Helen Breems

The following guideline questions may help worship leaders who are searching for appropriate hymn-based piano music:Is the text appropriate to the theme of the service?Does the arrangement complement the hymns meaning?Does the arrangement enhance or overpower the original hymn tune?Do the arrangers introduction and interludes capture and maintain the mood of the text?Does any arranging technique (extended arpeggios, octaves, scale passages, chord inversions, key changes) draw excessive attention to itself rather than the hymn?Is the arrangement suitable for my performance skills?After you've made your choice, remember to always interpret and mentally sing the text as you play. If you, the presenter, lose the text's focus, those who worship with you don't have a chance. The piano's characteristics give you the opportunity to reflect the power, passion, peace, joy or turmoil of the text in your playing. Worship at the piano.

Symbols are an important part of Reformed worship. We use light and darkness, crosses, doves, shepherds and sheep to help us see God, who in Christ and through the Spirit is redeeming us. We do this because as Reformed Christians we believe that life and worship are one. A variety of media is appropriate in the Reformed worship service. Increasingly, wood and glass, architecture, inspiring banners, paintings, musical compositions, and liturgical dance are being used to touch our hearts and to help us sing God's praise.