Festive half hour before the sermon starts
2006-05-18
WHEN I was a child, the church organ was the only musical instrument approved for accompanying singing.
The half hour before the proper sermon commenced, the congregation was expected to sit mutely, rehearse their sins and silently confess their grotesque transgressions. The atmosphere had to be silent as the grave.
Many a bored churchgoer resorted to all kinds of thoughts or admired the clothing of incoming church members.
A guitar in church was regarded as evil and strictly prohibited. To encourage the congregation to put rhythm into their singing was never a thought, and the organist had to keep within bounds, until lastly he had to rebel and put a little spirited element into his playing.
We are now exactly doing what the Psalmist requests in Psalm 98:4-8, to make a joyful noise. A group of lady singers, guitarist and drummer station themselves before the pulpit to sing and praise God.
This recent innovation was not approved by all churchgoers and some have condemned it as a “circus”.
Nevertheless, this half hour now suddenly has filled a void by introducing a new meaning to praising God.
TPA Carolissen,
Paarl
More
News
|
