You might have noticed it near the end of a recent worship service. One of the pastors thanks the Mixed Choir, under the direction of Mr. Kevin Poston, for “beautifying our worship” or for “assisting us in our worship.” To that, we in the Mixed Choir say, “You’re very welcome!” The members of the choir are very thankful for the opportunity to add beauty to and assist in worship.

How does the Mixed Choir assist the congregation and pastor during worship? Sometimes we sing a section of a congregational hymn or the Psalm in order to bring more focus to the words. Other times we sing as a response to a Bible reading in order to highlight a certain part of God’s Word or a certain application of the reading. Other times we sing in connection with one of the Sacraments, such as during Communion, in order to highlight these unique and special elements of Lutheran Christian worship. Finally, the Mixed Choir enjoys the privilege and responsibility of introducing new songs and hymns to the congregation. In all of these ways, God uses the choir’s songs to help bring the Gospel to people’s minds and hearts.

We always remember that the “big choir”—all of the gathered believers in the pews joining in musical proclamation and praise—is the most important “choir” in worship. The “little choir” in the front or up in the balcony serves first and foremost to assist the “big choir” of worshipers in its work. For anyone who would like to step beyond the “big choir” and join the “little choir” in this special role, please come join us soon! Feel free to attend just a few rehearsals to see what you think. Maybe you could join us to sing for Good Friday or Easter this year! We usually rehearse Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. in the Music Room on the top floor of the school building. During Advent and Lent, we usually rehearse following the late worship service at about 8:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

In everything, “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:19-20).