A CMI Supporter Story
We remember longer what we sing than words we hear.
Our author admits she has never written an article like this and hopes you might find yourself in it.
“I am a 90+ year old woman in good health who feels I may have outlived the better years. So many things have changed in the world including church services. I am not certain the changes have been for the better, especially the music.
“I credit my firm Christian upbringing to membership in churches where I lived, particularly Methodist churches. It doesn’t matter what church you attend today, as most use music with repeating texts on a screen and NO CHOIR! I cannot understand this!
“I loved singing from the time I was a young child. My mother always said if there was anything I needed to memorize and it could be set to music there would be no problem remembering it.
“I sang in choirs with my older sister and friends of the family. Now I realize I was spoiled to experience a music program with well trained musicians who worked with the minister to match music with the sermon. The choir led the congregation in singing the hymns and doxology as well as offering an anthem. I believe this was important for a complete and proper service. Today when I attend a Protestant service it
feels uncomfortable and unfamiliar. I want, rather, to leave with a feeling of love, peace, and guidance.
“The choir experience I most appreciated was with a director who challenged the choir with more difficult music. The texts often were based in scripture that corresponded with the readings for the day. The music was always well done and the congregation might respond with tears running down their cheeks. As years have passed and scripture is read today, I recognize the texts of many anthems I sang years ago. I may
no longer have a singing voice but find myself mentally singing the texts that are still rewarding.
“I learned to know Charlotte Kroeker, a friend of my sister, after both of us lost our husbands. Shared loss began a friendship that blossomed with the beginnings of CMI. I find CMI’s work is long overdue and making a big difference. CMI works with many churches, has wonderful seminars, has partnerships with organizations like the American Guild of Organists, and the CMI library is out-growing its location. I’m privileged to be a part of CMI if only as a donor.”
“If you are still reading this article, I thank you and hope you also will be a part of CMI to help rewarding Christian music be enjoyed by everyone throughout the world.”
. . .F.E. Thompson