Question:
For the past several years, we've always had the choir 'perform' an Easter musical, a compiliation of songs from one of the major music vendors, complete with choral books and a performance track. This year I'd like to do something different, and was hoping someone could give me some good ideas.
Don't get me wrong, I like doing the musicals. But my main issue with them is lack of congregational participation: even though I encourage the congregation to 'join the choir in singing', most of the folks out there just sit and listen. I'd like to try something that would encourage more participation on the part of the congregation.
So far, I'm thinking of having maybe just a couple of choir-performed songs, with perhaps some solo parts, with the rest being our normal Sunday praise and worship songs. I was hoping to get some good ideas from my friends here about other elements I could consider incorporating for that special service.
What are some things that you've done (or seen done) that would help create a powerful atmosphere for honoring our Lord on this greatest of Christian holidays?
Thanks in advance!
Rick <><
Answer:
We have done Easter cantata's with the performance track in the past. However, last year, we did a a combination of "Via Dolorosa" (someone did as a solo) with a passion drama being played out during the song. Towards the end of the song, the crowd antagonizing Jesus disappeared "off stage", but you could still hear a bit of it. Then, when the song ended, the lights went out, there was complete silence, and we had a 30 second video clip of three crosses with wind blowing and some words across the bottom of the screen about how Jesus came, lived, then died for us. Then, while the lights were still out, the praise team started (with just acoustical guitar in the beginning) "He's Alive". By the end of "He's Alive" a group of angels came up onto the stage and Jesus came back from offstage wearing a white robe with his hands out. It was really very moving.
Wendi
Answer:
What's wrong with the congregation enjoying the choir's performance? Hopefully, the choir has spent a lot of time preparing music that the congregation either wouldn't know, or not be familiar enough with it to sing along. Instead, they can participate by listening.
Answer:
Our church has this hugh Passion Play, and then the Worship Band does live music for different sences. IE, When jesus healed all of the people in jerusalem, we played the song My Deliverer by Rich Mullins.
EX: When Jesus was being dragged to Gologotha, we played the song "Via Dolorosa".
EX: When Jesus rose from the tomb we played the song "Arise My Love" by Newsong.
Those are just some ideas that we did.
Answer:
Thanks to all who responded. I'm still unsure of what I'm going to do, but I'd better get busy deciding as it's not that long away. As indicated in my original question, I am hoping to come up with something different this year than another choir 'performance' of a cantata/musical.
Let me turn the question a different way: rather than what you've seen done in the past, what are you guys planning on doing this year for your Easter worship service(s)?
Yep, I'm still fishing for ideas!!!
Thanks!!!!
Rick <><
Answer:
Shout unto God from hillsong, that song blows my mind durring easter.