Around the fourth of July, we church musicians like to debate whether we should program “patriot music” if the choice is up to us.
But the question isn’t really about “patriotic music.”
The questions is: should we base our musical choices on Scripture readings only? Or, should we also consider current events and civic concerns as we plan?*
What do you think?
While each Sunday’s scripture readings have the biggest influence on my choices, current events also shape the music I choose.
Here’s why: I think music is a way for people to express a wide range of emotions and complicated beliefs. In fact, congregational singing is one of the most powerful ways that we express our collective beliefs and emotions.
Since our country’s current actions, like separating families and caging migrants, are felt by the congregation, I think it’s important to use music that helps us feel those emotions together and respond together in action.
So this past Sunday, I used Carolyn Winfrey Gillete’s ’s hymn text “Abraham Journeyed to a New Country” as our gathering hymn. It functioned as a hymn of welcome. And it was also vehicle for us to reflect on current events and what our responses should be.
It’s a very little thing to do. But it is just as little—and just as big—as the other music I program week after week.
*I don’t want to sound like I’m making this an either/or question. There are so many more factors we consider in choosing music, including basics like our congregation’s repertoire.
