“…be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart…” – Ephesians 5:18,19 

Of all the things we do on Sunday mornings as we gather for worship, the most unusual might be singing together. During the rest of the week most of us don’t often have the opportunity to sing with others, but if you’ve spent any time in church you know that it is a fundamental part of corporate worship, as it has been throughout the church’s history. Some passages of Paul’s letters in the Bible seem to come from early hymns that the church sung together. From early on in the life of the church, the heightened speech of singing has been a fundamental part of addressing and praising God. We sing to and about God precisely because it is unusual.

Many of the songs we sing at COTC have roots that are themselves ancient, with words taken from Scripture and reflecting the creeds we say and believe. I’m grateful for Tyler and Krista and their faithfulness in choosing songs that turn us toward Christ and remind us of the Gospel. This is important work that they do thoughtfully and prayerfully.

The songs we sing have the power to shape us; music is formative. As we sing songs of adoration that are rooted in the truth of Scripture and the creeds, we are shaping ourselves in the truth of who God is and what He is doing to renew and restore us and all of creation. I often find myself recalling the words of songs and singing them to myself through the week, a sign that the words are being embedded in me. This too is part of why we sing.

This Sunday we will sing, but things will be a little different. Tyler and Krista are both away on much deserved breaks. In their stead we are privileged to have Micah Bruce, who leads worship at Providence Church, join us. Micah is a gifted musician and worship leader and I’m excited to have him lead us as we continue on in proclaiming the truth of who God is, in song. So, please welcome Micah this Sunday with bold and full-throated singing, and when Tyler and Krista are both back, please take a moment to thank and encourage them in their service to us.

In Christ,
Peter+