It is of paramount importance that our worship include expression by every member of the congregation. Like Martin Luther, we share a deep and abiding passion for congregational singing, and the wide variety of hymns and styles of music used in worship are intended to encourage the participation of everyone. For that same reason, we continue to look for new ways to encourage worship leadership by members from all age brackets. Our children are with us in worship and their leadership in song, art and dance is at the level of participation that adult members also employ. We draw from resources of the early centuries of Christian worship as well as the music of recent years, always seeking for a balanced and diverse offering. To that end, we have many organized groups that provide music, art and dance for our worship, as well as individual and smaller groups that are brought into service occasionally. All members and friends of Faith are welcome to participate in any of these groups!
Chancel Choir
|
With lots of help, the organ that has served Faith
for 40 years is on its way to a new home. |
|
Chancel Choir sings during the 10:30 AM service, often for the "Call to Worship" and usually for the anthem before the readings. Music for services comes from a widely diverse repertoire of many centuries and music traditions. From time to time during the year, our orchestra accompanies the choir for great choral masterworks of the past several centuries. The choir practices twice a week in the sanctuary, Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 8:45 PM and on Sunday at 9:30 AM. We are able to include singers who can participate occasionally, along with our core of regularly attending members. Everyone is very welcome! -Contact
Nan Beth Walton by email or by calling the Church
Office.
Children's Choir
Children's Choir sings about once a month at the 10:30 AM service for the "Call to Worship" or the anthem. The children practice on Sunday mornings during the school year at 9:00 AM in the Sanctuary. At 9:15 AM the children shift to the opening of Sunday School in the Social Hall which also includes singing with the help of their teachers and the Music Director. Faith's love and gift of music is passed on to our children.
-Contact
Nan Beth Walton by email or by calling the Church
Office.
Handbells
There are two handbell groups at Faith, one for all ages (mostly adults) and one for young people. The Youth Bells practice every Sunday during the school year after the second service at 11:45 AM. The Intergenerational Handbell Choir practices at least twice a month on Saturday mornings and plays at the 10:30 service about twice a month, often during the offering. Some of the ringers have participated in events outside the walls of Faith Lutheran Church. Many of the arrangements are originals, written by our Music Director.-Contact
Nan Beth Walton by email or by calling the Church
Office.
Instruments
Our community has many talented instrumentalists. They play as a whole or in small groups for festival worship services and to accompany the Chancel Choir for large choral works each year. In addition to a more tradition orchestra, groups of strings, brass and wind players convene for small group work. Our guitar band plays for the service opening and hymn singing a few times each year. Recorders and other early instruments add a Medieval/Renaissance flavor, on occasion, and drums accompany African hymns. We know the future will continue to unfold additional possibilities for instrumental presence in our worship. If you have an instrument, any instrument, that you can play fairly decently, contact
Nan Beth Walton by email or by calling the Church
Office.
During the summer months, and occasionally at other times during the year, we have the Faith Volunteer Choir. There are no rehearsals and anyone who wishes to sing, whether adult, youth or child, is encouraged to come forward for the anthem. Many enjoy participating on this ad hoc basis and you are very welcome to join in!
Dance Group
During the past few years a group of young dancers has formed to provide interpretive dance for our worship services. Currently, the participants are between six and thirteen, but we are glad to welcome dancers of all ages to participate in providing this visual focus for our worship.
Young Artists
From time to time, special days are set aside to create banners and other visual aids for our worship focus. Our children are particularly invited to create these pieces of art, and there have been many beautiful additions to our surroundings in the sanctuary, because of their efforts.
Special Classes and Workshops
Each year a few special classes or workshops are held, aimed at involving those who have yet to participate in worship leadership, or strengthening the skills of those who lead worship. These are often oriented toward a particular age group, though some are intergenerational events.
Local Music Groups with Faith Member Participation
Members of Faith also participate in several local music groups, including:
Seattle Bach Choir
The Sacred Music Chorale
Kirkland Choral Society
Mirinesse Women's Choir
Pacifica Children's Chorus
The Octava Chamber Orchestra
The Seattle Labor Chorus
Emerald City Ringers
Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra
