Recently I read a scripture about strengthening others with conversation, prayer, exhortation and, well, everything. See D&C 108:7. I would include music in that last category. Did you know that your singing in sacrament meeting, as humble or great as it may be, is a pillar of strength? Youth and children should be encouraged to sing as they can be a fortress to everyone around them.

Sacred music is most effective when it:

• Increases faith in and worship of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
• Teaches core doctrine with power and clarity.
• Invites joyful singing at home and at church.
• Comforts the weary and inspires members to endure in faith.
• Unifies members throughout the Church.

It’s a good thing to encourage and provide opportunities to develop musical skills and confidence in not only children but in adults as well. “Priesthood leaders and music leaders encourage Church members to use uplifting music in their homes, to have a copy of the hymnbook and the Children’s Songbook, and to sing this music as families” (see Handbook.) You can buy the music books from the church here.

Sister Ginger Dean

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MY CALLING

TEACHER

We are all teachers — whether in our homes or an official church calling related to music or otherwise. The “Come Follow Me” manual gives many suggestions for using media, including music, to teach doctrine.

Using music can help us ‘invite the spirit and teach doctrine’. Listening to or singing a hymn can create a reverent feeling and invite the Spirit. Hymns and Children’s Songs can also teach gospel principles.

How can you make music a part of your lessons?

• Play a recording
• Invite an individual or group to sing
• Sing a song to your class or have them sing a hymn together
• Study the words of the hymns and songs
• Ponder as music is played

What truths can we find in the following lesser known hymn that we could use to teach about temples? “How Beautiful Thy Temples Lord” #288

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WHAT’S NEW?

ONLINE ORGAN STUDIES from BYU. New this fall. You can register for a number of seminars ranging from beginners and up. A real good deal!

Watch Video of New Song:

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UP AND COMING

Special Stake Choir Invitation – This choir will sing for Stake Conference Nov 7th. It will be limited in size to accommodate social distancing. Individuals or a family of singers will stand in their own place. Especially needed are male voices but all are welcome. There will be 2 practices on the Sunday evenings of Oct 17th and 24th respectively. Please let Sister Dean know if you want to sing ASAP. Email coalstakemusic@gmail.com.

Organ Workshop: Basics & Beyond – 10:30 – 12 Sat. Nov 6th at the Coal Mountain Stake Center. Piano to Organ, Prelude Philosophy, A Turn on the Keyboard, and Free Music will be featured. If you have a special request for your organ or playing, just contact Sister Kay Bohn at coalstakemusic@gmail.com

Stake Conference – November 6 & 7

Stake Christmas Program – 5 Dec 6-7:30. Looking for musicians who want to be a part of the program. Families of performers will be invited to come in person with a broadcast available for all others. Contact Sister Ginger Dean coalstakemusic@gmail.com to participate.

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HYMN HIGHLIGHT

We Thank Thee O God For a Prophet Hymn #19

William Fowler was one of the first to lyrically incorporate thanks for prophets. Using a tune by Caroline Norton, a well known woman’s rights activist who was also a music writer, he paired his lyric with her tune to create the well known hymn we sing today. William lived all over the world as a child until orphaned at age 15. A few years later he joined the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in England and served a 4 year mission. It was sometime after this that he wrote the hymn giving thanks for a prophet, who at the time was Brigham Young. William Fowler died at age 35.

Listen to more about the history of this hymn.

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WATCH THIS`