Everyone Matters in Worship

By Jesse Yi-Gray, Director of Music

So often in scripture we see references and images and declarations of worshipping God. From the Psalms where “…all the earth worships you and sings praises to you” (66:4) or Isaiah where “…the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands” (55:12). The earth is continually praising and worshipping the Lord with everything it has. God created because he loves, and creation worships as a response.

However, the 19-year-old me in my Introduction to Worship Leadership college course had only known worship as “any music that honors God” with no additional thoughts. That teenager got handed a document displaying Whitworth’s six truths that formed its identity as a worshipping community. Those truths made an impact on every worship service I participated in since, whether singing, playing an instrument, serving on the tech team, or being a part of the congregation. These are those six truths, plus some additional commentary from the now 24-year-old me.

Worship is rooted in the Word and Sacrament and must reflect theological integrity.

We worship God in a way that is true to him and to his work of redemption in this world.

Worship is oriented toward enriching our relationships with God, neighbor, and creation.

The songs we sing together aren’t just contained to church walls, but are carried into the world as we love God deeply, care for community, and tend to creation.

Worship is reflective of both God’s transcendence and his immanence.

God is both the grand, powerful King beyond human comprehension and the loving Shepherd walking alongside us.

Worship is reverential and joyful.

Worship reveres and acknowledges the holiness and awe we have for God while also delighting and rejoicing in the good news of salvation.

Worship is accessible for a variety of expressions.

Whether kneeling or standing, whether your arms are raised or hands beside you, God delights in the diversity of how we embody worship.

Worship is participatory.

We are called to participate in worship alongside creation. The truths that shape our worship remind us everyone has a part to play in this, and that includes you!

That’s why I want to invite you to join our choir for Legacy St. Andrews Sunday on October 26. Whether you’ve sung for years or only in the shower, your voice matters. Together, we’ll lift up the hymns of our faith and celebrate the hope we have in Christ. Reach out to me via email via email if you want to know more.

And if choir isn’t your thing? There are so many other ways to worship with us. Playing guitar, helping operate our cameras, or countless other ways. However you’re wired, your gifts are needed here, and there is a place for you.

We don’t just attend worship, we participate together. In word, in song, and in action. May your voice find your place with us as we worship together.

With hope and harmony,

Jesse