February 13 Greetings

“What is truth?” Pilate asked. (John 18:38)

It seems our nation and the world in general can’t seem to agree on what is truth. We have a hard time receiving information from each other. We have difficulty having respectful conversations sharing our truths with each other. Instead we use memes and brief comments on social media to attempt to share how we feel and what truth we want to support. In fact it would appear that many say things on social media that they would never say out loud in person, in a conversation. People’s various corners on the truth have become divisive and the battlegrounds for power and “who is more right”.

It has always been interesting to me that Jesus did not get into a debate with Pontius Pilate about “what is truth”. I believe there is a great lesson here for our current culture, especially for those who follow Christ. And that is Jesus had already demonstrated daily with his life “what is truth”. He did not just pontificate from some great philosophical ivory tower somewhere. The WAY he treated women for instance was radical for that time period, and set in motion the release from oppression that women had been living under….and we are still following him in that mission today. The WAY he intentionally spent time with “sinners,” showing them God’s love, grace and acceptance was radical for a Rabbi to do…and we are still following him in that mission today. The WAY he opened up the Scriptures in his teaching, challenging the narrow scope and judgmental attitude of the religious leaders of the day….and we are still following him in that mission today.

I could go on. But to summarize, it seems as though the living of the truth is just as important as the imparting of the truth. The church, then, would be the place where both are happening. It appears that in 2021 most people are desperate to see the truth shown in love, in humility, and in acts of justice, mercy and compassion. That Christianity is not a political ideal, or a set of philosophical arguments…but a WAY of life that transforms the world through both small and large acts of love and sacrifice.

Pontius Pilate was caught up in a whirlwind of political and religious power at a fever pitch. So are we today. Let us answer his question with faith in action, following our leader to the cross.

It has often been said: music is the universal language, and music mimics the heartbeat of God. Music brings people together and can even bring healing and restoration. In that light, Gene Fougner has an awesome idea for our kids, youth and their families. Check it out:

Look for drumming in worship at Emmanuel!

As I thought of how we, as a congregation, could worship when once again gathered indoors without singing…at first I was blank. Well, we could hum through our masks indoors and that could be a new sound. At least we’d be participating in the hymn singing. I’ve been at churches that whistle the hymns, especially people who could not carry a tune with their voice. But that won’t solve our COVID issues.

Then it came! Drums! Ninety percent of the world uses drums in worship. And what do we humans all have in common? A heartbeat. There is much potential in using drums. Drums are also inviting and joyful. They can be used gently and also to get out anger. Hmmm, could this be a powerful emotional tool, as well? Drum circles are popular with many cultures. I enjoyed a drumming circle on the beach in California on Memorial Day a few years ago…wonderful! I came away with more energy, happiness and even a sense of belonging. The group of 200 was united through drumming, even though many languages and religions were present, we played in human unity. Folk music and drumming takes no musical training. Just listen to your heartbeat, then express it through the drum.

This is what I want to try at Emmanuel: start with family units calling us to worship each Sunday. We can start with one family and me in these short drum sessions, which will yield short recordings to start and end services with drums and familiar faces. We can gather in the sanctuary, socially distanced, each person having their own hand drum. I will lead and teach, and we will be videotaped as an introduction to our recorded worship services. When we start our services, we will begin with a soft, large “Heartbeat of God”. We will continue to add the heartbeats of God’s children…us.

I am inviting families to start this possible tradition. We have five drums to start with in various sizes. If you are particularly interested in drumming for worship, no matter your age, give me a call and I will get you involved. Each family unit will be contacted (this solves the social distancing problem we currently have by using family units) to drum together. Joyful drumming in worship is near. Listen for the call.

Gene Fougner

Music Ministry Coordinator