ADVENT: A PURPLE ONION
We are now at the beginning of the season of ADVENT. Advent opens the new “Church Year,” being the first of the liturgical seasons. This progression of seasons—Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, and Easter (concluding with […]
Author: liturgyandmusic
Dear Ambrose
Dear Ambrose In times past Advent was thought of as a penitential season and sometimes called “a little Lent.” We don’t see much of that anymore. When and why did that change? Signed, Expectant Dear Expectant, […]
Designing Dynamic Liturgies
Beginning on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, the Stevenson School of Ministry in the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, in partnership with Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary, will offer an online class for clergy and musicians, Designing […]
Dear Ambrose
Dear Ambrose: Over the years I have heard the terms “inclusive language” and “expansive language.” What is the difference? #mystified Dear Mystified: The short answer is this: Inclusive language refers to humanity and expansive language refers to God. The School of Theology at […]
Dear Ambrose
Dear Ambrose: Is it OK to use Rite I service music at a Rite II service? #Ilovewillan Dear #ILoveWillan: The short answer is “yes.” You probably already do this without noticing if you are using […]
PSALMS ARE FOR SINGING
Chanting the Psalms is a practice that goes back thousands of years, to the time of ancient Israel. Speaking the Psalms is actually an anomaly, because Psalms are meant for singing. For some worshippers, however, […]
Recruiting New Choir Members
In the 1992 film Glengarry Glen Ross, a senior stockbroker drills his mantra into his charges: A-B-C: Always Be Closing! True story: A colleague once told me that they used to have a chorister program, […]
St. Francis Day Survival Guide: Practical Tips For Animal Blessings
“With all these details, don’t lose sight of the reason why people come: that moment when a pet is blessed in the name of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Ensure enough time, enough room, […]
Welcoming Children into Worship
Ed. Note: The way we welcome children into worship can make a difference for families and parishioners. While some say that children are the future of the Church, we need to remember that children are the […]
Effective Rehearsal Techniques
Editor’s note: As choirs around the country gear up for the first rehearsals of the program year we thought it would be helpful to outline some best practices for choir rehearsals. A choir’s performance is only as […]