September 1991

From Hebrews 1:1-3 NRSV

Long ago, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets;

now God has spoken to us by a Son.

God made the world through the Son, who has been appointed heir of all things and the perfect reflection of God's glory.

The Son is the exact representation of God's being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.

Praise God for the gift of the Son.

We welcome the Light of the world!

How many members of your congregation are taking organ lessons? How many have pianos in their homes? Probably far fewer than a generation ago. Some congregations are getting desperate to find competent organists.

If the trend continues, we could consider going back to unaccompanied singing, typical of the early days of the Protestant Reformation. It's likely, though, that few congregations would have much success with acapel-la singing. Our culture is simply not a singing culture.

Susan M. Berry & David L. Week. Carol Stream, IL: Hope Publishing Company. 40 min., $49.95.

Helen Kemp. St. Louis: Concordia. 85 minutes, VHS 87-0231, $39.95.

Mrs. Helen Kemp, well known for her work with children, demonstrates in a most enthusiastic way on this video a variety of methods that can be used in children's choir rehearsals. Through a pre-worship rehearsal with a children's choir, Kemp exhibits ways of helping children develop good singing habits and encouraging children to express the joy of music and convey the message of the gospel through their music.

WE ENTER GOD'S COURTS WITH SINGING

Prelude

Songs of Praised:1

Cathedral Films, $49.50; rental 20.00 (1-800-251-4091).

Six ten-minute segments introduce the origins, themes, and personal significance of the Christian Year. These segments (Overview, Advent, Christmas/Epiphany, Lent and Holy Week, Easter, Ordinary Time) could be viewed together, but probably would be more effective one at a time. While the format is simpleóessentially a film-strip on video—each segment portrays much liturgical art and symbolism. The approach is interdenominational.

I have particularly copied Bucer, that man of holy memory, outstanding doctor in the church of God.

—John Calvin

Alice Parker. Worship Works, A National Worship Resource Network, 10619 Alameda Drive, Knoxville, TN 37932; (616) 966-0103. 56 minutes, $39.95