steadfastlutherans.org » More on Screens
July 16th, 2008 | by Christopher Gillespie |
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The best way to teach people the liturgy isn’t fancy bulletins, tab inserts, but…
steadfastlutherans.org » More on Screens
The best way to get people to sing is to surround them with all sorts of other people who are singing. Every decent choir director knows that. You surround the weak with the strong and they become strong. So in the divine service; if you consistently sing the same liturgical pieces, then, in time, everyone will be able to sing - the old, the young, the uninitiated and the partially initiated, the seeing, the blind, the shepherds and all the heavenly host.
I tested this thesis over the last month or so of vicarage. I didn’t bother with my hymnal. I know Divine Service 3, DS2, and Matins by heart. Who needs the hymnal? I wonder if anyone noticed I was just holding my hands reverently and singing the song of the church? No one said anything.
It’s amazing how meditative the service is when you not only are recalling the text but also have your body focused. But this week and most of the year to come, I’ll be fumbling with children, helping Anne. So, I’m glad that I have the service memorized (or I may have to learn DS1.)
The kids the sing the liturgy and they’ve never had screens. Curious.
Tags: liturgy
