I wrote this piece in 2017 but it has took on special poignance this year, especially as we consider the many lives lost to the coronavirus pandemic and related illnesses, depression, and isolation. It moves gently between spaces of grief and gratitude, and hopes to offer a space to name those who have died.
Read MoreKeep Us Faithful was commissioned for Arlington Presbyterian Church for their move and grand opening of their new home at Gilliam Place. Read about their journey as a congregation and their commitment to create affordable housing in their community.
I wonder what would it look like to imagine worship as a kind of holy rehearsal space. What if singing together is a place we are put back together, where we remember, re-discover and renew what we believe?
What if this congregation is a choir: a community of learning where we have the opportunity to grow into new experiences, trusting there is no success or failure but a deep pool of grace that holds us as we try and try again?
What might it look like to put to practice this way of love through our voices, through the tunes and rhythms we share in song?
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I'm grateful to The Rev. Hillary Raining for including me and Music that Makes Community in the Way of Love podcast focused on worship.
It's Holy Week, and time is of the essence, but take a listen when you have a moment and reflect with us on the formative power of worship, especially singing!
There is lots more to listen to at The Hive, an online spiritual community buzzing with rich material to sustain your life of faith.
This list of congregational songs and online resources is for communities seeking to be more intentional about singing both praise and protest in worship.
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