Comments for Northmont http://www.northmontchurch.org United Presbyterian Church Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:29:35 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Comment on To Everything there is a Season by Jan Baty http://www.northmontchurch.org/to-everything-there-is-a-season#comment-36 Jan Baty Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:29:35 +0000 http://www.northmontchurch.org/?p=2025#comment-36 I smelled the roses this Christmas and it made me ever more grateful for all that I have. Hope you had a wonderful holiday too. I smelled the roses this Christmas and it made me ever more grateful for all that I have. Hope you had a wonderful holiday too.

]]> Comment on Three Musical Perspectives from the Reformation by Peggy Meister http://www.northmontchurch.org/three-musical-perspectives-from-the-reformation#comment-32 Peggy Meister Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:34:17 +0000 http://www.northmontchurch.org/?p=2012#comment-32 Todd the music Sunday was super terrific. You can be so proud of your choir. And where did the musicians come from? - not our usual bunch. I have been clearing out stuff and have a box of music miscellany ready for you. It contains organ music, organ/piano music, piano music, piano duets, vocal solos, and some useful music tools. Would you like it brought to the church or delivered to your home? You have my permission to do whatever you like with those things. The trash may be the destination of much of it - I just couldn't do that myself, Oh - I will miss Belles this week as a physical therapy appointment is earlier in the afternoon and I'm not up to much after that. They work me pretty hard. Kudos to all for the Mozart! Peggy Todd the music Sunday was super terrific. You can be so proud of your choir. And where did the musicians come from? – not our usual bunch.

I have been clearing out stuff and have a box of music miscellany ready for you. It contains organ music, organ/piano music, piano music, piano duets, vocal solos, and some useful music tools. Would you like it brought to the church or delivered to your home?

You have my permission to do whatever you like with those things. The trash may be the destination of much of it – I just couldn’t do that myself,

Oh – I will miss Belles this week as a physical therapy appointment is earlier in the afternoon and I’m not up to much after that. They work me pretty hard.

Kudos to all for the Mozart!

Peggy

]]> Comment on Three Musical Perspectives from the Reformation by Todd http://www.northmontchurch.org/three-musical-perspectives-from-the-reformation#comment-29 Todd Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:34:40 +0000 http://www.northmontchurch.org/?p=2012#comment-29 Dale, thank you for your interest. Mozart was 13 when he composed his setting of the Te Deum. He copied a good bit of it from Michael Hadyn. It was not at all uncommon for a young classical composer to copy the works of another, older composer, but Mozart made his own "adjustments" to the piece. Mozart did not write much sacred music. In fact, he composed music for filthy opera librettos with the same devices he used to compose his "sacred" works. The classical composers were not as interested in "text painting" which was a more romantic concept. Bach, on the other hand, used musical devices to illustrate theological concepts. This is probably most clearly seen in his settings of hymns that Luther wrote to accompany each section of his catechism. For instance, Bach's setting of "These are the Holy Ten Commandments" includes 10 subject entries and has a canonic structure. Much of Bach's choral work is an exegetical interpretation of the biblical text. Dale, thank you for your interest. Mozart was 13 when he composed his setting of the Te Deum. He copied a good bit of it from Michael Hadyn. It was not at all uncommon for a young classical composer to copy the works of another, older composer, but Mozart made his own “adjustments” to the piece. Mozart did not write much sacred music. In fact, he composed music for filthy opera librettos with the same devices he used to compose his “sacred” works. The classical composers were not as interested in “text painting” which was a more romantic concept. Bach, on the other hand, used musical devices to illustrate theological concepts. This is probably most clearly seen in his settings of hymns that Luther wrote to accompany each section of his catechism. For instance, Bach’s setting of “These are the Holy Ten Commandments” includes 10 subject entries and has a canonic structure. Much of Bach’s choral work is an exegetical interpretation of the biblical text.

]]> Comment on Three Musical Perspectives from the Reformation by Dale Allerton http://www.northmontchurch.org/three-musical-perspectives-from-the-reformation#comment-28 Dale Allerton Fri, 21 Oct 2011 20:09:20 +0000 http://www.northmontchurch.org/?p=2012#comment-28 Interesting insights into the Reformationists and their view on the use of music in instruction and worship. Is there any "backstory" to do with Mozart's Te Deum? How he came to write it? Was he contracted to write it? Was he into writing sacred music as much as, say, Bach? Interesting insights into the Reformationists and their view on the use of music in instruction and worship. Is there any “backstory” to do with Mozart’s Te Deum? How he came to write it? Was he contracted to write it? Was he into writing sacred music as much as, say, Bach?

