by Mark Bowdidge | Feb 10, 2023 | Congregational Song, Nuts & Bolts
Several weeks ago I was playing organ for worship in a local church. After the service concluded a member of the congregation came up to me and said “may I ask you a question about the organ?” I, of course, said “yes” and assumed the question would be something...
by Mark Bowdidge | Dec 23, 2022 | Congregational Song, Hymnology, Thoughts, Theories, & Theology
Church musicians refer to “the chord” every Christmas season. This chord really has a cult following. It is referenced in social media posts and can be found on t-shirts, memes, and even coffee mugs! The chord is found in a free harmonization of the Christmas hymn...
by Mark Bowdidge | Nov 17, 2022 | Thoughts, Theories, & Theology
Everything in our world is in a constant state of change and decay. Things that are new and fresh today are old and worn tomorrow. We’re reminded of this in the text of the hymn “Abide with Me,” in the line “Change and decay in all around I see. O Thou who changest...
by Mark Bowdidge | Oct 21, 2022 | Congregational Song, Hymn Selection Aids
Selecting hymns for worship is not something I enjoy. I’m a perfectionist and it takes me hours to select hymns for a worship service. I am never satisfied with what I select and constantly second guess myself. It is an excruciating exercise! Anytime I can I’ll...
by Mark Bowdidge | Oct 7, 2022 | Nuts & Bolts, Thoughts, Theories, & Theology, Worship Resources
The most public ministry of any church is the corporate worship of God. For most congregations the Sunday morning worship service is the “front door” to the church. But that does not mean that the church should plan and implement its worship to focus on worshipers. ...
