Worship and Music at St. Paul's
MUSIC
The music ministry of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Glenside, PA is grounded in a deep tradition of Lutheran liturgy and musical offerings with a mission to reflect the scripture and enhance the worship experiences of this congregation. The music is presented by various ensembles of the church plus talented individuals. Friends from the community are a welcomed addition to many of the musical offerings heard at St. Paul’s.
The present musical landscape of St. Paul’s is a mixed voiced Adult Choir, a Children’s Choir of 2rd through 6th graders, a Cherub Choir of 1st graders and younger, and The St. Paul’s Youth Singers. St. Paul’s is also blessed to have The Ringers of St. Paul’s (a multi-generational handbell ensemble) plus many gifted instrumentalists.
First and foremost, these ensembles and musicians of St. Paul’s present music and liturgy to enhance the worship experiences of this congregation. This includes Psalm settings, anthems for an Offering, and special settings of liturgy and hymns. Throughout the church year there are services with special musical presentations, including Christ the King, Advent Vespers, Christmas Eve, Holy Week and Easter, a Children’s Musical, and Adult Choir cantatas.
The other element of the music ministry at St. Paul’s is the voice of the congregation. When it comes to worship the singers in the pews are as powerful a voice in this ministry as those in the organized choirs. With support from the rehearsed choirs, these voices fill the sanctuary with liturgy and song. The prayer is that the music ministry of this church will sustain its worshipers beyond the walls of St. Paul’s.
WORSHIP
St Paul's is a member congregation of the ELCA, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. "The ELCA is a community of faith that shares a passion for making positive changes in the world. Our faith is built around a strong belief in God as made known to us in Jesus Christ. Through worship, service, and education, we practice our faith, grow our relationship with God and experience God's grace in our lives. Learn more about What We Believe.
We also work hard to put our faith into action. In today’s complex world, we strive to make a difference in practical, realistic ways. With nearly 10,500 congregations across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and nearly five million members—we welcome you to experience this church right in your community. Explore the ELCA, and help us celebrate our gift of faith—with action"
St Paul's holds services with traditional liturgy, using the 2006 edition of the ELCA hymnal, Evangelical Lutheran Worship.
St. Paul writes: “But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.” (1 Corinthians 12:31) Join us and travel your life path in good company. Through our programs, educational sessions for adults and children, we deepen our understanding of the scriptures through Bible study, or our understanding of other aspects of our Church’s tenets and culture.
WORSHIP & MUSIC RESOURCES
- Liturgical year
- Daily Bible reading
- 500 Years of Lutheran Music from Thrivent Financial
- Selected Works of Martin Luther from Project Wittenburg