Shepherdess

Dear Shepherdess: I would like to talk about the sacredness and beauty of music in our church services. In our busyness and haste we often plan poorly for the special music and even in the selection of the hymns for our church service.

As a wife, you can help your husband in this phase of his work to steer a better course, especially in smaller churches where there is no minister of music as in larger congregations.

I remember when my husband was pastor of a large church in Detroit. We had no one to lead the choir adequately, so we "imported" Dr. Oliver S. Beltz, who was then on the faculty of the School of Music at Northwestern University. Dr. Beltz, responding to our need, commuted from Chicago to Detroit. The music produced by his choir contributed much to the beauty of our church service. Dr. Beltz showed us the difference between church music and the music used in evangelistic services.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church Musicians' Guild, which Dr. Beltz founded, emphasizes the need and beauty of good music in the church thus: "God is not pleased with jargon or discord. Music is a great blessing when used to God's glory.''

In the following article I would like to tell you of the wedding workshop I attended last summer. The brochure "A Wedding Guide" is available for one dollar by writing to Mrs. Gladys Benfield, Box 348, Okemos, Michigan 48864.¹ think you will appreciate the material. With love, Kay.

Weddings that glorify God

While attending the annual camp meeting at Grand Ledge, Michigan, I had the happy privilege to attend a wedding workshop conducted by the Michigan Chapter of the National Seventh-day Adventist Church Musicians' Guild. The workshop came in response to many requests from pastors and musicians for a church wedding guide. This well-researched material has now been condensed into brochure form for convenience and reference.

The workshop consisted of three parts: (1) "What is your style?" a talk by Pastor Roy E. Leman; (2) a demonstration rehearsal by Dorothy Cowdrick Moll, M. Mus., who showed how a proper rehearsal should proceed; and (3) a simulated wedding service. Pastor Colin W. and Sherri Roy Rampton were the "bride" and "groom." They and their wedding party, including Sherri's parents, wore the same wedding garments they had used a few months earlier at their own wedding.

The entire service maintained a very sacred atmosphere with organ and choir music and audience participation in prayer and reading of the Scriptures.

The congregation stood and sang as the bride walked in with her father. The audience knelt during the prayer and joined in singing the Doxology, following the pronouncement of the marriage. The choir sang "The Blessing of Aaron" by Ramsey as a choral benediction. Mrs. Moll played Carillon by Vierne as a recessional. It was all very lovely and beautifully sacred. We felt we had attended a divine service, which, of course, was the purpose of the workshop.

The brochure referred to above gives a list of appropriate hymns to be used at a wedding service, along with a list of organ and instrumental music and vocal selections. I would add one hymn, which I like to see used, "Saviour, Like a Shepherd," The Church Hymnal, No. 394. Proper music sets the tone for almost every service of the church. We, as a shepherdess organization, would like to congratulate the Church Musicians' Guild for their untiring effort in seeing that our church members receive sound guidelines for choosing music that will truly glorify God.

Prayers from the parsonage

by Cherry B. Habenicht

I've just toured a beautiful house, a showpiece for the decorator who lives in it.

The home was inviting, comfortable, relaxing. Every room had been planned to fit the overall theme and color scheme. No clutter, no eye sores, no white elephants. I loved it!

Here I am, working around a pink bathroom counter and old spatter-look linoleum. Alternately squeezing in or spacing out furniture. Doing my windows in something inexpensive in case we move next year.

Having never owned a home, I've not felt free to shape one to reflect all my personal preferences. There isn't money or time for the improvements I envision, so I make do with what I have.

If only I could design and build my dream house! Even to have a choice of where we live would be wonderful! If I could at least decorate with what I really like rather than considering what's on sale or will be most basic. How satisfying to shop for the best quality, the exact color, the perfect finishing touch!

You said, "There are many homes up there where my Father lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming. When everything is ready, then I will come and get you" (John 14:2, 3, T.L.B.).*

Everything . . . ? Jesus, I trust Your taste, but would You please leave me the fun of decorating my own heavenly mansion?