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Sharing Music

Sharing Music

A few weeks ago, two Chancel Choir members came to me with a suggestion. They thought it would be nice if the choir would go sing at the assisted living facility where one of our former choir members now lives. We brought it up at a rehearsal and there was wide-spread support for the idea. When the day came for us visit, we had a nearly full choir standing around the piano in the dining room. Many of the residents came to hear. We sang a couple anthems and then invited people to call out favorite hymns, hymn-sing-style. It was not a very complicated or long performance, but everyone had a really good time.

Many thoughts have been rattling around inside my head since that afternoon. How music is a bond that crosses time. That our singing was a form of outreach to those we didn’t know. That we were praising God through music in a new place. But for me, the most touching thing was the willingness of so many people to go out of their way to brighten someone’s day. It showed heart of our choir – which was forged through singing and praying together week after week.

I hope everyone has a chance to experience a bond like that.

P.S. I guess I should mention here that you are always welcome to join the choir – or the Praise Team or the Brees Bells – if you are looking for a little music and fellowship in your life!

 

(Originally published June 29, 2016)

Hymn Writers Tell Their Stories

Imagine that your job is to run the music program at your church. You are good at it and you love your job – but you have to admit there are little problems here and there that get in the way of a smooth worship service. Then imagine your boss (i.e. the priest) gets so frustrated with the glitches that he declares “no more music.” What do you do? What’s your purpose now?

On June 5, when we go to our summer worship schedule (one 9:30 AM Service) the music program will present A Festival of Hymns: The Writers Tell Their Stories. You will have the opportunity to “meet” the songwriter that lived through that experience and see how he handled that bizarre situation.  You’ll also meet other hymn writers that span the range of Christian song – from 340 AD to the present. You’ll have a chance to hear about their struggles and inspirations.  For instance:

Who fought off attackers by singing hymns with “frightening fervor?”

Who was originally trained as a lawyer?

Who was blind from birth?

Whose main inspiration for writing was dissatisfaction with the “old style” of singing?

After we hear the writers’ stories we will sing one of their hymns/songs.  Expect a music-filled service featuring the Chancel Choir, Praise Team, Brees Bells and most importantly, the congregation.

Spread the word to come sing on Sunday, June 5 at 9:30 AM!

(originally published May 25, 2016)