Music Recommendations
Speaking of songs (see Pastor Jeramie’s blog titled “Choosing Congregational Songs“) there are some great recordings out there fitting the criteria he outlined that I would recommend adding to your personal music library. For all of the reasons mentioned in his blog I have been basking in and promoting the Getty songs and ministry for a couple years. In addition to the songs that have been incorporated into our worship services, they have written a number of others that will likely minister to you in your times of personal worship.The Getty’s In Christ Alone album is available for purchase along with a supplemental songbook for those of you who would like to play the songs and read the sheet music. In addition, what is so remarkable is that you can go to their website (http://www.gettymusic.com/) and listen to and/or purchase downloadable individual songs at a very low cost. That is how I initially became familiar with Keith and Kristyn Getty’s music and ministry prior to the release of a complete album and songbook. Any great artist who makes their music accessible and affordable for local churches becomes even greater in my eyes! It speaks loudly about a genuine commitment to their mission.
Another excellent resource is Sovereign Grace Music
(http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/Worship/Worship.aspx). Under the umbrella of Sovereign Grace Ministries, this organization produces songs for congregational worship and similar to the Getty’s, their mission is “to help provide the church with songs that are filled with biblical truth and gospel-saturated passion.” We have sung “The Gospel Song”, “All I Have Is Christ”, “O the Deep, Deep Love”, and “The Lord Is” as a congregation and the Youth Choir has ministered by singing Sovereign Grace songs for special music in worship services.
Valley of Vision, an album inspired by the Puritan prayers in the book with the same title is an album produced by Sovereign Grace that I would recommend as a starting point. Buy the book authored by Arthur Bennett and you’ll have a bountiful feast of language to facilitate your communion with God! For your kids I recommend Awesome God, a collection they can sing to that expresses God’s character in a way they will comprehend.
In addition, it is worth pointing out that the albums produced through Sovereign Grace Ministries are eclectic in style so do take the time to explore the website to find a musical expression that suits your taste for your own personal enjoyment and worship.
Finally, Fernando Ortega recorded The Shadow of Your Wings, a recording I have listened to over and over again. The songs initiate pause and reflection as some of them directly quote scripture in a style simple yet so profound. As highlighted on the back cover of the CD, Fernando recorded this album as a response to the dilemma of our noisy culture that discourages quiet and meditation.
Keyboard players should consider purchasing Fernando’s The Shadow of Your Wings companion songbook. One personal suggestion for brides to be is to incorporate a triumphant approach to Ortega’s piano arrangement of “Doxology” (#14 on the CD though not listed on the CD) as processional music. What an incredible way to bring attention to our bridegroom Jesus Christ in a ceremony so easily dominated in our culture by elaborate floral arrangements, expensive garments , and photography that takes focus away from our covenant God, the one from whom all blessings flow! For more on Fernando Ortega’s music ministry visit http://www.fernandoortega.com/
To make reviewing these suggestions even more convenient for some of you, the aforementioned as well as additional titles produced through these ministries will be made available at the book center situated in Fellowship Hall between worship services
