This Sunday, the first day of the new liturgical year, might be a good time to identify long-term goals and figure out how to get there. But why is Advent a good time to do this?
For one thing, Advent is short—only four Sundays. And here’s the thing: you can use exactly the same music you used last Advent, and no one will complain! In fact, your choirs and communities may breathe a sigh of relief at doing music they’re already comfortable with and can sing confidently.
Start now and you can make it happen next year.
Do some brainstorming with your music ministry members, liturgy committee members, youth ministry—whatever you’ve got. The old method of writing all suggestions—and problems—on big sheets of paper, and prioritizing them is low-tech and works well. Email copies to all involved in the brainstorming session, so that they can think about them on their own time. What do we really want to do? What do we need to do first? This first step is just a wish list, and the sky’s the limit.
As the reading from 1 Thessalonians says, “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have for you, so as to strengthen your hearts. … ”