Selecting Music for Celebrations of New Ministry

Celebrations of New Ministry are:

• an opportunity to involve and collaborate with resident musicians, neighboring houses of worship, community groups, and most especially children.
• a time to incorporate instrumentalists, either resident in the congregation or known by the congregation, of all abilities and skill levels.
• planned by all groups involved in the liturgy, such as lay and ordained ministers, altar guild, etc.

Music should:

• be selected according to the major themes of the day (appointed propers, celebrations of new ministries, ministries of the baptized)
• be reflective of where the congregation is in their musical journey
• be well known by the congregation so they can fully participate
• be chosen carefully and introduced in a thoughtful manner, especially music unfamiliar to the congregation
• inspire the congregation to sing, even those who do not consider themselves trained singers
• might include the singing of liturgical texts, for example the Psalms, Creed, Sanctus, and Fraction Anthem—careful consideration should be given to the congregation’s ability to join in the singing or chanting of these texts

N.B. The music suggested by the Liturgy & Arts Commission is a starting point only

Suggested Music