KEEP SINGING
"Teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to God." Colossians 3:16 ((NRSV)
When Pastor Glenn's letter arrived inviting me and many others to share a memory, story or devotional for the homecoming celebration in late September, I knew that I wanted to participate. l have warm memories of meeting many of you at the Homecoming celebration in 2018. The question was where to begin.
The Upper Room writing for August 3rd immediately caught my eyes for several reasons and I have borrowed both the title and scripture passage from that day. August 3, 2020 marked the 150th anniversary of my grandfather Darlington’s birth at Graefenburg, Kentucky. Among the gifts he had for ministry included a beautiful, strong tenor voice, and he used it effectively over many years. Those who attended an Annual Conference in which he presided said the morning worship was the highlight, both the meditation and the singing which he always led.
We United Methodist are a people who love to sing. Music is a part of our collective DNA. Others may chant the liturgy, but we sing our faith. Our heritage goes back to John and Charles Wesley. John was the preacher "in whom the world was his parish" and brother Charles, the prolific writer of countless hymns which enrich our worship to this day. His hymns include among many “Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing" (my grandfather's favorite), "Love divine, all love's excelling" (my favorite) and a beloved Christmas carol, "Hark! The herald angels sing." We are also blessed with a contemporary supplement to our hymnal with tunes and texts which resonate in an up to date manner.
There are many facets of the Covid 19 pandemic which have surely altered our lifestyle and worship is certainly one. The comment I hear most frequently is: “I miss being in worship with my friends." Even when this is possible, health experts remind us to maintain social distancing, one from another, and refrain from singing in a col1ective setting. Many churches, including my home church, have worked at providing worship via Facebook and YouTube for which I am grateful. When the hymns are played and the text appears on the screen of my computer, I sing at home! So in this challenging time in our lives, may we keep a song in our hearts, words of praise on our lips and in a place and space where it is safe to do so, “keep singing'' our faith in Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Savior.
Sue D. Woods
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