Thank God For Good Music
I believe music is a big part of our praise and glory to God and of Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church.
“Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul,” said Martin Luther. Of course, he never heard intense rap or loud rock ’n’ roll!
Still, the great reformer of the faith was correct. What other art can so quickly soothe us and bring us inner peace?
Bernard Berenson put it this way: “On the wings of music we soar above and beyond nature, farther than any other vehicle can carry us.”
King Saul often became depressed and inwardly tormented. Some of his servants thought he could find relief by listening to music. The king heard about Jesse’s son David, who skillfully played a lyre (some translations read “harp”). Saul sent for David and heard him play. Saul was so helped by the music that he asked David to join his court.
Thus we read in 1 Samuel 16:23, “Whenever the evil spirit … came upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand, and Saul would … feel better” (NRSV).
What songs and hymns have that same effect on you?
The Gift of Music
I wish to see all arts, principally music, in the service of Him who gave and created them.
Music is a fair and glorious gift from God. I would not forego my humble share of music. Singers are never sorrowful, but are merry, and they smile through their troubles in song.
Music makes people kinder, gentler, more staid and reasonable. I am persuaded that after theology, music is the only art capable of affording peace and joy of heart … the devil flees before the sound of music almost as much as before the Word of God.
—Martin Luther
Eau De Hymnal
Jonathan Acuff, author of Stuff Christians Like, reminisces about what church smells like to him: “that odd bouquet of faded red or blue hymnals, old yellowed paper and slight undertones of hand sweat.” He laments that worship music “splashed on video screens” lacks a scent.
Acuff dreams of creating a cologne and perfume that smell like old hymnals. “In the meantime,” he writes, “I think I’m going to find a small church and roll around in a bunch of hymnals when no one is looking, like Scrooge McDuck in his money vault.”
Acts of God
Unexpected “flash mob” musical performances have sprung up in public places such as airports and malls. Philadelphia’s 600-member Opera Company scattered among Macy’s crowds and broke out in the “Hallelujah Chorus.” A university choir did the same at a Fargo, North Dakota, food court. Groups have also performed impromptu renditions of “Silent Night,” “Amazing Grace” and well-known secular songs.
These events have been called “random acts of culture,” but they might better be called “purposeful acts of God.” Through music, we can praise God anywhere. Whenever Christ’s disciples move beyond church buildings and Christian gatherings to share the gospel, God is surely at work.
To Worship Is To Sing
The worshiper who sings … drinks more deeply of the message of the hymns. The gospel as found in our hymns is the same as that in the Scriptures.
The worshiper who sings … becomes more deeply involved in the service; less of a spectator and more of a participant.
The worshiper who sings … draws more closely to those who worship with him.
The worshiper who sings … expresses faith by lifting his or her voice in praise to God.
The worshiper who sings … upholds the service, making it finer and richer for fellow worshipers, the pastor, the church and God.
Praying Twice
According to legend, the early Christian theologian St. Augustine of Hippo said, “He who sings prays twice.” (The Latin wording is actually “He who sings well prays twice,” but more on that in a moment.)
Singing, a common element of worship, is a handy way to help children pray.
My 6-year-old, who loves to sing, was surprised and delighted when I told him a praise song he’d just learned could also be his bedtime prayer. He sings off-key, forgets some words and doesn’t want help from Mom; he just sings his little heart out.
But what of older churchgoers who stay silent during hymns, fearful that they don’t sing well enough? Forget the Latin translation! Long before Augustine, a psalmist wrote, “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands!” (Psalm 100:1, KJV; emphasis added). Why not pray twice today?
—Heidi Mann
Announcements
Sunday School – 8:30 AM in the Community Building
Choir Practice Every Wednesday at 4:00pm
You may reach Pastor Joe at 570-465-7303 or his cell #570-267-4570
Saturday, August 9th – Pancake Supper Benefit for Roger Singer – serving at 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm.
Adults – $8.00, Ages 5 to 10 – $5.00 and under 5 free. Call for reservations at 570-967-2327 or 570-396-3862.
Saturday, August 16th – Family Supper, 5:30 pm in the Community Building
Tuesday, August 26th – Newsletter Deadline
If anyone would like to send a card to Lillian Ames (Ken Post’s sister-in-law), her address is:
44 Twin Oaks, New Milford, Connecticut 06776
The Choir will be taking a break for the summer. If there is anyone who would like to do special music, please let Joyce Printz know.
Greeting Cards – Once you have enjoyed any cards that you may receive, don’t throw them out. Please tear off the front of the card and give them to Bonne Travis, as she uses them for projects. They can be birthday cards, Christmas cards, Easter cards, or cards of any kind. Thank you!
Prayer Shawl Ministry – We have several shawls ready. If anyone knows of anyone in need of one, please let Carolyn White know. Also, if anyone is interested in making shawls at home and wants to donate them to this ministry, please give them to Carolyn White for distribution. Thank you!!!
Loose Change Offerings
1st Sunday – Local Missions
2nd Sunday – Local Missions
3rd Sunday – Kenya/Rev. Malaho
4th Sunday – Building Maintenance
5th Sunday – Habitat for Humanity (whenever there is a 5th Sunday)
Jim and Marcia Perkins are looking for honey bee to fill in for their winter loses. If you see a swarm, please call 570-967-2634 and let them know. A swarm is a clump of bees hanging from a bush or tree while scout bees look for a new home. They will come and get the bees and move them to one of their empty hives. Also, Jim and Marcia have take a class through Cornell University about feral, (wild) honey bees living in trees or building. These bees have some how adapted to our cold winter, pests and diseases. If you know where there is a bee trees with bees in it please let them know. They want to study the bees and see it there is something unique about them.