Music can add spirituality to worship services. But changes in our church over the past 50 years have altered how we experience music in worship—and not necessarily for the better. Join Kelvin Seifert in exploring the changes, and in asking what we want from music now, in 2023.
Service Coordinator: Jill Moats
Sermon Video
Order of Service
What do we want from music?
January 22, 2023

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Centering Thought
“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”
–Victor Hugo
Centering Music
“Pleiades,” by Anne Hills.
Welcome
Jill Moats
Gathering Hymn
#363, “Alleluia! Sang Stars”
Chalice Lighting and Opening Words
Words by Dorothea Kaufmann
Affirmation
“Love Is the Spirit of This Church”
Sharing and Caring
Barbara Fuller
Unison Words
The journey of our lives has brought us this morning to this place, to be here together. What a miracle this is to share these moments and to be nourished by each other’s presence. May we approach this time with gratitude and hope. So may it be.
Sung Response
“We Are Sending You Light,” led by Kelvin Seifert and Barbara Fuller
Offering
Jill Moats
Offertory
“Prelude #2,” by George Gershwin, played by Kelvin Seifert
Meditation
Words by K. Seifert, read by Jill Moats
Reading
“Remember,” by Harry Chapin, read by Kelvin Seifert
Sermon
What Do We Want from Music?, by Kelvin Seifert
Closing Hymn
#368, “Now Let Us Sing”
Announcements
Jill Moats
Closing Words
“Let the music caress you,” by K. Seifert
Chalice Extinguishing
Kelvin Seifert
Gratitude
Many thanks to those who helped make this service happen:
- Tech support: Arthur Burstow and Christina Swindells-Nader
- Tech script: Ashlyn Noble
- Sanctuary chalice: Jo’Anne Kelly
- Pianist: Daniel Clark
- Vocals: Kelvin Seifert, Barbara Fuller, and Esther Kathryn
- Sharing/Caring: Barbara Fuller
- Service coordinator: Jill Moats
- Service leader: Kelvin Seifert
- Website support: Karin Carlson