Hymns & Music

Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) said that "singing is praying twice." We agree. That's why music forms a necessary and integral part of the liturgy at HEFC, and is considered a ministry of its own. The power of music can speak to people in a way that words alone cannot.

At HEFC, congregational song is important and we sing the great hymns of the past as well as newer hymns. We stand up to sing almost all hymns, unless noted in the Order of Service, and you are welcome to join in or not, as you like.

The congregation also sings responses at different times in the service, and these vary from traditional to modern and global refrains. Our congregational song is accompanied primarily by the piano, guitars, and drums are used as well.

An instrumental "prelude" precedes the service and most often is piano music chosen to reflect the season and theme of the service. Anthems are sung each week by our adult choir, and the various youth and children's choirs. Our handbell choir also participates in services.

All the music in our Sunday service - hymns, choir anthems, instrumental pieces, and the concluding "postlude" - are thoughtfully and deliberately chosen to support the readings and theme of a particular service.

We try to help 'connect' the music you hear at HEFC to the rest of the service right in our Order of Service. Next time you're at Sunday service, why not take a few minutes to reflect on how the music helps emphasize and underscore the messages delivered by the sermon and Bible readings.