Monthly Message | April

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly … and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word and deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ” — Colossians 3:16–17 (NRSVUE)

While most know that I am not the best singer around, singing and music have for the longest time been used to worship God in meaningful and powerful ways. Just think about Easter Sunday and the season of Easter when we sing hymns such as “Christ Is Risen! Alleluia!” “Thine Is the Glory,” and “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today” that beautifully and powerfully proclaim the good news that Christ is risen!

I recently remarked at a worship service about how wonderful it is that St. Mark has five people who take turns playing the music we hear on Sundays. I asked them to share some thoughts about music and worship, and here is just some of what was said:

Judy Seymour: “There is no greater satisfaction to me than to hear the congregation sing out loud and strong on the old familiar hymns. Music is such an important part of worship and can touch our hearts in many ways.”

Lee Kolos: “Music has been an important part of worship for me as long as I can remember. I started singing in the junior choir as soon as I was old enough. … I can’t imagine regular worship without music. I feel music is a celebration and God’s gift to us!”

Karen Barner: “My favorite thing about playing music for St. Mark is singing with the kids. I am so blessed to be able to use my skills as a music therapist to share new and old songs with the kids.”

Lyn Horning: “I think of music as a way to tie everything together. In planning my music, I think of my preludes as setting the tone for worship. … I love to hear the congregation sing as I play, especially when it’s a familiar, lively hymn and we join together to make a joyful noise.”

Music and hymns are what many carry with them after a worship service, and, on May 10, St. Mark is doing a service where you can play a part in selecting the hymns for that day. During April, there will be a box in the narthex where you can write down your favorite hymn or a hymn you would love to hear, and place the card in the box. An email also will go out, and you can reply to it with your hymn selection. Since it also is Mother’s Day, Pastor David will talk a little about the five women who are mentioned in Jesus’s genealogy in the Gospel of Matthew.

Each Sunday, each day, but especially this time of year, is one where we can, with gratitude in our hearts, sing out loud and proclaim what Jesus has done! He has risen! What more beautiful words are there to hear?

Happy Easter! Christ is risen! Christ loves you!

Pastor David