In most worship services, some form of music accompanies the passing of offering plates. Financial gifts are offered to God in a context of music.

Unfortunately, a tendency exists to interpret the instrumental or choral offertory as background music or a nice cover-up for extraneous noise generated by the congregation.

The importance of the musical offertory is far more theological than functional.

During the offertory, musicians model the intent of this act of worship for everyone present. They give to God the fruit of their labor. Personal talents are offered to God in a spirit of commitment which is strengthened through worship.

Other members of the congregation are thereby encouraged to offer to God the products of their abilities and labors as well as the skills themselves.

from The Gift of Worship