Hello Church,
When do you sing?
As we slowly exit this pandemic (about 1/3 of American Adults have had at least 1 shot.. and more than half of our congregation has been vaccinated), the Church is entering a new phase of debate. A year ago churches muddled around when, how, if, how much restrictions should be placed on worship and overall church functions. The answers varied and so did the appeasement of people.
This Spring we are going to experience the other side of the coin. When, how, if, how much do we lift current restrictions. And, so far, leading the discussion in my circles is 'when can we sing again'?
Last year I was reminded of the significance of in-person worship for so many of my congregation. It was a big reason we started in-person worship again as early as June. Restrictions have been... well... strict. However, the people who have come in-person have been extremely respectful and, as a result, it has worked. I am glad.
This year I am being reminded of the significance of singing for so many of my congregation. Singing is one expression of the Faith. For some it is the most liberating expression of Faith. For them, worship has not been the same since we stopped congregational singing.
And the debate around starting to sing again isn't unlike the debate last year to stop singing. It is a difficult subject. Science has something to say about it. Faith has something to say about it. And one doesn't necessarily care what the other has to say.... and there doesn't seem to be consensus on any of it.
I realize that for others, singing is not a significant part of Faith expression. So, for them, it will look like a silly debate to have. However I, personally, relate with the dilemma. Confession time: I caught myself just this past Sunday singing out loud during worship. Should I feel guilty? I didn't. But should I? I don't know.
Congregational singing is coming soon. Based on my experience, maybe it is already here. Easter is upon us. Such gladness just might not be able to be contained.
Come, Ye Faithful, Raise The Strain Hymn
Come, ye faithful, raise the strain of triumphant gladness;
God hath brought forth Israel into joy from sadness;
Loosed from Pharaoh’s bitter yoke Jacob’s sons and daughters,
Led them with unmoistened foot through the Red Sea waters.
’Tis the spring of souls today; Christ has burst His prison,
And from three days’ sleep in death as a sun hath risen;
All the winter of our sins, long and dark, is flying
From His light, to Whom we give laud and praise undying.
Now the queen of seasons, bright with the day of splendor,
With the royal feast of feasts, comes its joy to render;
Comes to glad Jerusalem, who with true affection
Welcomes in unwearied strains Jesus’ resurrection.
Neither might the gates of death, nor the tomb’s dark portal,
Nor the watchers, nor the seal hold Thee as a mortal;
But today amidst the twelve Thou didst stand, bestowing
That Thy peace which evermore passeth human knowing.
“Alleluia!” now we cry to our King immortal,
Who, triumphant, burst the bars of the tomb’s dark portal;
“Alleluia!” with the Son, God the Father praising,
“Alleluia!” yet again to the Spirit raising.
