An Old Church Bulletin

An old church bulletin cover showed up in the mail a few days ago.  It was one my mother had put back and like a gift from heaven, it showed up again.  Actually, the point of origin was a bit less celestial, but it makes a nice image of my mother who had a way of saving stuff which provided still another blessing when it came around again.  On that old Vidalia bulletin were the words, "Some people learn how to sing in the shower.  And there are no doubt some who learn in classrooms. Possibly, there are some who are born knowing how to sing.  My earliest singing lessons took place in the back seat of a '55 Plymouth.  As my mother drove, she sang.  My sister and I chimed in from the back seat.  We learned 'Amazing Grace' and  'The Old Rugged Cross' and 'In the Garden' and a hundred others from someone who never had any music lessons."    

Memories are indeed precious.  And precious, too, is the opportunity to join in with the people of God as these old hymns are lifted up as gifts sent toward heaven.  Virtual worship has proven to be a good thing during these last days when so much uncertainty has swirled in the air, but one of the things missing in that scenario is the moment of singing with a church full of folks.  There is something inherently powerful in that moment.    

Not only is it a powerful thing to sing these hymns with others, but  is is such a blessing of the heart.  Many a time some song we sang together lifted a troubled spirit, or encouraged a struggling soul, or filled a heart with unrestrained praise for God.  There are things which we may miss from our corporate worship experience, but none speak to the faith imparted to us by others and  imbedded in our hearts like that moment when the hymn is announced and the church rises up to sing.