]]> Comment on Worshiping the creature rather than the Creator by Judith Shifrin http://www.northmontchurch.org/worshiping-the-creature-rather-than-the-creator#comment-22 Judith Shifrin Tue, 11 Oct 2011 03:52:48 +0000 http://www.northmontchurch.org/?p=979#comment-22 I have been following the prejudical statements in Piper articles and this blog with deep concern and sadness. We are a intelligent, well educated, and policially astute congregation at Northmont. It is insulting to many of us spread homophobia and historical falsehoods and expect us to embrace them. Why try to inflame members of our congregation? Given the type of traditional 16th, 17th, 18th, & 19th centery hymns we incorporate in our services, why is the new Presbyterian Hymnal containing 21st century hymns even being mentioned. Were you considering replacing the current hymnals? I don't think so. So why are these hymnals a topic to be discussed. There are many differing societal views among Presbyterian congregations within the Pittsburgh Presbytery and across the US. I personally think that is a good thing for the Presbyterian Church USA. I think the church as a whole should inclusive and not exclusive. I find the growing exclusiveness of Northmont very uncomfortable and alarming. Northmont can develop a niche as a tradional church without being restrictive. I have been following the prejudical statements in Piper articles and this blog with deep concern and sadness. We are a intelligent, well educated, and policially astute congregation at Northmont. It is insulting to many of us spread homophobia and historical falsehoods and expect us to embrace them. Why try to inflame members of our congregation? Given the type of traditional 16th, 17th, 18th, & 19th centery hymns we incorporate in our services, why is the new Presbyterian Hymnal containing 21st century hymns even being mentioned. Were you considering replacing the current hymnals? I don’t think so. So why are these hymnals a topic to be discussed. There are many differing societal views among Presbyterian congregations within the Pittsburgh Presbytery and across the US. I personally think that is a good thing for the Presbyterian Church USA. I think the church as a whole should inclusive and not exclusive. I find the growing exclusiveness of Northmont very uncomfortable and alarming. Northmont can develop a niche as a tradional church without being restrictive.

]]> Comment on Worshiping the creature rather than the Creator by Todd http://www.northmontchurch.org/worshiping-the-creature-rather-than-the-creator#comment-20 Todd Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:08:49 +0000 http://www.northmontchurch.org/?p=979#comment-20 For an in-depth scholarly study of these issues and more, I recommend the book, "Slaves, Women, and Homosexuals: Exploring the Hermeneutics of Cultural Analysis" by William J. Webb For an in-depth scholarly study of these issues and more, I recommend the book, “Slaves, Women, and Homosexuals: Exploring the Hermeneutics of Cultural Analysis” by William J. Webb

]]> Comment on Worshiping the creature rather than the Creator by Todd http://www.northmontchurch.org/worshiping-the-creature-rather-than-the-creator#comment-19 Todd Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:31:50 +0000 http://www.northmontchurch.org/?p=979#comment-19 Bob, I will be happy to speak with you in person about the issues you have raised. Bob, I will be happy to speak with you in person about the issues you have raised.

]]> Comment on Worshiping the creature rather than the Creator by Bob Koehler http://www.northmontchurch.org/worshiping-the-creature-rather-than-the-creator#comment-18 Bob Koehler Mon, 10 Oct 2011 01:04:25 +0000 http://www.northmontchurch.org/?p=979#comment-18 Todd: Your references to scripture are misplaced and misguided. By what authority do you speak? Your explanation of slavery is without thought, reference or substance. Slaves were booty in ancient times: they were not created exclusively by social contract. What agenda are you pursuing with your "teaching" on sexual orientation? I would be more than happy to discuss the issues with you if you are open to such a discussion. I doubt that you are. Todd:
Your references to scripture are misplaced and misguided. By what authority do you speak? Your explanation of slavery is without thought, reference or substance. Slaves were booty in ancient times: they were not created exclusively by social contract.
What agenda are you pursuing with your “teaching” on sexual orientation? I would be more than happy to discuss the issues with you if you are open to such a discussion. I doubt that you are.

