The Lutheran asked ELCA worship staff for some tips on getting rid of hymnals, choir robes, music, etc. BethAnn Lynch, coordinator for worship and liturgical resources, and Scott Weidler, associate director for worship/music, said:
- Give members a chance at hymnals. Then recycle those that are left (better stewardship of creation than having them end up in a landfill). The synod office might know of a congregation that needs them, but shipping costs (especially sending well beyond your community) are often prohibitive. Nursing homes sometimes want hymnals, but be sure to ask first (don’t just drop them off). Some people have taken the cover off of old hymnals and turned them into an angel craft project. We encourage congregations that purchase new hymnals to raise enough money to also buy them for a mission congregation (or one that can’t afford its own).
- If another congregation doesn’t want your hand-me-downs, choir robes can be used to make blankets or quilts.
- If falling apart, recycle old choir music. If the music is still good but no longer wanted or needed, offer it to a neighboring congregation. Local chapters of the American Guild of Organists (www.agohq.org) may help serve as a “broker.”
- As with any old electronics or technology, organs can be junked. If a pipe organ still has life in it, contact the Organ Clearing House (www.organclearinghouse.net). Consider donating an unused piano to a family with a promising young keyboard player, perhaps even nurturing and nudging them into leading music at church.
