This Sunday brings a big change to the way we have usually spent our time together in worship. This Sunday both churches on our Parish gather for Hymnfests during our service times. We will not follow the usual liturgy or order of worship, but instead find ourselves immersed in song. We will worship using our voices to sing hymns and contemporary songs that members of the congregation have selected.
For some, this might seem unusual. Yet, the reality is God’s people have always celebrated in song. In the lifting up of our voices we join with one another in praising how God continues to be at work in our midst.
Now, I know many are saying, nope, no way, not going to participate in that one. I can’t sing, so don’t plan on seeing me on Sunday. Yet, let us all be reminded of the words of Psalm 100:
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Serve the Lord with gladness;
come into his presence with singing.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him; bless his name.
5 For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever
and his faithfulness to all generations.
I’ll be the first to admit that when I sing, I completely feel like all I’m making is a bunch of noise. Yet, I do it with gladness, out of thanksgiving and praise for God, because God has given me so much. God doesn’t care how in tune I am. God only cares that I want to connect, that I’m willing to make the effort. And do you know what? More often than not, when I come forth in this attitude of praise, I often find that the “noise” I make is no noise at all. Instead, in combination with the other voices present, it is a beautiful harmony that blesses not only God, but all who participate.
So, are you ready to get your praise on? Are you ready to unite your voice with so many others as an offering of thanksgiving unto God? I can’t wait to see what happens when we are gathered together and hear the throngs of heavenly voices this Sunday!
Always praising, Pastor Steve
