To a Faithful Choir Member

It is getting near the end of the school year, which also seems to mark the end of choir rehearsals and other regular rehearsals to prepare for worship. As you think of the many people involved with worship over this past season, consider how you might recognize the gifts they have given the church. One idea is to write them a letter, maybe even publishing it in your church’s newsletter. Roger Hicks has provided this one for the faithful choir member.

Dear Choir Member,

Notes, rests, intervals, rhythms, tempos, dynamics, tone, diction, and interpretation are your tools. Your diligent use of these tools has great effect on many lives, bringing them joy and a sense of God’s presence. In fact, God himself is blessed by your singing.

Thank you for the hours you spend in rehearsal. Thank you for those often-hurried dinners, or missed dinners, the juggled family schedules, the late hours; each contributing to effective music ministry.

What a delight it is to see the choir step into the choir loft each Sunday morning. Its buoyant, enthusiastic appearance seems to say, “God is here. Let’s worship!” Sometimes it has not been easy for you to be in your place in the loft. Thank you for being there, especially at those times.

God has indeed blessed you with a beautiful and meaningful ministry. Please accept your talent as a gift from God and your musical ministry as a marvelous medium of God-centered worship.

Thanks to God for giving you the gift of music. Thanks to you for giving much to others through your gift of music.

Gratefully,

Those you’ve led in worship

Roger Wayne Hicks is a 50-plus-year veteran of church music leadership. Having transcended denominational boundaries in his church music career, he dubs himself a “Lubapmethoterian” Christian. Although officially retired, Roger continues to serve as part time choir director at Crown of Life Lutheran Church of Sun City West, Arizona.

Reformed Worship 119 © March 2016 Worship Ministries of the Christian Reformed Church. Used by permission.