Giving thanks for our church musicians

Marilyn Hetherington plays piano during Divine Service on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, at First Lutheran Church, El Cajon, Calif. (LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)

In October 2024, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) announced plans for a yearlong emphasis on church worker appreciation, highlighting the blessings the church receives through all of its called workers, both ordained and commissioned.

This month, LCMS congregations and schools are invited to observe Director of Parish Music (DPM) Appreciation. DPMs are one of the seven auxiliary offices that support the work of the Holy Ministry — through teaching music in churches and schools, directing volunteer choirs and instrumentalists, assisting with worship planning, and more.

In April, consider letting your school and/or church musician know how much you value his or her contribution to helping you sing God’s Word. Pray for your musician, share a word or written note of appreciation, bake his or her favorite treat, or post a social media shareable that highlights his or her service. Find more ideas at thelc.ms/appreciation .

The Rev. Sean Daenzer, who serves as director of Worship for the LCMS and as chaplain at the LCMS International Center, said, “Directors of parish music help make sure that the Scriptures that are read and preached echo back from balcony and pew in thanksgiving, praise and confession of Jesus. What they contribute is more than just background music. In songs and hymns and spiritual songs, the Word of Christ dwells richly among the people of God in the Lutheran church, in no small part through their stewardship. Thank your church musician this month for all of his or her devotion to the songs of salvation in your congregation. Let them hear you singing — that’s the most rewarding ‘thank you’!”

Posted April 10, 2025