August 13, 2020
Greetings Beloved Church!
I miss singing hymns in worship. I miss singing hymns LOUDLY.
One Sunday several years ago, we were worshipping as guests. I was singing at my usual volume and when the song came to an end, Katie leaned over to tell me that I did not need to sing quite so loudly. I’m sure it’s a pastor thing. When you go to an event where there are lots of clergy, it often feels like there is a contest to see who can sing longest and loudest. Whispering the words into your mask just isn’t the same.
I have been singing along to hymn recordings in my office this week. This morning it is Michael Card’s “Hymns.” Yesterday it was Sara Groves. Both artists are Christian musicians whose own compositions I have come to love, but I also dearly love some of their takes on the traditional. When I started up the music on my computer today, these were some of the first words sung: What more can he say than to you he has said who unto the Savior for refuge have fled? A bit later it was, my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness; no merit of my own I claim, but wholly lean on Jesus' name. Then came a lovely harmonic intro to Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling… Come home, come home. You who are weary, come home.
Hymns are wonderful things. They can remind us of truths long believed. They can carry memories of loved ones and significant life events. Some days they are just those constant earworms in our heads, reminding us that God is with us.
This past Sunday when we were ready to play our first hymn, I asked Susan to give us instructions before we sang. Of course, we didn’t sing, but we did do hand motions which was beautiful to see. Thirty people, almost all adults, cradling “the tiny little baby” that God has in his hands. When we closed with our second song, I talked about singing again, but instead we had a rhythm stick “orchestra.” Clearly, I missed the singing, but there was still that wonderful sense of community that happens in group song.
I encourage you to add some hymnody to your daily life. It is one of the great gifts of the church that we sing our faith. Pull out the old recordings. Search out organ preludes and church choirs on YouTube. Tell Alexa to play your favorites or create a playlist of your on iTunes or Amazon Music. And then sing as loud as you want! It’s balm for the soul and cheer for the heart. In the words of a modern hymn, through all the tumult and the strife, I hear that music ringing. It finds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing?
God bless you with peace this day!
+ Pastor Heidi
It is with deep sadness, that we share the death of Joan Price on August 12th. You are invited to attend her Memorial Service this Saturday, August 15th at 10:30am, outdoors, adjacent to the Memorial Garden. Please bring a lawn chair. Face masks will be required. Sympathies are extended to Joan’s family and all who love her.
Thursday Strategies for Being Church
Saturday, August 15 at 10:30am - Memorial Service
Sunday, August 16 at 9:00am - In-Person Worship with Blessing of Backpacks, etc., beneath the trees near the Memorial Garden. Should there be bad weather, we will send an email and post the change on the church voice mail.
Sunday, 10:15am - Online Worship on Facebook and YouTube
Sunday, 11:00am - Online Blessing of the Backpacks
Blessing of the Backpacks, Etc. This Sunday we will be offering prayers and a blessing for all our students, teachers and staff who will be returning to “school.” We will pray in person at our 9:15am service and then we will have a live online blessing at 11:00am on Facebook. We will also be distributing stickers that say, “Blessed to Be a Blessing” that can be put on backpacks, iPads, notebooks or wherever your parents say is “okay.” To receive stickers for your household, call the church office. If you have more than one person needing a sticker, let us know the quantity of stickers you would like to receive.
Free Contactless Food Distribution
Thursday, August 20th, 4:00 to 7:00pm
If you or someone you know needs food assistance there will be a food distribution on August 20th at the Lansdale Business Center, 650 N. Cannon Ave, Lansdale. No id or sign-up is needed. This event is open to anyone, regardless of where they live. Upon arrival your vehicle will form a line in the parking lot. Stay in your vehicle and volunteers will place food items in your trunk and then direct you around the building to leave the location. Each car will receive a 10-pound box of produce, laundry detergent and $50 worth of gluten-free food.
