and easily, and is oſt en the best bridge when I visit a person who is unresponsive, comatose, or suff ering from dementia. Beloved, familiar songs like Amazing Grace or gentle, well-known ballads like “Danny Boy” oſt en come to my lips as easily as the 23rd Psalm or Psalm 121. But, wait! Even the Scriptures I most oſt en turn to are actually ancient songs of our faith. So, it came as no surprise to


me when I learned about a cho- ral ministry known as T reshold Choir. Founded in 2000 by Kate Munger, the organization hosts chapters across the country of choral ensembles who memorize familiar songs and newly com- posed chants to sing at the bedside of persons facing imminent death. Munger writes of the beginnings of this idea taking hold when a friend was dying in 1990: T e seed for the T reshold Choir was planted in June of 1990 when I sang for my friend Larry as he lay in a coma, dying of HIV/AIDS. I did housework all morning and was terrifi ed when the time came to sit by his bedside. I did what I always did when I was afraid; I sang the song that gave me courage. I sang it for 2½ hours. It com- forted me, which comforted him. T e contrast between the morning and the aſt ernoon was profound. I felt as if I had given generously of my essence to my dear friend while I sang to him. I also found that I felt deeply comforted myself, which in turn was comforting to him.1 T reshold serves as a sort of


__________________________________________________________________________________________________ January-February 2014 • WorshipArts • www.UMFellowship.org


“musical hospice,” visiting at the request of hospitals, private home- owners, chaplains, doctors, and even hospice coordinators. Each choir forms its own unique style, but all provide their services for free in non-sectarian style. T ey off er comfort in the form of song,


value in the power of music during treatment or illness. T e American Cancer Society dedicates an entire web page to an explanation of


comfort in times of trial and transition rests in the memory and sings to the soul. Although anyone can bring a song, musi- cians have a special opportunity to bring our talent with instruments and the beauty of our voices to ministry moments where comfort and compassion are needed. In Laguna Woods, CA, a new retiree brought to a recent church vision- ing session an idea for sending their talented choir into ministry


9


much as mourners of old would wail and sing nearby as priests off ered last rites. T reshold is one of many such ministries of bedside singing and visitation with music. Voices Liſt ed off ers Heart-to-Heart songs in Phoenix, and Hospice of the Piedmont in Charlottesville (VA) off ers Music by the Bed- side. Songs for the Journey brings comfort and compassion through music, as does Guided Angels Ministry, both in Lancaster, PA. Although singing at bedside


may seem unfamiliar in contem- porary American culture, the ancient practices of many great religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity to name a few – included song and lament when facing death, illness, or tragedy. T e Benedictines are perhaps the most famous of our Christian family for their ministry of music as a pastoral and priestly giſt , but music has soothed the soul since long before their time and for many centuries since. Paul sang while imprisoned (Acts 16:25), and I would venture to guess that Charles Wesley included a song or two when he and his brother visited the imprisoned. As church musicians, we continue that tradi- tion when we host Christmas caroling in December or bring a choir to the local nursing home. As pastors, we continue that tradi- tion when we sing the communion liturgy or choose a familiar hymn for a funeral. In visitation min- istry, we can bring that same giſt with songs, instruments, or even a reading of the Psalms. But, add- ing the musical component adds the magic that touches the soul at a very diff erent level than the spoken word. Even medical experts see


music therapy, its benefi ts during cancer treatment, and an exten- sive bibliography to support their words.


... Clinical trials have revealed a reduction in heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, insom- nia, depression, and anxiety with music therapy. No one knows all the ways music can benefi t the body, but studies have shown that music can af- fect brain waves, brain circu- lation, and stress hormones. T ese eff ects are usually seen during and shortly aſt er the music therapy.2 In my years as a pastor, I’ve


heard doctors sing to patients and therapists play soothing music during sessions. One of my most memorable experiences came at the bedside of a parishioner, “Nana,” as she resided in the living room of her daughter and son- in-law for many months before her death. In that Tacoma, WA, home, a local psychologist began bringing his giſt of music to Nana’s bedside during her last months of life. His wife was a close friend of the family, and while she made dinner or visited with the family members, “Dr. Gene” would sit at Nana’s bedside and strum on his hammered dulcimer. Long aſt er Nana’s death, Gene and his wife remain some of the dearest friends to Nana’s entire extended family. Music as both giſt and


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