by Norene Morrow
Have you ever noticed how so many churches appear to shut down in the summer? Committee meetings are few and far between; the church office has reduced hours; Sunday school classes stop; and half the congregation goes on vacation, including the choir. This is not to begrudge anyone some time off, but I think it is important that the church continue to appear to be a vibrant, happening, place during this time.
As many of you have experienced first hand, BC is a favourite summer destination for family, and friends. It is also the time of year when a large number of visitors come to our churches. These may be one-time visits, or a time when people are church shopping in preparation for a move. Unfortunately, an empty church with a bare bones service is not likely to be very exciting, and churches may be missing out on opportunities to attract potential members.
So how does music play a role in improving the situation? With a little planning, it can provide a wonderful tool for engaging members of the parish and encouraging people to come to church.
One of the strategies I have used for years is to invite the congregation to participate in selecting hymns for the summer months. Between mid-May and mid-June I make hymn request sheets available. The idea is that people may request up to three of their favourite hymns to be sung at services during July and August. (It is easiest if requests are restricted to whatever hymnbook is used. That way, the music is readily available and most people are likely to know it. I also inform people that I will try to use all of their requests, but if there are a lot, I can only guarantee that one will be used. Based on the lectionary, I then slot them in as best I can.) In addition to the hymns, I ask people to include their name and phone number or e-mail address on the form so that I can contact them once their hymns have been scheduled. This has been very well received because people feel that they have been listened to and are likely to be in church on the days that their hymns are sung.
Another strategy is to invite guest musicians (both from inside and outside the parish) to play or sing. At the Cathedral, we have had all kinds of music, including classical solos and duets, folk music with guitar, young students trying out what they have learned in music lessons, and special guest artists. Often, musical groups who are touring in the area are looking for places to perform, and are only too happy to provide music at a church service. In recent years, St. Michael's has been fortunate to host two choirs, a brass ensemble, and even Alp horn players!
During the summer months, the organist or I play the service music and hymns, while the guests provide prelude and postlude music and/or music for communion. Sometimes, they also join in on the hymns, depending on what is comfortable for them. The congregation appreciates the variety and visitors are always pleasantly surprised. As a result, people who may have stayed away all summer, tend to want to come more often to see what is happening.
Finally, another way a church can stay in the public consciousness during the summer is to hold one or two special services. This is a great time to explore other forms of worship, such as a Taizé service, Holden Evening Prayer, Compline, Jazz Vespers, or a Praise service. Churches can also host concerts for those touring groups. This will get people in the door and perhaps make them want to come back on a Sunday.
If any of these ideas has got your creative juices going, please feel free to use them as a starting point at your church. Whatever you do, however, do not forget to promote yourself. Put notices in your church bulletin and newsletter and let the community at large know that you are still live and kicking. Simple posters or handbills with a schedule of summer services and events placed in strategic spots around your city or town can go a long way to bringing people in. And, don’t forget those free ads in the paper and your local tourist bureau. Music can be a powerful tool, so use it and help put your parish on the map this summer!
