Music & Liturgy
“The road to the future runs through the past.” – Robert E. Webber
Christ the Vine practices what theologian Robert Webber called “ancient-future” worship – worship that goes beyond musical “style” to a holistic understanding of music and liturgy both ancient and modern. In worship we do God’s Story – encountering God in Word and Sacrament, inviting participation in God’s great narrative of creation, fall, and new creation.
Worship services follow the ancient four-fold pattern of Gathering—Word—Sacrament—Sending. Music has strong congregational participation with songs, hymns, and chants from Scripture, historic Lutheran hymnody, folk, spirituals, classic contemporary, and modern Christian composers. Instrumental music is led by congregation members with skills in piano, organ, guitar, violin, viola, flute, percussion, and brass. Vocalists include teens to adults, leading congregational singing.
Wednesdays in Advent we worship using Marty Haugen’s Holden Evening Prayer, following the ancient Vesper service, and include extemporaneous congregational prayer. Wednesdays in Lent we worship using Leonard Payton’s Compline service, which uses piano and alternative harmony for the ancient Night Prayers chants, and again, worshipers offering their own extemporaneous prayer petitions.
Finally, since God is both the subject and object of worship, our Lutheran sensibilities of praise, petition, and thanksgiving all proclaim Jesus, Lord and Savior over all people of all eras and cultures. Throughout the year and in any church season, welcome to Lutheran sacramental worship, ancient and future!
Here is a selection of bulletins representative of the CTV church year:
Below is a selection of worship music presented by CTV church musicians.