Cynthia Holden - Director of Music

The director was delighted to add to the forces and the four of us were given music, vestments and instructions. Being in our 50's, 60s and 70s, we were among the youngest in the congregation. Quartz Hill Congregational Church meets in the multipurpose hall in a central complex with the library and restaurant that serves the retirement community where Aunt Velma resides. At 89, she rides her "cart" to church!

Prior to and throughout the service, there were some individuals who caught my attention. One was a frail, elderly, tall, slim Afro-American man. He looked up more than anyone else in the congregation. He sang nearly all of the stanzas of the hymns from memory with a beautiful smile on his face, and when it came time for offering prayer requests, his was one of the first. His prayer was one of thanksgiving that he was out of the hospital and was so very happy to be back. It was unmistakably obvious!

There was a fairly short, slightly plump, fair skinned woman who swayed as she sang; and she swayed as she prayed, and also lifted her hands up to heaven. In conversation before the service, I heard her exclaim "well, hallelujah, praise Jesus!" From her accent and other clues, I guessed that she was probably not a New England Congregationalist, however her fervent prayers were for the upcoming church revival scheduled in August and there was obvious great enthusiasm. She encouraged everyone to be in prayer for that special weekend and to come to a prayer meeting in preparation for it.

There was a woman who made me nervous. She hustled and bustled everywhere; she sang with the choir, she was greeting people as they arrived and handed out bulletins; she made the announcements, led the Psalm and responsive reading and received the offerings — even shook hands with folks as they left. Turns out she was the pastor's wife. And there was a man (probably in his late 70s or early 80s) in a black suit and a wheel chair — of the two, the suit was most noticeable. He had a quiet, peaceful and dignified manner as he seemed to be mentally and spiritually preparing himself for worship. Turns out he was the pastor. It was Memorial Day Weekend and his sermon was entitled Mighty Battles. Using texts from Rev. 12:7-11 and Psalm 18:34-37, he recounted Michael and the angels' fight with the great dragon, Satan, who is cast from heaven and overcome by the blood of the Lamb. "There will be battles, especially spiritual ones. As Christians, we've been given the armor to fight them and can do so confidently, knowing that Christ is the victor." I wondered how he came to be in that wheel chair and what battles he had faced in his life... and I contemplated the battles in my own.

Heaven only knows what the singing sounded like that morning; I do know that it was joy-filled and heartfelt. I saw tears in people's eyes as they sang The Battle Hymn of the Republic. We went to worship at Quartz Hill to be with Aunt Velma, and in the process we were warmly embraced and blessed by her church family that comprises part of the larger church here on earth. It was good to have been there.

Do you find a church to visit on vacation? Try it. Observe, listen and learn from the experience.
Here at St. John's, look for visitors or congregants in our midst that you don't yet know. Help to welcome them and, by your own enthusiasm and actions, invite them to engage in worship in this place.

If friends or family visit, bring them along to Family Choir for coffee, juice, a muffin and music making at 8 AM on July 11 & 25, August 1 or 15!
The choir and I would be grateful for the opportunity to help them feel right at home and part of our active, worshipping community!

Heads up for fall
Our musicians have a bit of a break during the summer months, but come September, we will be back underway and welcome additional singers, ringers and players.

Treble Choir (minimum age 8 and in 3rd — 5th grade), Youth Choir (grades 6-12) and Youth Handbells will all continue to meet on Wednesdays so that those in Confirmation Class & Youth Group are here just one night per week, leaving time for study and other activities.

Chancel Choir & Adult Handbells continue on Thursday evenings.
Brass Ensemble and Vocal Ensemble schedules are to be determined. Please see or call Cindy Holden if you are interested in getting involved (6731 589 3202 x 104)

About Music at Saint John’s
Saint John’s Lutheran Church is committed to a music ministry for the glory of God and the edification and inspiration of those who worship in this place. God’s Word is proclaimed through the reading of Scripture, preaching, and in song; in Psalms, hymns, anthems, the Ordinary of the Divine Service Liturgy and additional liturgies of the church. Instrumentalists, too, sound forth in praise of Almighty God and move us to a more profound "Alleluia".

The Royal School of Church Music based choral program challenges singers to strive for excellence and growth in their commitment, musical skills and understanding of the important place of music in the church’s worship. This affiliation also enables Saint John’s choristers to participate in a variety of festivals and choir training programs. There are choirs for all persons, aged 8 and above, directed by our Organist and Director of Music, Cynthia Holden.

Instrumental music teacher, Rex Holden, directs Saint John’s Handbell Choirs, utilizing the church’s three octaves of Malmark Handbells. The Handbell Choirs play for the Divine Services at 6:30 PM on Saturdays, and the 9 and 11:00 AM services on Sundays at least once per month and for feast days in the church year.

Saint John’s Brass Ensemble plays for Christmas, Easter and at various other services throughout the year.
Opportunities also abound for soloists, instrumentalists, accompanists and ensembles in the liturgies of the church.

Persons wishing to know more about Music at Saint John’s, or those who desire to contribute their time and talents are invited to stop by the music office
Tuesdays – Fridays, or call Cindy Holden, Director of Music at 631 589 3202 x 104.
E-mail raholden@aol.com