Reconnecting To Our Lutheran Musical Heritage - Page 4
© James Gerhardt Sucha
It is a time I believe, we need to rediscover ourselves in our Lutheran worship. After taking several courses in worship with noted hymnist Dr. Thomas Troeger, I have learned that people need to hold on to what inspires them in church. They need to hold onto what hymns have special devotion to them in their relationship with God. Hymns from the past need to be respected and kept in their original forms to convey what the composer and author are trying to put across. Liturgy as well is an artform that needs to be respected and tended to. Liturgical pieces from the past need to be restored and made new again for a new generation to understand- not dumbed down.
If we are to be Lutherans, shouldn't we be singing what Luther used and was inspired by? When my music from the Common Service was tested in several ELCA churches recently, the congregations filled out questionnaires. The most widely retained bit of information they learned was the Bach "Sanctus" with the four-part harmony. People wrote down that they learned Luther had used it, and Bach later on wrote the arrangement in this version. This is the most beloved piece of Lutheran liturgy in all ages carried down and is also featured in LBW Setting 2 by Ronald A. Nelson. However, there is no information in LBW to let people know the special story behind this beautiful melody, or Mr. Nelson's work for LBW Setting 2.
This mission has inspired me to possibly go to seminary at Pacific Lutheran in California. I want to "walk the walk and talk the talk" and inspire Lutherans about who they are and to be proud of their musical heritage. I sometimes cringe when I see congregations only using contemporary music and missing out on their rich Lutheran heritage- but that is another style and story!
Just like the stories behind the wonderful hymns, my story of how the illness led me to this mission is amazing! It has been a labor of love and a great passion to know who I am as a Lutheran through our music! It has strengthened my relationship with God too. I do hope my mission inspires other to the glory of God and gives a little bit of the missing link to our Lutheran identity! When my book is finished, then I will go to seminary to obtain a MA in liturgy and hymnody.
