Today the Episcopal Church remembers those who made a joyful noise unto the Lord (Ps. 100): Johann Sebastian Bach (31 March 1685–28 July 1750), George Frederick Handel (23 February 1685–14 April 1759), and Henry Purcell (10 September 1659–21 November 1695).
Music is an integral part of worship. We express our love through the beauty of sound. These three men have added to the beauty of worship, much of which we use today. Bach wrote many hymns. Handel wrote the famous “Messiah” which captures the entire life of Jesus. Purcell wrote many musically settings including the “Te Deum.”
Music was originally an integral part of the Christian liturgy, which evolved from the Jewish worship tradition. In the synagogue, it is likely that scriptural readings were sung, by invitation to particular members, without accompaniment and that a prayer leader chanted part of the prayer to which all the people responded in chant and song. A characteristic of early Christian liturgy was full and active participation, including musical.
Liturgical music is central to liturgy. It is an essential part of the public prayer of the Christian community. We need to sing the liturgy. Music has a ministerial role. It must not dominate the ritual but serve, helping the faithful express and share their faith and strengthen commitment to their faith. Music unifies, uniting the gathered faithful to Christ and each other. It draws the faithful into the center of worship, into full, conscious and active participation in a communal ritual action.
We are blessed to have a good music ministry at St. Augustine with Sherman Boyer, Manna who play on the second Sunday of the month and Earthen Vessel our Jazz group which plays on the fourth Sunday of the month. Our carillon bells also grace our neighborhood letting everyone know that God dwells in our midst as they hear each hour rung out. They all certainly make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
Let us pray: Almighty God, beautiful in majesty and majestic in holiness: You gave to your musicians Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frederick Handel, and Henry Purcell grace to show forth your glory in their music. May we be also moved to sound out your praises as a foretaste of your eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
REMINDERS
The discretionary fund is running low this summer because we have many people who are in need. Please remember the words of our Lord Jesus as told to us by St. Paul that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35). If you are able to help, please do by writing a check to St. Augustine Discretionary Fund.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
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