The Mennonite, Inc., invites your original submissions for our July 2020 print magazine issue and corresponding online content focusing on Music and worship.

Description of the theme:

Music is an indelible part of Christian worship. Though a worship service may have many elements—prayer, preaching, confession, the Lord’s Supper—music, both vocal and instrumental, is uniquely powerful for many people. Worship among Mennonites and other Anabaptists takes myriad forms and includes a variety of musical styles, languages and theology. Music and worship fulfill many purposes: praising and thanking God, building unity among a gathered community, experiencing God’s presence and love in a deeper way. The Psalmist calls us to “make a joyful noise to [God] with songs of praise” (Psalm 95:2).

Submissions may consider one of the following prompts/questions, among others:

• What is your experience of music in worship? Tell us your story and be sure to include the voices of all involved, with their permission.
• How does your church or community worship together? What part does music play in that worship? Are there particularly powerful aspects to the way your church or community worships together? Tell us your story and be sure to include the voices of all involved, with their permission.
• Voices Together, the new hymnal from MennoMedia, is due out in September, and many individuals and congregations have already ordered copies. What do you look for in a hymnal? Why did you order or not order the new hymnal?
• How do you understand the Bible’s teaching about the role of music and worship? How might that teaching inspire you and others?

Submissions are due to Editor@TheMennonite.org no later than June 4.