In the spirit of joy and unity, Gloria Dei’s music ministry, featuring insights from choir members of all ages, takes center stage during the Advent and Christmas season.
Music has always been an important part of faith. In worship services, music helps worshipers to learn Biblical truths and to express faith, whether it is praise and wonder or sorrow and lament. This important part of a worship service is especially evident in the seasons of Advent and Christmas.
Heavenly Harmonies & Youth Choir: A Youthful Song to Faith
Led beautifully by Director Gretchen Borgum, Heavenly Harmonies, an elementary-aged children’s choir, and Youth Choir, for middle and high schoolers, practice every week from September through May and sing in worship services one time a month. As the melodies of Gloria Dei’s Heavenly Harmonies and Youth Choir resonate through the sanctuary, contributing to the vibrancy of the congregation, some of these young voices share their experiences.
McKenna Halling, a seasoned participant in Heavenly Harmonies, reflects on her fourth year in the choir: “When I sing, I can better understand what is said in the Bible, and it teaches us teamwork. In HH, younger kids feel more involved in the church, making friends and connecting with the message.”
Evelyn Soper shares her simple yet profound involvement: “My involvement with Youth Choir is to show up and sing.” She emphasizes the impact of singing together: “When kids sing in church, attendance is higher because grandparents and everyone wants to watch them.”
Rowan Soper captures the essence of Youth Choir: “Singing about the power of God.” Rowan emphasizes the importance of choir as a team-building activity and a means to express emotions and feelings.
Their hopes for those who listen reveal the heartfelt purpose behind their musical endeavors. McKenna desires that “younger kids see that we have so much fun and want to join and have fun with us too.” Evelyn hopes their songs “lighten up people’s days and fill them with hope.” Rowan wishes to “expand knowledge of God” and uplift listeners through their songs.
A Melodic Reflection of Cantata
For over three decades, Tami Hayzlett has been an integral part of Gloria Dei’s choir, including, since 1993, the Christmas Cantata. The Cantata, directed by Matthew Walicke, is an Advent tradition that presents the Christmas Biblical story through a mix of scripture and song, which holds a unique place in Tami’s heart. It provides an important opportunity to glorify the birth of Jesus Christ, transcending the limitations of words through the emotive power of music.
In her words, the Cantata is “an opportunity to glorify the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” Through beautiful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, it allows the community of believers to come together, raising their voices to proclaim the Good News. Tami emphasizes that the Cantata is a powerful means of worship, offering a unique avenue for spiritual reflection and connection with God. It becomes a sacred space where singers and listeners draw nearer to the presence of the Holy Spirit in a profound way.
“My sincere hope is that listeners will experience a sense of joy, peace, and spiritual inspiration,” says Tami. Through the music and messages conveyed, she prays that hearts will be touched and uplifted, leading to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the true meaning of Christmas.
