Many Instruments, One Song

This Sunday, we are delighted to welcome the Concordia High School Orchestra as they join us in worship. Their presence gives us an opportunity not only to enjoy the sound of additional instruments, but also to give thanks for the many ways God uses music in the life of His Church.

Throughout Scripture, God’s people are repeatedly called to praise Him with voices and instruments alike: “Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! … Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150). From the singing of the congregation to the organ, choir, bells, and instrumentalists, each adds its own voice while serving the same purpose: supporting the proclamation of God’s Word and giving praise to Him.

It is especially encouraging to see young musicians developing their gifts and using them in worship. Learning an instrument requires years of patience, discipline, and persistence, and opportunities such as this remind us that music in the Church is something passed from one generation to the next. The musical traditions we enjoy today continue because musicians, teachers, families, congregations, and schools have invested in those who will carry them forward.

We are grateful to the Concordia High School Orchestra for sharing their music with us this Sunday, and we hope their playing enriches our worship as together—through voices, organ, and instruments—we sing and play to the glory of God.

In Christ,

Zach Hastings
Director of Music

Zach Hastings is the Director of Music at Pacific Hills Lutheran Church in Omaha Nebraska

Zach studied organ performance at Iowa State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music in 2016. He has been an organist, bell choir director, and director of worship primarily in the central Iowa area. He continually seeks opportunities to grow as a musician through various conferences and seminars. Zach currently serves on the Central Iowa American Guild of Organists (AGO) Executive Committee, and on the American Guild of Organists Young Organists (AGOYO) National Board.