June 2012 New Horizons

Better Singing in Smaller Churches

by Alan R. Pontier

One of the blessings of the Reformation was the restoration of congregational singing. No longer would worship be the domain of the priest and the professional musician. In accordance with Scripture, worship was restored as the duty and privilege of all the people of God. In Christ, the people are a royal priesthood. Christ fulfilled the priestly work of substitutionary sacrifice. But another kind of sacrifice belongs in Christian worship. The writer of Hebrews instructs us to “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God” (Heb. 13:15). This sacrifice of praise reaches its highest expression, not in the polished music of the soloist or in the contemporary beat of a praise band, but in the singing of the congregation. Therefore, in our worship we should pursue excellence in congregational singing, just as we should pursue excellence in all aspects of worship. However, today it is often something of a struggle to pursue excellence in congregational singing. Music that originates with a ... Read more

Hints for Pianists

by Frances W. Folkerts

So, they found out you had a couple of years of piano lessons when you were a kid, and now you’ve been recruited to fill in at the piano or keyboard in an emergency. If you don’t, they say, the hymns will just have to be sung—gasp— a cappella . Well anyway, that’s what happened to me. Now, a few decades later, I’ve jotted down some helpful hints that I’ve learned the hard way. Remember that you are playing because there is no one out there who can do it as well as you can. Moderate nervousness is good; it makes you more alert. Extreme nervousness only saps your energy and concentration. Don’t allow yourself to indulge in it. Focus on the job at hand. In music, mistakes happen all the time. Get over it and get on with it. Most people don’t even notice. The few that do will admire your ability to keep going, seemingly unperturbed. When choosing additional music for the offering, etc., pick something you are comfortable with. Having played a piece well once or twice at home ... Read more

Singing in the OPC

by Danny E. Olinger

Since 1961, congregations in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church have sung praise to God out of Trinity Hymnal (original and revised editions). Before Trinity Hymnal was issued, Orthodox Presbyterian congregations sang primarily out of the 1911 Presbyterian hymnal. This was in contrast to the vast majority of Presbyterians, who had replaced the 1911 Presbyterian hymnal with the 1933 Presbyterian hymnal. Orthodox Presbyterians refused to switch to the 1933 hymnal because of its liberal tendencies. J. Gresham Machen had alerted the church in his review, “The New Presbyterian Hymnal,” that the 1933 edition had been deliberately created to match the broadening theology of the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. One church leader had been quoted in the Chicago Tribune as saying, “If you want to know the trends of religion, listen to the way religion sings. About 400 hymns were dropped. The doctrine note in hymns is almost missing. In place of doctrine, brotherhood, international fellowship, and sound ... Read more

The Dating Download

To: KellyTodd@linkmac.com From: JuneMcrea@ustel.com Dear Kelly, Now that you’re off to your dream job in the big city, I don’t seem to be hearing from you anymore. I’m sure you’re busy, but your old aunt would love an update. Love, Aunt June *     *     *     *     * To: JuneMcrea@ustel.com From: KellyTodd@linkmac.com Dear Aunt June, Sorry I’ve been out of touch. Life is crazy right now! First I had to find an apartment, and then I started my job. Work is so busy! I end up spending extra hours there, trying to learn the trade. On the good side, there are five other college graduates at work too, which is fun and a real stress-buster! We all go out after work. I’ve been spending lots of time with Ryan, an Indiana State graduate. He’s a total goof and keeps everybody cracking up. He and I hang out on weekends, too, so it seems like there’s never a spare minute! ... Read more