Parish Survey feedback: Music

As we reported at the February vestry meeting, the Worship Committee continues to review the wealth of responses to our Parish Worship Survey. As we digest and address specific areas of the survey, we will offer you summaries and updates as to how new practices might be explored. Our first installment is about a popular topic in any church - its music!

Almost 75% of parishioners indicated their preference for more contemporary hymns over traditional.  (The Worship Committee acknowledged, however, the challenge in interpreting this feedback, as "contemporary music" might mean something written 50 years ago to one person, and five months ago to another!) The overwhelming response to tempo of hymns was a preference for faster and livelier hymns. When asked if they preferred newer to more familiar hymns, 95% responded in favour of hymns ranging from some new hymns to the mostly familiar hymns.

Comments about the selection of hymns and service music ranged from enjoying the contemplative communion hymns to the more upbeat recessional music.  Some parishioners expressed a desire to see more diversity in the Creed as opposed to only using the current Affirmation of Faith.

Some testimonials:

• “Thank you to the choir for their service and commitment to enhancing our services.”
• “The choir, under Lynley’s leadership, contribute greatly to our services.”
• “The congregation may be ready to learn more new music than we think.”
• “Hard to please everyone. I appreciate the times when the music is lively and upbeat.”

Based on the feedback, we are incorporating some changes in stages:

• Introduction of a monthly “Hymn Sing” where the congregation is invited to join the choir on a Thursday night to learn some new hymns.
• Having some silence before the start of the service.
• Finding more contemporary and upbeat music.
• Checking in with the youth to see what their preferences for music choices might be.
• Try to incorporate some of the favourite hymns mentioned into the service depending on their appropriateness for the liturgical season.

Please talk to Lynley if you have ideas, suggestions or feedback (or, of course, if you'd like to join the choir)!