God’s oldest gifts to God’s people. A language that existed before words were written, a form of praise that rises from the heart even when the mind struggles to express itself.
Music in the church is not a decoration in worship. It is a ministry. One that shapes our faith, forms our community and reaches the heart. Through music, we learn the stories of God. Through music, we teach our children the truth of grace. Through music, we carry one another through sorrow and lift our shared joy toward heaven.
Good stewardship invites us to ask: What are we doing with this gift? Are we nurturing it? Supporting it? Participating in it?
The ministry of music does not happen by accident. It is sustained through the time, talent and treasure that God has entrusted to us. It thrives because volunteers rehearse, musicians offer their skill, choirs commit their voices, and a congregation chooses to sing — even on the days when singing feels hard.
When we support the music ministry of the church, we are investing in far more than notes and harmonies. We are investing in spiritual formation. We are investing in welcome — because sacred music often reaches those on the margins. And we are investing in the future, ensuring that generations yet to come will know the sound of the Gospel sung with love and conviction.
We do face a significant challenge as we approach the end of the year and work to fully fund our budget. But if we meet this challenge together, there is also great celebration ahead. Let us give generously, faithfully and joyfully, trusting that God will use our gifts to continue the good work already unfolding among us.
—Tim