Church musician

Charles Oberkehr

Music of the spheres

It provides a vehicle for God to speak to us. A way to move us. | more »
Christine Iverson

Holy karaoke!

There is something about being in a group and singing together that is uplifting and energizing. | more »
Diane Roth

What language will we speak in heaven?

The answer that most stuck with me is this one, “Music.” We will speak music. | more »

Lindsay Thomaschefsky

Church musician Lindsay Thomaschefsky would like to see reserved Lutherans a little less reserved during worship. "Pretend it's football and get excited!" | more »

Lois Kuhn

Lois Kuhn, whose perfect day would be one without conflicts, was most proud of her congregation when it raised $2,000 to build a well. | more »
Geoff Sinibaldo

Paper hats

I thought, “How cool. Here we are in secular Germany and our friends brought us here to witness this amazing thing.” | more »
I’m not isolated in western North Dakota at all; I’m deeply connected in worship with brothers and sisters in Christ. | more »

Marilyn Timm

People might be surprised to know that Marilyn Timm used to be Condoleezza Rice's (the former secretary of state) support person at the Rand Corp. | more »
Mark Mummert, a church organist, describes in a blog entry today how Martin Luther helped change the music used in worship services. Mark writes that these changes continue — sometimes successfully, sometimes not. Is there a type of music, or... | more »
Mark Mummert

Some assembly required

When our breath joins the breath of the spirit of the resurrected Christ in making melody, we receive the gift God has meant for us — music. | more »

What is your favorite part of Maundy Thursday?

Maundy Thursday is the day when Christians remember Jesus’ servant leadership — and the new commandment “that you love one another as I have loved you.” There are many ways that congregations reflect that love — through footwashing, a shared... | more »
The Sunday of the Passion (also known as Palm Sunday) marks the transition into Holy Week. What does your congregation do to celebrate this day? Do you have a dramatic reading of the passion story? A procession (inside or outdoors)... | more »

What music has been on your playlist this Lent?

What music — a tune, hymn or song — has carried you through the Lenten season this year? Where did you hear it and why did it stick with you?... | more »
On April 6 we commemorate the lives of three artists whose work had an enduring effect on the church: Albrecht Dürer (1528), Matthias Grünewald (1529) and Lucas Cranach (1553). How has your congregation used art (visual, music, movement) to communicate... | more »

What's your favorite Epiphany hymn?

Time after Epiphany may not be closely associated with great hymns in your mind, but there are some gems not to be overlooked: “O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright!” “Bright and Glorious Is the Sky” “As with Gladness Men... | more »

What does peace sound like in your life?

Have you heard God’s voice calling today? What does it sound like?... | more »
Fritz Wendt

Bach for New Year's

Bach used unheard of sounds and harmonies to express the moment in time when God invaded from below. | more »

What's your favorite Christmas carol?

We all have Christmas songs that we’d like to see retired — but what are the carols that you never tire of? Which carol is worth teaching, word-for-word, to the next generation?... | more »

How does Advent inspire you?

Is there an Advent song, reading or devotion that moves you? What makes this season a holy one for you?... | more »

What hymn(s) do you want sung at your funeral?

Would it matter in what season you die? Would your song selections be your favorites or more for those attending? Do they contain themes such as grief, hope, memory and thanks for a faithful life lived? Have you written them... | more »
Fritz Wendt

In memoriam

When on her last morning she woke up, she looked at my father and told him she had picked hymns and lessons for her funeral service; John 3:16 will be the sermon text at her funeral on Tuesday. | more »
Tom Hanson

Pew survey on religion

It seems like every major news outlet is covering the Pew Survey on Religion in some way. Basically, the findings are that people do not perform well on a "religious pop quiz." | more »

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Recent Comments

Charles Oberkehr: “This year, we got 7 foot shimmering red streamers and” | more »

Charles Oberkehr: “Thanks for the reminder. Great piece.” | more »

Charles Oberkehr: “Love it! Great story, thanks!” | more »

Peter: “When I hear lawns in a religious context, I tend” | more »

Peter: “I think cemeteries and other places generally have quite pragmatic” | more »

What’s Your Story?

Tell us how you and your congregation are doing God’s work with your hands. E-mail us at livinglutheran@elca.org.