Reformation Hymn Festival
One of the first books I read as a newly converted Christian was John Piper’s
Desiring God. Perhaps many of you have also read this book at some point, and maybe you were also struck by the phrase “Christian hedonism.” What Pastor Piper means by this phrase is that “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” One of the most visible ways in which we as Christians publicly and corporately express our delight in God is in singing his praises.
The hallmark of the Reformation was the recovery of true worship which emphasizes congregational singing.
Over the years, we’ve held numerous hymn sings and festivals at First Presbyterian Church. A “hymn sing” is exactly what it sounds like–people getting together to sing hymns. A “hymn festival” is a particular variety of “hymn sing” led by slightly larger forces, which in our case will be choir, organ, brass, and string quartet.
And because food and fellowship are also ways in which God’s people delight in him, some of the hymn sings involving food have had catchy (if not tacky) titles, a few of my more egregious offenses being “Hoagies, Hoops, and Hymns” and ”Meatball Subs and Matthew Smith.”
Here are a few logistics about next week’s congregational hymn sing which will take place in lieu of our normal Centerpoint activities:
- Where and When: Wednesday, October 23, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
- Food: Dinner will be served as usual from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. in Jackson Hall.
- Children’s Activities and Nursery: The nursery and Catechism Club for K4-2nd grade will open at 5:45 p.m. There will be no Mission Club for 3rd - 5th graders or Youth Bible Studies. All children 3rd grade and up are encouraged to join their parents for the Hymn Festival.
Most of the hymns we are singing are familiar, but there will also be two new pieces that are beautiful, joyful, moving, and fairly easy to learn. One of these pieces is Scottish poet Robert Burns’ poignant paraphrase of Psalm 90, set to music by Julian Wachner. The other is the hymn Redeemer of Israel, by Joseph Swain, set to a tune by Freeman Lewis, an 18th century Presbyterian organist from Pennsylvania and arranged by Mack Wilberg. The choir has recorded excerpts of each of these which are online on the Music Ministry webpage but will also be sent out through the app, so keep your eyes and ears open, and take just a few moments to listen in preparation for this event.
A hymn sing is most delightful and worshipful when we have a large body of believers lifting up their voices together. We encourage all our members to come make a joyful noise together, regardless of musical ability, as we praise our God together. We look forward to seeing you and singing with you, as always.
Dr. Daniel Cole
Director of Music Ministry
