Grace and peace to you — and happy summer!
Yes, it is officially summer this month! And to steal from Julie Andrews, the valley will be alive with the sound of music this season.
As I was looking ahead to the summer months at St. Mark and in the region, what struck me was the variety music that we will have opportunities to hear. This month begins St. Mark’s Summer Outdoor Concert Series with the Sugar Valley Band’s playing under the pavilion on June 21. The series also has Woody Wolfe on July 26 and the Parlor Pickers on August 30. Of course, it wouldn’t be summer without the Christians with Rhythm Choir. The group has its summer concert July 13 in the sanctuary.
Other musical events include the Nittany Valley Fellowship’s Spring Hymn Sing on June 2 at Walker Township Park and the annual summer concert series at Lamar Lighthouse Camp, just a few miles away from St. Mark.
Music is such a powerful presence in the world. It can build connections between different groups of people and break down barriers. Music also plays a role in our faith lives. Besides the gift of the Psalms, many hymns we sing (and even some secular songs we enjoy) offer as profound and powerful a theological statement than anything a pastor can say from the pulpit — just take some time to really read some of the lyrics to the hymns and you’ll discover true words of faith about God and God’s faithfulness toward us that is especially shown in Jesus.
Songs and singing offer ways for us to walk this life of faith together, whether in times of joy or times of lament. Jesus even sang a hymn with his disciples on the evening of his arrest. May this summer be one where we gather together with the sound of much music playing in our ears as the Holy Spirit sings of God’s love in our hearts and calls us to be the body of Christ.
Finally, while this is for the June newsletter, I am writing this prior to my surgery on May 29. Information about my schedule and when I hope to be good enough to return can be found in this month’s newsletter.
I want to just thank everyone again for their support and prayers during this time. Ever since I announced that I had prostate cancer, so many of you have messaged me, talked with me, sent me cards offering help and prayers. My heart is full of the love the St. Mark community has shown me and my family.
I, again, am thankful for fellow pastors Kevin Shock and Elisa Osman, who will be with you while I am recovering. And going back to the main theme of this message about music, the good news for everyone is both Pastor Kevin and Pastor Elisa are better singers (much better) than yours truly! So, you may have a chance to hear their wonderful singing voices while I am recovering!
Go in peace. Jesus loves you!
Pastor David