The Church's treasury of music began already in the old testament as we find Moses and Miriam singing songs proclaiming the mighty works of the Lord and His salvation at the Red Sea. It continued with David and his Psalms of repentance and praise. Hannah, Isaiah, Habakkuk, Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah, Zechariah, and Mary all contributed to the musical treasury before the angels taught us the Gloria in Excelsis upon the birth of Christ. 

On a given week, you might hear one of the aforementioned ancient canticles, hymn texts and tunes by the great Lutheran hymnwriters and composers such as Luther, Gerhardt, Selnecker, or Nicolai, a setting by the Lutheran greats Hillert, Schalk, Bunjes, Buszin, Resch, or Hildebrand, or even the premier of a hymn concertato by our own Kantor Christopher Loemker.

The Lutheran Church in particular has a rich history of using music to both teach the faith with hymnody and deliver Christ's gifts of Word and Sacrament with liturgy. Our largest choir, the congregation, sings in each service to teach the faith to one another and to praise God, first with the Word he has spoken to us, and also with hymns written by the people through the ages to the present day. We also have special groups composed of both young and old who wish to "serve their neighbors" in the congregation using music. 

Kantor-Church Music Director: Mr. Christopher A. Loemker

Associate Kantor-Children's Music Director: Mr. Zachary Stegman

Follow this link for more information on our Christmas Cantatas and Hymn Festivals:

https://gslcs.360unite.com/cantata

Adult Choir

Our Adult Choir sings regularly in the Divine Service. The choir sings anthems, psalm settings, hymn concertatos, and canticles to bring the Word of God set to music to the people of the congregation and to assist the congregation in praising God. We are always looking for people who want to serve their neighbors in the congregation with singing. Previous experience is always helpful, but never necessary! During school year months, the adult choir practices on Wednesdays from 6:50-7:50 PM in the school music room. During the seasons of Advent and Lent, rehearsal continues on Wednesdays in the church balcony. The choir sings 1-2 times per month and for some special services including the Christmas Cantata and Hymn Festivals accompanied by member and guest professional instrumentalists. Audio recordings are often available for those who wish to practice more at home. The time commitment is about one hour per week, plus arriving early when we sing for services. Contact Zach Stegman at zstegman@gslcs.org or 618-344-3153 ext. 124 for more info.

Handbell Choir

The Handbell Choir plays anthems and accompanies singing once per month during the school year. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings from 6:45-8:00 PM. If you are interested, please call 618-344-3151  or talk to our Handbell Choir Director Cheryl Urban.

Instrumental Ensembles

Woodwind, Brass, String, and Percussion instrumentalists at the High School level and above are encouraged to use their gifts in service to the congregation. Brass ensembles often help highlight festival services such as Easter. From soloists to large ensembles, instrumentalists accompany singing and provide service music based on hymns. Please contact Zach Stegman at zstegman@gslcs.org or 618-344-3151 x.124 if you are able to serve in this way. 

Children's Choirs

Good Shepherd Lutheran School serves our congregation on Sunday morning with four different children's choirs. Children in Preschool-8th grade who do not attend Good Shepherd Lutheran School but should contact Mr. Stegman for information on how to particiapte in the Sunday singing. Each Grade School Children's Choir sings for 8 Sunday services throughout the school year and Preschool-Kindergarten choir sings 4 times per year. The school band also accompanies worship during National Lutheran Schools Week. Our Faculty Choir normally sings at the beginning of the school year and during National Lutheran Schools Week. 

December 2, 2018