부산대학교 도서관

COVID-19 pandemic impacted all aspects of life including faith communities around the globe. It has taken musicians and worshippers out of their comfort zones challenging the traditional delivery of church services. Music forms an important aspect in worship and is a vital link that connects parishioners to God and each other. Thus, in times of trials and tribulations, music and worship can positively enhance wellbeing. In this paper, the authors draw on autoethnographic narratives, sharing personal memories and reflective journals from March 2020 to October 2022 from two different church settings in Australia. Through their shared emotions, challenges and experiences, they discuss two themes (discordant moments and harmonious reflections) that describe the meaning of how playing music in church during this time affected their commitment and connection to faith. Whilst recommendations are offered, they acknowledge that generalisations to other faith settings and musicians cannot be made. As music plays a significant role in the lives of church musicians in faith communities, the authors continue to strive to 'keep the faith and play on'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]