What do we want from music?

Rob Lindey, former UU pianist, playing our piano in the sanctuary

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

Rob Lindey, former UU pianist, playing our piano in the sanctuary

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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

Contact the Sunday Services team.