Hey there. Welcome, welcome! I’m really glad you’re here.
Music has always been a part of my life, as early as I can remember. In all of my 32 years of existence (as of 2017), I’ve had my share of countless choir rehearsals as a singer and accompanist, numerous experiences in planning worship services, excruciating hours of practicing the piano and organ, as well as teaching in private studio settings and at the college level.
In fact, I was so steeped in the music life, that it was all I ever cared about.
So I took a few years “off” from the classroom and stage world of music and focused on learning other valuable things in life. I trained to become a missionary, and in the process, I matured in my walk with Christ. I began to understand more of what role music plays in worship, in the present life, and in the life to come.
It was then that I recognised the heart of my work.
Music was made to serve a holy purpose, to lift the thoughts to that which is pure, noble, and elevating, and to awaken in the soul devotion and gratitude to God.
I found my passion at the intersection of music education and church music and developed a love for creating new things, building community, and finding connection through music.
This realization inspired me to put the “evangelism” thrust in being a musician. Not just as a performer, giving concerts and recording CDs. But through the means of helping to educate the church members in these lines.
Hymns for Worship is one of those evangelistic efforts. It is (currently) a one-woman labor of love — subjective lens on what matters in worship when it comes to music. My goal is to help Seventh-Day Adventist church lay members appreciate serious sacred music, particularly hymns. I also aim to provide online resources to those struggling music coordinators who may not have enough time to attend music seminars but dreams of making it better for their churches.
Music and worship are probably two topics that usually butt heads in many discussions, regardless of whatever religion. In the Seventh-day Adventist worship setting, I would like to believe that there is still a vast majority that leans toward a more conservative style. If you’re here, and you enjoy what you’re reading, you’re probably a part of that vast majority.
Bio
A music educator, pianist, and organist, Irene received her B.M. in Piano Performance from the Adventist University of the Philippines and completed an M.M. in Music Education at Andrews University. She was an alto member and accompanist of the AUP Ambassadors Chorale Arts Society (now Philippine Meistersingers). She has also served as a college instructor for the music department at Central Philippine Adventist College. Currently, Irene is in the Philippines where she spends her time in private online piano teaching, giving music lectures in Seventh-day Adventist churches, and writing content for Hymns for Worship. Aside from her musical affiliations, she is also actively involved with By His Stripes Ministries, a faith-based ministry she and her mission pilot husband run.
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Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Hymns for Worship is an independent ministry that supports the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church; however, it is not part of, affiliated with or supported by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, or any affiliates known as the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Thus, any content or opinions expressed, implied or included in or with the statements, products or services offered by Hymns for Worship, are solely those of Hymns for Worship and not those of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
