January 2004
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Mindekirken has a great music program Being a pastor at Mindekirken is a privilege. I find the worship services very meaningful. The English service at 9 a.m. with an average of 20 people is kind of quiet. It gives room for reflection, and I have enjoyed getting to know the hymns of the Lutheran Book of Worship. Music Director Jim Reilly and I pick the hymns. Arlene Wilson has been helpful by making a list of her 200 favorite hymns, with commentaries. Every Sunday features a musical highlight when Bill Wangensteen or Jim Reilly play the piano. The piano hammers of this very good instrument will be repaired in 2004. The organ is one of just a few of its kind still in use, and well worth taking care of. Often there are special soloists at the services as well. At the 11 a.m. Norwegian service which usually is attended by 80 – 100 people, Mindekirken’s church choir sings (except for family services and summer break). Few congregations of Mindekirken’s size have such a high quality choir. Under Jim Reilly’s leadership it has grown to approximately 20 singers. The choir had a successful tour to Norway in the year 2000, including concerts in Bergen, Trondheim and Bodø. The choir repertoire includes classical and modern church music in Norwegian, English, Swedish, Finnish, Icelandic and Latvian. Over the years the choir has commissioned pieces by American and Norwegian composers. Choir member Marian Casey wrote the music for the Icelandic piece, which the choir performed during the 2003 Leiv Eriksson International Festival. Recently, all choir members were challenged to compose new melodies for the text of "Children of the Heavenly Father", some of which have been performed at the services. The great variety of musical talent is especially revealed at the choir’s annual soloist concert, coming up on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2004. The good acoustics in the sanctuary and the successful installation of lighting in the presentation area add to the listener’s experience. Jim Reilly has proposed that Mindekirken hire a Youth Music Director. We haven’t had that for some years. This would be beneficial to the Sunday School, family services, and the Santa Lucia Pageant, among many other things. Music might be one of the best ways to introduce children and youth to Norwegian culture, and the worship life of this congregation. |
The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church · 924 E. 21st St, Minneapolis, MN 55404-2952 · (612)874-0716 |