LIGHT :: FAQ
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Does Light into the World follow the traditional liturgy?
Light into the World was written very much in the tradition of Protestant liturgy, though very fresh in its use of traditional language. The service employs inclusive language while maintaining the liturgical integrity of the Eucharist.
Can this service be used by amateurs as well as professionals?
This service is simple to play even for children and beginners, though deep enough in layers that church choirs and professional musicians can be challenged and enjoy themselves in worship.
What style do we need to play to use this service -- should we play 'bluegrass'?
'Bluegrass' is a term which implies an entire genre. From Sacred Harp singing to old Protestant hymns such as Amazing Grace or Wondrous Love, to folk guitar and to the driving sound of a banjo and fiddle, these are all 'bluegrass' sounds in the modern sense of the genre. The intention of this service is that those who love the sound of Joan Baez or Peter, Paul and Mary can commune with: kids who love rock music with screaming guitars and drums, and with more traditional folks in the church, who love the old four part hymns that go back to Luther and Bach. This service can be played as 'folk', sung 'chorale' style, or played like 'praise' music. The important thing is the joyful fellowship.
Can our church organist play the music for this service as easily as a contemporary group?
There is a complete piano accompaniment for the service as well as a piano reduction of all the choral parts. An organ may play the four-part vocal score, chorale-style.
Can one person lead the service as easily as a whole group of people?
One person can easily lead this service, and a whole choir can also lead this service. Also, a piano or a single instrument could lead the service, or it may be sung entirely a capella.
How do we get kids and beginners involved?
This service is easy for kids! All you have to do is ask them and they will be very excited to play among older folks, or do the entire service themselves! The chords and rhythms are simple... especially grouped with more experienced musicians in the church, this can be an invaluable experience in musical learning, and more importantly, reconciliation between the younger and older members of the church community. This could be another step towards keeping the children of your congregation coming to church!
Is this 'just a bluegrass' service?
One fear of mine is that this service will be 'labelled' as 'just' a bluegrass service. It is very important to me that the service be accessible to both older and younger members of the congregation, and therefore I have put it in the bluegrass genre, which, I feel, is a great mediator between the chorale tradition and the modern 'praise' music energy. Nevertheless, the service means much more to me... it is the idea of Christ as the light of the world sending us as light into the world. For social justice, to help those in need... I hope you find those messages in this service as well...
When should we use this service?
This service may be part of your regular schedule or scheduled on special Sundays. If you have a contemporary service, perhaps you can put this service in your rotation. This will be a good draw for college-age kids searching for some way to find favor with the church again...
Where can we get a recording or copy of the service?
Go to the Kent Gustavson.com Online Store or www.onesoulonline.com for all Light into the World products and for licensing (or call 1-866-ONE-SOUL).
Where is this service used?
This service was commissioned by Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Longmont, Colorado, and has been in use there regularly since February, 2003. The service has also recently been granted a Lilly Endowment grant to host workshops across the country. The number of churches using Light into the World is growing every day, in south and north, east and west.
Can we use this service with our choir?
The entire service is written in four-part harmony, and is intended for use with a church choir. For printable music sample files, please visit this link: Light Flash Files. For a free sampler CD, please visit this link: Sampler CD. Click here for Light into the World Radio.
How would you compare this service to more 'traditional' worship services?
This liturgy is very traditional in format, but delves deeper than most recent, more 'traditional', services into the meanings of the texts and the emotional context of the great thanksgiving. The service is also written with a great deal of joy and energy, to a certain extent, to temper the 'depressing' themes of social justice within the service. This service goes out on a limb to say: "Let us pray for the children, let us pray for our enemies..." etc. This service very much follows my understanding of Christ's message to the world -- to change ourselves and to help others, and to pray for those less fortunate and our enemies.
How would you compare this service to more 'contemporary' services?
Although there is much good music in the world today, I have a hard time with most 'contemporary' liturgies. Often I feel like the depth of the hymns I grew up with is largely absent, and the statements that remain are trite and obvious. I longed for a service that expresses what Christ's Christianity might have looked like -- paying attention to the poor, and to the needy, in the same breath as praising God. This service is built on praise, energy and joy, but has the backbone of harmonies and the beautiful traditional backbone of liturgy.
Is this a service that children and adults can use and enjoy?
I grew up in a Lutheran church that used primarily organ, and the good old Lutheran Book of Worship. I am still in love with the chorales of Bach, and I study the art of classical composition. But I also grew up with love for folk music and modern music, and I appreciate all of these forms equally. There is a great rift, I believe, in the church community today between young and older folks... those who like the traditional hymns, and those who like contemporary music. Contemporary music has many forms, including both the 'praise' music, and rock and roll based music of the younger folks, and the slightly older 'contemporary' music of baby-boomer composers, who very much appeal to a slightly older generation than the 'kids' of the church. My hope is that bluegrass is a genre wedged in between all of these categories: It has the energy of 'praise' music, with driving beat and rhythm, though none of the brash, electrified sounds of rock and roll 'praise'. It has the four part harmony similar to the hymns in the old hymnals, sharing a common past with the old English Protestant hymns of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. And it has the 'folk' quality of Ray Makeever and Marty Haugen's services.
How can we preview the service to see if we would like to use it?
If you would like to preview the service, please view the sample Sheet Music files, or go to the Sampler CD Page. To purchase the CD, please go to the Ordering Page.
Do you give workshops?
I am available for workshops and commissions, and appreciate and welcome questions or comments.
To contact Kent Gustavson, please fill out the following Contact Form:
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