]]> Comment on Worshiping the creature rather than the Creator by Todd http://www.northmontchurch.org/worshiping-the-creature-rather-than-the-creator#comment-14 Todd Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:05:41 +0000 http://www.northmontchurch.org/?p=979#comment-14 Tara, thank you for comments on my blog post. The context in which the hymn was presented left no question as to the meaning of the word “persuasions.” To address your concerns, the “slavery” addressed in Scripture was a kind of indentured servitude entered into willingly by both parties in order to settle private debts. This was by no means forcible or cruel, but rather a mutual agreement. Scripture does not approve the kind of “slavery” we commonly refer to in our present day context. Also, there are various literary devices used throughout the bible, including allegory and metaphor. It would not be appropriate to interpret every passage “literally” or even to use the same method of interpretation in every context. The plain reading of the moral law in the Penteteuch, explicit statements in the New Testament epistles, and Christ’s own statements about marriage between a man and woman all agree that sexuality has boundaries established by God, specifically the boundary of heterosexual marriage. Condemning behavior is very different from condemning people. My comments are made with no intention of being unloving. On the contrary, many would agree that to love someone is to help them to overcome behaviors that are harmful to body and soul. We all have sinful desires and commit sinful acts, and God offers forgiveness through Jesus Christ for “the vilest offender who truly believes.” The bottom line is that we must allow God to define what constitutes sin. Otherwise, we make God in our own image by creating our own standards for good and evil. When I refer to the “homosexual agenda,” I indicate the ideology that seeks to portray homosexual behavior in a positive light. These activists even encourage vulnerable young people to experiment with homosexual behavior. You can easily identify this influence in the secular culture and there are those who want to make homosexuality more acceptable to the church. When I see these kinds of agendas creeping into congregational song, I feel that it is my duty as a Minister of Music to expose them. These current issues in the church should be discussed and not ignored. There is much more that can be said about the recent change in ordination requirements in the PC(USA), but this blog is dedicated to matters relating to music and hymnody. Tara, thank you for comments on my blog post. The context in which the hymn was presented left no question as to the meaning of the word “persuasions.” To address your concerns, the “slavery” addressed in Scripture was a kind of indentured servitude entered into willingly by both parties in order to settle private debts. This was by no means forcible or cruel, but rather a mutual agreement. Scripture does not approve the kind of “slavery” we commonly refer to in our present day context. Also, there are various literary devices used throughout the bible, including allegory and metaphor. It would not be appropriate to interpret every passage “literally” or even to use the same method of interpretation in every context.

The plain reading of the moral law in the Penteteuch, explicit statements in the New Testament epistles, and Christ’s own statements about marriage between a man and woman all agree that sexuality has boundaries established by God, specifically the boundary of heterosexual marriage. Condemning behavior is very different from condemning people. My comments are made with no intention of being unloving. On the contrary, many would agree that to love someone is to help them to overcome behaviors that are harmful to body and soul. We all have sinful desires and commit sinful acts, and God offers forgiveness through Jesus Christ for “the vilest offender who truly believes.” The bottom line is that we must allow God to define what constitutes sin. Otherwise, we make God in our own image by creating our own standards for good and evil.

When I refer to the “homosexual agenda,” I indicate the ideology that seeks to portray homosexual behavior in a positive light. These activists even encourage vulnerable young people to experiment with homosexual behavior. You can easily identify this influence in the secular culture and there are those who want to make homosexuality more acceptable to the church.

When I see these kinds of agendas creeping into congregational song, I feel that it is my duty as a Minister of Music to expose them. These current issues in the church should be discussed and not ignored. There is much more that can be said about the recent change in ordination requirements in the PC(USA), but this blog is dedicated to matters relating to music and hymnody.

]]> Comment on Worshiping the creature rather than the Creator by Tara Stoufflet http://www.northmontchurch.org/worshiping-the-creature-rather-than-the-creator#comment-13 Tara Stoufflet Sun, 02 Oct 2011 22:39:31 +0000 http://www.northmontchurch.org/?p=979#comment-13 I looked up the Merriam-Webster definition of "persuasions" and nowhere did I see a reference to homosexuality. I don't know the person who wrote this song, so I have no idea to what "persuasions" he or she is referring. I don't know how you would define "homosexual agenda," but I personally do not view the desire to be treated equally as any type of "agenda." It's no secret that we don't all see eye to eye on this issue. Some people believe that homosexuality is wrong based upon certain parts of the Bible. To that I say that if every part of the Bible were to be interpreted literally and applied to today's world, slavery would still be legal and acceptable and I would have needed my husband's permission to respond to this blog. Some say homosexuality is a sin. I disagree. Who's right? I don't know that for sure and neither does anyone else who still walks on this Earth. We all sin. Whose sins are worse? That's not our judgment to make. I do know this, the derogatory term "homosexual agenda" is one created by politicians and political pundits and thrown around in the political arena to fire up certain constituencies. Despite our differences of opinion, let us not allow ourselves to use terms such as this in the loving environment that is Northmont Church. I looked up the Merriam-Webster definition of “persuasions” and nowhere did I see a reference to homosexuality. I don’t know the person who wrote this song, so I have no idea to what “persuasions” he or she is referring.

I don’t know how you would define “homosexual agenda,” but I personally do not view the desire to be treated equally as any type of “agenda.”

It’s no secret that we don’t all see eye to eye on this issue. Some people believe that homosexuality is wrong based upon certain parts of the Bible. To that I say that if every part of the Bible were to be interpreted literally and applied to today’s world, slavery would still be legal and acceptable and I would have needed my husband’s permission to respond to this blog. Some say homosexuality is a sin. I disagree. Who’s right? I don’t know that for sure and neither does anyone else who still walks on this Earth. We all sin. Whose sins are worse? That’s not our judgment to make.

I do know this, the derogatory term “homosexual agenda” is one created by politicians and political pundits and thrown around in the political arena to fire up certain constituencies. Despite our differences of opinion, let us not allow ourselves to use terms such as this in the loving environment that is Northmont Church.

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