Articles for Church Newsletter


Take Note - March 2010

February 22, 2010


Those who were musicians, heads of Levite families, stayed in the rooms of the temple and were exempt from other duties because they were responsible for the work day and night.
(1 chronicles 9:33)

When I found this verse in the Bible, it took me by surprise.  All the duties in God's temple are equally important.  Why are musicians specially excluded from other work because they work day and night?

The legendary violinist Jascha Heifetz (1901-1987) said, "If I don't practice one day, I know it; two days, the critics know it; three days, the public knows it." 

How much time does God need? 

Maybe the musician exception is because of the uniqueness of the process of making music. Music is closely connected to our soul.  We hear and understand the words.  But, we are moved by the music.  Music is the soul's connection to God.  This is the reason church musicians must pay close attention to matters of the heart, as attend to their talents.

From time to time, I have asked myself if I have the same degree of commitment compared to the earlier times of my church music career.  I insisted on having my wedding on a Tuesday instead of the weekend so that I wouldn't have to miss serving a women's chorus group as an accompanist for Sunday service.  I was not a director of the group, and the group was not for the main Sunday worship, but for an afternoon service. 

Today I question whether that was the right decision for my wife, Miah, and all the family and guests.  I am sure, however, that the dedication and enthusiasm I had for church music almost two decades ago remains as strong today. 

When I saw some members of our Chancel Choir take their music home after Wednesday rehearsals to spend more time working on anthems, and some children show their enthusiasm in learning new musical skills - and to keep singing in the hallway - I felt heavy responsibility to serve these friends with my best efforts. 

As your Director of Music Ministries, I ask you again for your continuing prayer for all our music staff, aids and choir members.  We can only be successful by giving ourselves as living sacrifice supported by your prayers and assistance. 

May God bless our musical offerings and all other ministries at Westminster.

 

Take Note - February 2010

January 18, 2010

Leaving one's comfort zone is never easy, but it is worth doing when we finally get the confidence for the adventure and the reward that comes from it.  Moving during the winter and in the middle of church choir season was not an easy decision.  I moved from Michigan to Waterloo with my family because I saw active musical groups with big potential supported by ambitious church families at Westminster Presbyterian Church.  The Casavant organ with 46 ranks recently built in and the decent si...


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Take Note - January 2010 (Farewell Message to FPC)

December 12, 2009


To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven… (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

For the past 13 years Miah and I have made a life for our family in the United States. During this time, as always in our lives, God’s gentle guidance led us from church to church in His time. As we moved, each church provided just the right size, character and circumstances we needed at that time.

There was a church in Westland that nurtured us and provided unconditional love as we b...


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Take Note - December 2009

November 12, 2009

In the 13th century, many parts of the world were shocked by the attacks of an unbeatable rising empire. The sudden and unexpected methods used by this new power left countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe helpless against invasion. The Mongol army, led by Genghis Kahn and his sons, was horrifying for the people of the time. Today, this empire which was once the strongest in history is no longer recognized as a dominant force. Historians believe one reason the strength of the ...


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Take Note - November 2009

October 22, 2009

 

If someone should ask me to describe our lives in a few words, I would say life is “The process of continuous waiting.” A popular Korean actress once said the success of actors and actresses is achieved through 30% talent, 30% effort, and 40% patient waiting. No matter where these percentages came from in her life, I agree that patience and waiting is a large part of our lives.

We will soon enter the Advent season.  The word “Advent” is from the Latin word “Adventus” which me...


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Take Note - October 2009

September 18, 2009


It’s always amazing to see the seasons changing. Green leaves change their color, and bees are busy collecting honey. We are also trying to get back to life with our children’s school, church, and other activity schedules.

 

Our church music program also started in September and anticipates another exciting and meaningful year. Praising God within our church families alone won't be enough to fulfill God’s demand for our music ministry, though, and we have had a good tool to reach the p...


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Take Note - September 2009

August 26, 2009


“Do you love me?” I often ask Grace and Solomon this question. I don't ask this question unsure of the answer. This question is asked based on my trust that they do love me, and with confidence that our relationship will always be valuable.

 

Jesus also took the same approach before giving Peter the historical mission to lead all Christians after His resurrection and ascension. Jesus asked Peter the same question three times (John 21:15-17), and I am sure this action changed Peter entire...


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Take Note - August 2009

July 15, 2009

With the continuing development of computer technology, the ways people communicate have changed. It seems the days of face-to-face contact, handwritten letters, and phone calls are all but gone. Instead of meeting in person, people talk to each through e-mail, texting, or chatting online. Social networks like "myspace”, “facebook” and “twitter” have become popular places to connect with friends. Even though these new ways of communication are fun and convenient, we still feel thir...


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Take Note - June/July 2009

May 18, 2009


As the end of the 2008-2009 choir season approaches, I've spent time reflecting on it. The first big event of the year, the Fine Arts concert in November, was a big success. People enjoyed the variety of music programs, including our children’s choir singing “Everyone’s Favorite Melody- Chopsticks” with kazoos. Our worship services and musical concerts were blessed with the dedication of musical group members, and we all felt God’s presence with us time after time through the musi...


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Take Note - May 2009

April 17, 2009

Everyone has a favorite season; mine is spring. As I write this, we are in the week following Easter and May is just a couple of weeks away. I enjoy the temperature this time of year with the balance of cool mornings and warm afternoons. In my view, there is no better month in Michigan than the month of May. Ah! But there is one more reason this is such as special month. We will begin the month with the “Music Festival” on Sunday, May 3rd and end with “Hymn Sing” on Sunday, May 31st. ...


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