Volume 5 issue 11

(Continued from page 4)

barroom songs of his day (a commonly held falsity), nor did he use even the worldly music of his day.  In fact, he was extremely cautious in protecting the Word of God from any admixture of worldly elements. This can be seen in his words: “I wish to compose sacred hymns so that the Word of God may dwell among the people also by means of songs.”

Perhaps a fitting end to this second installment on the history of the use of the organ in worship would be to summarize the great legacy of organ music for which we must thank Martin Luther.  Composers such as Johann Walther (1496-1570), Johannes Eccard (1553-1611), and Michael Praetorius (1571-1621) followed directly in his tradition, and these, in turn opened the door for developments leading to the Baroque style of the Protestant composer Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), and for that we in the Christian church and the musical can be forever grateful.

 

James Bailey

A LETTER TO MY FATHER

Dearest Father,

Growing up, I sought to know You through your Word.  As time went on, Your examples of kindness, love, mercy, compassion, I have tried to emulate and You have seen me through changes in home, sorrow and death of loved ones, trials and errors—the mistakes I’ve made, pain and joy all at once when I reflect on my life with You.  Life has flowed around and through me because of You.  You have sustained me and bolstered my belief in You.  Your words have raised me up in hope and encouragement.  Even in trying times, I have been inspired to use the gifts you gave me, to sing Your praises and write of your endless patience and love.  What more could I ask for than a Father like you.  I realize our relationship is not perfect- which relationship is?    But I continue to try because You are my Father and I want you to be proud of me.  I learn so much from You.  Your benevolence teaches me and those around me to share with each other and your Spirit

lives in all who listen.  That’s me, Father.  I won’t say I’m   an excellent listener but I try to live up to Your promise.  I know You are always watching over me and that makes me want to strive to be like You......to watch over others, and listen so I can divine my purpose and direction.  I know You love me---there I said it—love!!  I happen to love you right back.  And I want you to know, I will try to always talk with you, and tell you when I am proud of You  as you do with me, to come to you whether I am sad or enjoying the beauty around me and the happiest moments.  In all of those times, I will come to you in my thoughts, in the daily living of my life, to tell you  of the  peace I feel, my bowl of serenity, the shelter You give me.    I am so happy to be Your daughter for I know You hear the beating of my heart, the joyous trip-trip-tripping, the fears that I battle, and will counsel  and inspire me.  You want the best for me, I know that and I am ever blessed to have You by my side, all the days of my life and into Eternity.  Thank you Father!  You’re the best.  There is no other Father like you and I’m privileged to know You.

Your loving Daughter,

Denise Neuhaus