MUSIC AS SPIRITUAL FORMATION

I was reminded this summer during a visit to St. Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha of the importance of reexamining music through a larger lense – as a means for spiritual formation and a window into a broader understanding of God.  There are many studies on the benefits of music and singing as related to academic achievements, brain stimulation etc.  But when we add music into the context of church and congregational life it takes on deeper meaning.  Through music we connect with those who came before us; through music we learn about our faith; through music we can touch deep places within ourselves and also reach out to those around us; we can lament and we can rejoice.  Yes, I am convinced that music is an effective and desirable means for spiritual formation.

These thoughts are with us as we plan and schedule rehearsals for our music groups.  Children’s choir will look different this year, as we move into the Sunday school hour for 3-8 week segments (11:15 on Sunday mornings).  Linda, Shira, Dody and I, along with volunteers, will be teaching our children about Bible stories, spiritual practices, liturgy and more through music.  Our first music experience with the children will be on September 13.  We look forward to this opportunity for growth and sharing.

The adults will continue with choir rehearsals on Wednesday evenings in 45-minute segments, led by Linda, as follows:

Praise Choir 6:15-7 p.m.

Sanctuary Choir 7:45-8:30

Some of our youth have been singing in these groups, and we encourage any others to join. 

The Handbell choir, directed by Shira Fadeley will be rehearsing on Thursday evenings 5:15-6:30.  This choir will ring once a month on Sunday mornings.

Concerts at First continues to connect us with the larger community, bringing musicians from near and far, giving us another opportunity to open our doors to all.  The Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, directed by Bob Mensel will be back with their Christmas program.  Our choirs will perform Gabriel Fauré’s haunting “Requiem”, under the direction of Linda Duffendack Mays, and our children will present a musical in the spring.  Watch for details in upcoming publications.

We invite each one of you to JOIN in our music, as we strive to LEARN, GROW, SHARE and LIVE more fully.  Let us allow ourselves to LEARN our traditions and stories through music; may we GROW as we reach for excellence and improve our skills; help us to SHARE our musical gifts and faith stories through our songs.  May we LIVE more fully, as we join others, breathing together, singing together, resonating as one body as we build the kingdom of God, one song at a time.                      -----Julia

For more information, please contact one of our music staff:

Julia Brown (Music Director and Organist) – 345-8764 ext. 16  julia@eugenefumc.org

Linda Duffendack Mays (Choir Director) – (626)372-2345  linda@eugenefumc.org

Shira Fadeley (Handbell Director)  - (503)569-1249  shirafadeley@yahoo.com