Ruth Schubarth is our worship music director. Ruth is an accomplished pianist, who squeezes all possible sounds out of our electronic keyboard. On a given Sunday, there'll be a traditional Anglican organ, Evangelical piano, and any other sound that fits the song.
Ruth was raised in the Evangelical tradition, and while at Wheaton College, was exposed to Anglicanism at St. Barnabas. She served at a refugee camp in Thailand, is the proud mother of six, paints, and blesses the choir with weekly notes to inform and inspire.
Music at Emmaus is best described as eclectic. As Anglicans, we always have one or two classic hymns. These hymns are full of doctrine, rich poetry, and interesting harmonies. They elevate the mind, and communicate beauty and truth.
Each service has a piece from the charismatic stream. These are songs more from the heart than the head. We are moved not just by thoughts, but by feelings. We worship from a posture of humility and honesty.
In the midst of lifting up our heart and minds towards God, we also strive to listen for the direction of the Holy Spirit. Silence, waiting, responding are crucial.
Authentic worship is congregational. Authentic worship is beautiful, dignified, elevating. Authentic worship is honest and heartfelt. Authentic worship participates in what's going on heaven, with the church in glory, angels, archangels, giving praise, and listening for the Father's voice.
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The Choir
Under Ruth's direction, Emmaus has a wonderful choir. The choir meets each Sunday for 45 minutes of practice. Besides sharing a special piece once or twice a month, the choir is a small sub-group of the congregation. Choir members lead worship, so prayer is a integral part of preparation for worship.
In the last year, the choir has sung an original piece by Ruth, Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, several pieces from the Shakers (yep--the people who gave us Shaker furniture, the clothes pin, and circular saw!). Eclectic is the word!
Instrumentalists add their gifts whenever possible. Trumpets, trombone, guitar, cello, drums, flute, recorder, all have played, and are welcome.
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