"Speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord."

                                                                                    Ephesians 5:19

What’s that you say? When is the next Bible Study and what’s it about?

Glad you asked. It starts Monday, August 24^th, and will be Mon-Wed-Fri for two weeks through Friday, September 4. We’re going to take a look at the topic of “Hymnology”. It’s about the history of the use of music in worship, especially hymns. We’ll take a look at where some of your favorite hymns came from, and the story behind the song and the person who wrote it.

If you’re not already on the “On-Line Bible Study” list, just send me your email (send it to urcpastor@gmail.com) and say you’d like to be added to the list. (Grading for all my classes have historically been very lax – so far everyone who has taken any class I’ve taught has a 4.0 GPA. I’ll probably lose my tenure as a teacher if I don’t fail someone soon.)

The heritage of the music and hymns of our faith is vast and fascinating. Maybe it’s a responsive reading of the Psalms. Maybe it’s a Gregorian chant. It could be a spiritual song that’s rooted in slavery and full of codes and maps for escape. Or maybe it’s a full blown, rear-back and let ‘er rip Fanny Crosby  hymn (one of the more than 8,000 this woman who couldn’t see wrote)!  Whatever its history, each hymn was written by the leading of the Holy Spirit and the willingness of someone to use the gift of music God had given them for His Glory.

I invite you to come along as we make a “joyful noise” unto the Lord!

"Father, Prayer.  In Jesus' name, AMEN."

Grace,

Rev. Dan