This month I would like to share 3 musical stories and a song with you…
Where words fail, music speaks – Hans Christian Andersen
I was recently given the opportunity to go on a training course at Westminster Abbey. I learnt so much about our rich, choral tradition but better than what I learnt was what I experienced, something that is so hard to put into words. It is found in the sound of the boy choristers soaring to high notes with ease, and in the sound of complex harmony. It is the moment when the final note ends but the echo continues to circle above you, raising your eyes and your thoughts to heaven. It is the experience of singing the national anthem on the very spot King Charles was crowned and recognising the music of history present. Beautiful music, offered in worship…
Have you ever heard music that has made you raise your eyes and your thoughts to heaven?
Music is life itself – Louis Armstrong
As the beats of the drum signal the start of the track, I wonder how many times this reggae song has been played in our church. It is a popular choice in funerals, clearly a song that means a lot to many people. ‘Don’t worry ‘bout a thing…cos every little thing’s gonna be alright.’ There’s a lot to worry about in the world, the news is filled with disasters and sadness. No wonder people need to be reminded of this. We read from Philippians: do not worry about anything, instead, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. At this moment of loss, as families gather to say goodbye to their loved ones in church, we need to hear this instruction…
Do you have a favourite piece of music or song that you listen to when things are tough?
Music can change the world because it can change people – Bono
I could see there were a few nerves present, when they got up to the front, but as soon as they started to sing the smiles appeared. Last Sunday was BlesSINGs Children’s Choir’s first performance in front of others, singing a song as part of our all-age service…and they did brilliantly! We heard every word, enjoyed the actions they were doing, listened to young, enthusiastic voices echoing round our church building…our worship was made better through their contribution. And we considered the words of the song they sang, that the church is not a building but the people who are following Jesus. I cannot wait for the next one!
What experiences of music did you have as a child?
There is love that moves a mountain, there is love that beats a drum
There is love that fights for justice knowing justice won’t be done…
But there is love that makes a cup of tea,
love that loves both who you are and who you want to be.
Love that waits for you when you fall behind, that’s the kind of love I hope you find…
Gretchen Peters 2018
Rev Emma
vicar.allhallows@gmail.com
07561 59616