Our
Vision of Music at Oakmont Presbyterian Church
Adopted
by Session - March 18, 1996 – Second Revision by Session February
24, 2008
We unite as the Oakmont Presbyterian
Church and affirm that God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit calls
us to a dynamic ministry that speaks God's word and embodies the
divine compassion. We realize that the chief purpose of individuals
and of churches is to glorify God. Therefore, in a time when people
are over-committed by family, work and community responsibilities,
we commit ourselves to regular worship of God that reconnects
us with God and fills us with joy and the zeal of faith.[1]
The Basis and
Purpose of Worship
In response to God’s
redemptive work in Jesus Christ, we glorify our Lord in word and
deed. Through our corporate and personal worship we seek to praise
God with the full joy and zeal of faith. Unto God be honor, glory
and praise, now and ever more. Amen!
The Role of Music
Through music God
enables us to hear and receive faith’s deepest truths, inspires
within us our love and loyalty, and gives us a voice to offer
our deepest thanks and praise. Music is also one element of our
congregation’s outreach to our community and region.
Style of Music
We seek to balance
traditional and contemporary Christian music as suitable to glorify
God in support of Scripture readings. Generally we will
utilize both traditional and contemporary Christian music in each
worship service.
Specific Goals
Enhanced congregational
singing will be developed through regular use of familiar hymns
along with quality new hymns, songs of praise and congregational
responses. Special services for hymn singing and vespers may also
be developed.
We seek to expand
the adult choir of 25 members, further develop our youth choir,
along with occasional ensembles of men and of women, as well as
duets, trios and quartets.
We seek to perform
one to two major works each year and develop a concert series
for the nurture of our members and for outreach to the non-churched
of our region.
The handbell program
strives to connect and engage a broad range of the congregation
as participants in worship. We aim to maintain excellence in the
handbell and handchime choirs, and to include these groups regularly
in worship.
While the organ
is the principal instrument in our worship, we seek to develop
from within our congregation orchestral ensembles, such as a brass
choir, as well as individual instrumentalists to be regular parts
of worship. The church may utilize other artistic forms such as
drama, dance, poetry or pageants as vehicles for God’s proclamation
and praise.
[1] from the Oakmont Presbyterian Church
Mission Statement
