The writer of James reminded us this week that it is by being doers of the word that we bring faith to fruition. This Sunday we saw faith done up in every conceivable musical genre as we celebrated a Music Sunday filled with the talent of members and friends. Rev. Kent preached on all that we hold within us not being able to defile us, but that if we cannot bring God’s love up and out, what have we really done? We’ve been hearers, but not doers. Similarly, if we who know the deep joy and deep justice God hopes for, keep the good news of a loving God to ourselves we allow others to defile such love with overtones of hatred and discrimination. The music rising from instruments and voice this morning strengthened us for this work. Many blessings to all who help us pray with dance, sing with heart, and work with power. Here is the prayer offered by Dale Barlow. May it be a blessing to you the whole week through:
Busted strings, tone-deaf ears, heart-broken melodies, the screetchy attempts at unfamiliar tunes: all these we bring before you in a symphony of imperfect praise. We are not always well-tuned to your graces, Lord, but we are so very thankful. Through you, sweet melodies come from surprising instruments, and all our mis-fingerings, rise in a joyful cacophony celebrating the life you intend. So grant us more practice time, and resolve our dischords. Lift our melodies and our hearts. Heal the aches–inside and out–that keep us from playing well, and grant that all who hear the music of our lives might know the melody of a loving God. –Rev. Kent Gilbert
For a glimpse at the service click below. Help us appreciate the many musicians who made today so powerful.
Streaming video by Ustream
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