Have you ever wondered why people talk during the prelude all the time? Does the prelude seem predictable, and maybe no one even knows it's happening unless it isn't happening? Well, the Courtyard Concert has been a new idea that has worked nicely for us. Based on the "Enter His courts with Praise" scripture, we began to have a 10 minute, pre-service Courtyard Concert. It has accomplished many things. People tend to hurry in a little more when they see something going on. They tend to either listen or participate with whatever the concert of the day happens to be. And it seems to better focus their attention on God and being in His house.

Naturally, these do take some concerted planning and effort, but the time and energy is well worth it. Some of the things we've done during this time are:

Solo violinist

Male quartet

On a prayer emphasis day, someone read prayers from Psalms Now while the organ was being played.

A rhythm section group did a set of three pieces.

One week we did congregational singing!

Brass group

A soloist sang quietly, accompanied by an acoustic guitar.

A saxophone with piano

Anything can work! Try it! We even give them a regular let-’em-talk prelude once in a while, so they don't think we're trying to constantly tell them how we want them to act — even though we do want to tell them! In our order of worship, we list the Courtyard Concert by the attitude we want it to express that day — such as Courtyard of Praise (for an upbeat concert) or Courtyard of Meditation (for a quiet concert).

Let us know if you try it and like it (emw@shepherdsstaffmusic.com)!

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