We had a wonderful sacrament meeting for Easter Sunday today. The chapel and overflow were packed, both with regular ward members and with lots of visitors. The program was a beautiful combination of musical numbers, scripture reading, and a talk.
First up was a young man who played an amazing cello piece. His accompanist wasn't able to make it, so he quickly changed his plans and played a solo number. Wow! He wove a stunning tapestry of inspiring music that filled the chapel, despite the very distracting noise coming from a number of fussy babies and crinkling papers. But after that last stirring note left his bow - - silence. He just picked up his cello & music, and walked back to his seat.
Then an amazing girl - just 12 or 13 years old - got up to sing. With the delicate yet powerful voice of an angel, she thrilled us with "Alleluia! Christ Has Risen." I loved hearing her sing these words of praise in such a pure, sweet voice. But again, when it was over, nothing was heard but the continued fussing and paper crinkling.
I know the standard reasons given for not clapping during sacrament meeting - it's not reverent; or we are there to praise the Lord, not the performance. But I heartily disagree. These people not only offered up their own personal musical praises to their Savior, but they also took the time to practice and share their amazing talents with us. And these talents, in turn, helped me feel closer to the Spirit and complimented my worship today.
I think that a polite amount of applause would have increased, rather than decreased, the level of reverence in the room. As it was, the silence after they performed did not feel reverent; it felt awkward. I'm sure many of the visitors were sitting there wondering why these rude Mormons didn't express any sort of appreciation for what they just heard.
I don't know if it is actual church doctrine, or just church culture, which dictates that we can not clap appreciately after a musical number. I'm not suggesting a standing ovation or hoots & whistles. I would just like to be able to softly offer up an immediate "Thank You" to these brave and talented people who bless us with their music.
First up was a young man who played an amazing cello piece. His accompanist wasn't able to make it, so he quickly changed his plans and played a solo number. Wow! He wove a stunning tapestry of inspiring music that filled the chapel, despite the very distracting noise coming from a number of fussy babies and crinkling papers. But after that last stirring note left his bow - - silence. He just picked up his cello & music, and walked back to his seat.
Then an amazing girl - just 12 or 13 years old - got up to sing. With the delicate yet powerful voice of an angel, she thrilled us with "Alleluia! Christ Has Risen." I loved hearing her sing these words of praise in such a pure, sweet voice. But again, when it was over, nothing was heard but the continued fussing and paper crinkling.
I know the standard reasons given for not clapping during sacrament meeting - it's not reverent; or we are there to praise the Lord, not the performance. But I heartily disagree. These people not only offered up their own personal musical praises to their Savior, but they also took the time to practice and share their amazing talents with us. And these talents, in turn, helped me feel closer to the Spirit and complimented my worship today.
I think that a polite amount of applause would have increased, rather than decreased, the level of reverence in the room. As it was, the silence after they performed did not feel reverent; it felt awkward. I'm sure many of the visitors were sitting there wondering why these rude Mormons didn't express any sort of appreciation for what they just heard.
I don't know if it is actual church doctrine, or just church culture, which dictates that we can not clap appreciately after a musical number. I'm not suggesting a standing ovation or hoots & whistles. I would just like to be able to softly offer up an immediate "Thank You" to these brave and talented people who bless us with their music.
4 comments:
I think clapping would be awkward as well. Maybe a unanimous "amen" or "thank you"? Clapping would disturb the beautiful, humble, silence.
Kates voice was so angelic. What a beautiful song.
The cello player was wonderful as well.
Maybe asking them back for a proper concert would be neat? Then you can clap your little heart out and even offer a standing ovation!
I agree full-heartedly with you Brooke! Sometimes a reverent applause is needed. Our spirits sometimes are overflowed with gratitude when listening to beautiful music, and many times I have wished I could clap after a musical number during sacrament. An "Amen," "Thank Yous," or "Praise Jesus!" would be awkward, as Mormoms this is something we just do not do. Maybe the silence, and wet eyes are just as beautiful.
The Church Handbook says that, "Music in Church meetings should not draw attention to itself or be for demonstration. This music is for worship, not performance."
Maybe that is why. However, next time I think you should bump Adana and tell her to give it a "whoop, whoop" at the end. It is Adana, what could be said. Everyone around would be silently thanking her.
There is so much culturally that I wonder at. . . I love attending churches where "amen's" are whispered and hands are raised. It feels more reverent to me, too. Some of our rules are just what WE do, not necessarily what God has mandated. Next time, elbow the kids and maybe they'll clap. :)
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