Bruce Benedict has some good thoughts (and examples) of the “Nunc Dimittis”or “Song of Simeon,” one of the “Songs of the Incarnation,” which should be sung during this Advent season.
Category Archives: Music
Play that funky liturgical music!
Encouraging example of a substantive liturgical structure, combined with contemporary worship music, from Bob Kauflin (Sovereign Grace Ministries). Having a good liturgy does not mean we always have to sing golden-oldie hymns like we’re at a funeral!
And, if you want some funky Psalm-tunes, check out these two versions of Genevan Psalms by the band Brother Down (follow the links within this link).
The Genevan Psalter Resource Center
The Genevan Psalter Resource Center - “This website is intended as a center for resources and information relating to the Genevan Psalter, including any and all articles, sheet music, recordings, books, websites and metrical translations based on it.”
Church Music Resources
Worship in Harmony - resources for learning to sing in 4-Part Harmony from Canon Press.
Cantus Christi Hymnal - audio files for learning 4-Part Harmony with the Cantus Christi.
A Novice’s Guide to Directing the Church Choir - Kenneth T. Kosche (very helpful! Kosche writes from a Lutheran perspective, and understands the basic nature of liturgical music, rather than performance/entertainment music in church.)
Choral Wiki – thousands of free scores in the public domain, along with MIDI files to hear many of them.
Christus Rex Study Center
I’m pleased to announce the opening of the Christus Rex Study Center! Classes will be held in Cary, NC, and are open to those who are pursuing pastoral training, or would like to equip themselves for any level of service in the church and ministry to the world.
We are unique in that we are seeking to combine seminary-level work with practical experience in the life of a local church. Additionally, we plan to offer classes in both Liturgy and Music, which are typically not offered at most Reformed seminaries.
The Company of the Fathers
The Company of the Fathers is starting up again! We are reading Tertullian’s Apology right now, and it is startling to realize that the Church has weathered all the same problems, hundreds of years ago. Our economy may be in the tank, but the Church has been through all this many times before. We suffer from a lack of perspective, and one of the best ways to gain a more balanced view of history (and our place in it) is to read the Church Fathers. Join us!
Heart and Voice–Resources for Congregational Singing
As we seek to recover the richness of congregational singing (without the artificial props of amps and electric guitars), the biggest hurdle can be our culture’s general ignorance of music. Though some folks were forced to take piano lessons as children, even fewer members of our congregations have been taught how to sing. Someone is finally trying to fix this problem! Heart and Voice has an exciting project going. Check it out!
(Note: our pages of books and on-line resources have been updated, and many new churches have been added to our “Churches” page. There you can see examples of Reformed liturgies from churches from diverse denominations throughout the US, and even the world.)
Society for the Study of Eastern Orthodoxy and Evangelicalism
As a follow-up to the last post, I just learned that The Society for the Study of Eastern Orthodoxy and Evangelicalism is starting up again. Anyone interested in being on the mailing list should contact Brock Bingaman at Loyola University Chicago: BBINGAM@LUC.EDU
Reformation Covenant Church
New church added to our “Churches” Page: Reformation Covenant Church of Southern Oregon (Medford, OR – CREC). The liturgy is heavy on singing an chanting, but so is the Bible. It looks challening and demanding, but worship is work. It’s the Lord’s service, after all, where we actively serve the Lord.
But, we also need to explore ways to make some musical resources available for those who want to get serious about chanting. Liturgies like these can look too imposing for most. Anyone have any suggestions?
King’s Meadow Endurance Team
This Christmas, consider supporting the King’s Meadow Endurance Team. George Grant is an advocate for substantive, classical Reformed liturgy, and they have exciting plans to expand into a full liberal arts college!
Read a more detailed letter here.
