The Creator congregation sings and experiences the joy of ensemble singing. We have learned and sing many different settings in Sunday worship. Past Creator musicians have composed liturgies. We embrace classic hymns, choir pieces, folk songs, children's music, camp songs, world music, and contemporary offerings.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer is an insightful theologian and writer so I was surprised to read in Life Together how he frowned on singing in parts in church worship. His objections to parts-singing; to summarize, were the parts are often badly executed, and can be puffed-up in pride by singers so that it is no longer about the Word, about our Lord, but it is about the singer's talent. Basically if the part is done badly it is awful and if it is done well it is drawing too much attention to the talent of the singer and the composition and arrangement of the piece.
I thought about these objections during our last Holden Evening Prayer service for Lent 2017. Haugen's composition is a beautiful testimony against these objections, particularly Psalmody 141.Singing in harmony or in parts can be a reflection of our life before the Lord. There is a grace in the blending of our lives into one song, just as we are one Body of Christ. I keenly felt that in the intricate weaving of our voices in last night's Psalmody.
Trish read her faith statement which she said was based, in part, on the Apostle's Creed. I admired her boldness. I would be reticent to read my faith statement publically because of embarrassment in how far I regularly fall short of it. At the same time I recognize it would be healthier spiritually for me to do it rather than hesitate.
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