SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Psalm 100:1-2 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
For as long as I can remember, our church has been singing praise to God. We have been blessed with outstanding leaders for our music program. Our beloved Minister of Music Emeritus, Gerald Crawford, went to his everlasting home last year. He would always tell our new church members that the most important choir is the congregation. He would say, “Even if you can’t carry a tune in a bucket or if you have an efficiency-apartment voice (with a small range), you can make a joyful noise to the Lord. Pay attention to the words; therein lies the meaning.”
Fifteen years ago, on the occasion of his 25th year with us, an anthem was commissioned based on Jerry’s favorite Scripture, “God’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.” [Lamentations 3:22-23]
The entire anthem alludes to Birth, Resurrection, and Pentecost. Here’s the section about Easter:
New Every Morning
Words by Brian Wren, Music by Hal Hopson
Hymntune: CRAWFORD
As in a gray dawn, from a hidden sun,
diffused, and growing unobserved,
the light comes older than the earth,
but new every morning.
So in a garden, tired, and numb with grief,
the women find an empty tomb,
and Hope dawns, older than the sky,
but new every morning.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
My family has been inspired by the power of music. Lois has sung in the Chancel Choir for over fifty years, and our children participated in the youth choirs for twelve years each. We are always glad to “Sing a New Song” [Psalm 98] and find new meaning in the powerful words.
Prayer: Praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord. May our music and shouts of joy be pleasing in your sight. Alleluia! Amen.
Irv Poston
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