But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9
My ministry started off as a volunteer youth leader. Actually, first I was playing in a rock band that was asked to play some hymns in our rock n’ roll style. That invitation is what led me into the church building, as a drummer. After playing a few church gigs, and playing at regional and synod level events, the youth of this little church asked my girlfriend (soon-to-be wife) and I to be their youth leaders. I ended up reading the Gospels for the first time with these high school youth during Sunday school, and learning right along with them. I was about 24 years old at the time. As they say, the rest is history, and here I am today an ordained minister with multiple years and experiences of ministry.
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I am still thankful for the graceful approach of the pastor of that little church. He was full of grace and patience, and a firm believer in the priesthood of all believers. He was very gifted at launching “newbies” like me into ministry. |
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Martin Luther stressed the holy vocation of every baptized Christian to become her or his neighbors' priest, mediating to them the life-giving love of God. Only a few of us enter into the ordained calling of ministry: in leading the church. But everyone has a calling to proclaim the goodness, love and mercy of God to our neighbors. How you proclaim is up to you and your sense of gifts, talents and desires the Lord has given you. And I’m a firm believer, from my own experience, that many of us grow closer to God and to others by jumping into service and ministry without knowing much about the Bible or ministry. In fact, in my role as a hospice chaplain, the majority of people I meet have not read the entire Bible. Yet many of them have been faithful followers of Christ. It is always amazing what the Lord can do with a seeking heart and motivated person!
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May our Lenten journey include acts of love and service, as the priesthood of believers: reaching out to neighbors with cookies, smiles, helping with chores and simply opening doors! Amen. |
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The following is a fun chart of hymns to sing while you’re washing your hands. This practice has been emphasized in response to COVID-19, but of course is always a good lifestyle practice to maintain! (from Faith Inkubators/faithink.com) |
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As we embark on our Lenten journey, here’s a great song for kids and adults alike to sing along with!
“You Forgive Me”, from LifeTree Kids:
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Gene Fougner begins our worship with some drumming this Sunday, and is inviting kids and families to join him in this rhythmic adventure: |
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Look for drumming in worship at Emmanuel! |
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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. |
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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.
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Gene Fougner
Music Ministry Coordinator
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A Bible Verse for Today:
The Word became human and lived among us.
John 1:14
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Emmanuel Lutheran Church
7763 E.Long Look
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
PH (928) 772-4135 • FX (928) 759-3541
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