This summer Michael will be preaching a sermon series: “Grace Notes: Singing our Faith.” It will take a look at the stories behind some of our favorite hymns, and a few you might not like so much!
They will be simpler (shorter!) sermons set in simpler services for summer Sundays.* We will hear the scriptures our hymnals suggest each song reflects. Each sermon will start with a few questions about how you and the rest of the congregation feel about the song. Then we will look at what we know about the hymn’s origin, history, transmission or development. And finally, something about how and why it is important to people in our worshiping community. Finally, we will sing the song, after the sermon each week, as our sung Affirmation of Faith.
Come to learn more about hymnody and music in worship. They are often the most direct ways that our emotions get tied into our worship experiences. You might want to make sure you are here to hear about your favorite hymns. Or come to learn something new about hymns you do not yet appreciate. Or come every Sunday for an extra reward!
Sunday, June 17: Of the Parent’s Heart Begotten
Sunday, June 24: Blessed Assurance
Sunday, July 1: We Would Be Building
Sunday, July 8: Because He Lives
Sunday, July 15: Many and Great, O God, Are Your Works
Sunday, July 22: There is a Balm in Gilead
Sunday, July 29: Be Thou My Vision
Sunday, August 5: Pass It On
Sunday, August 12: It Is Well With My Soul
Sunday, August 19: Come, O Fount of Every Blessing
Sunday, August 26: I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry
Sunday, September 2: Precious Lord, Take My Hand
*In trying to simplify our services for summer, Michael is also trying a few simple rearrangements. Nothing permanent or radical, so relax. Just wanted to try and see what it’s like to put some of the parts in a different order. At the end of the summer, Michael will ask for feedback.
