Our congregation sings well. Exceptionally well!
Members from the choir lead the effort. Others aren’t as bold, but will rally behind a stronger voice. A tide can rise, swaying even the most reluctant to join in.
It’s a shame that we often leave music making to performers or Spotify. Everyone should join in making music.
I’m not able to sing much while serving Holy Communion. But I hum along, and between tables utter a few phrases I know by heart. And it’s a chance to listen: we sing well!
Yesterday the distribution hymnody began with a favorite: “Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus”. It’s a dynamic text and tune combination. Lyrically, it leads us through holy living: walking, suffering, dying, and finally living with Christ! The music swells appropriately with each line.
This was all apparent in the passionate singing. I only sang a few lines, but I heard the joy.
Next, we sang “Amazing Grace”. Since it’s not a German Classic, it’s sometimes discounted among Lutherans. But it shouldn’t be; it transcends its American Revival roots.
Already inspired from the first hymn, and with a moving tempo set, the congregation filled the air with thankful joy for this Amazing Grace. Thanks for the Word which we had received, for the offerings and prayers offered up, and for the Body and Blood given for us.
Joyful People Sing.
People may say they don’t sing. But put them in a football stadium: they won’t be silent when “Sweet Caroline” comes on. Put them in a bar: they’ll sing all about their “Friends In Low Places”.
Maybe not everyone can carry the tune. You can probably hum along, or meditate on the words, or tap toes and move to the music. If it’s not singing, we’ll still call it joining in, and that’s good enough!
Joyful people sing. Since we have the greatest joy, let us make music to the Lord!
*****
P.S. The best musicians help others join in. At Concordia Greenwood, we have the best with our organist, Andrea. She makes music so that we, the church, can make music; a joyful noise to the Lord. Thanks be to God for the gift Andrea is to us!