Dear Friends,
“Sing to the Lord” -Psalm 96:1
I feel that the music during our services can make a difference in our level of worship. Whether we are singing out loud or quietly, hearing a beautiful hymn, anthem or familiar service music can make us feel as if we have prayed twice, as the old saying goes. I am always thankful for the outstanding music program that we have at Manakin Church, and I am especially appreciative of Rita and the choir members for their hard work and commitment to bring us the fullness of each service during Holy Week.
As you are receiving this newsletter we are making our way from the pageantry of Palm Sunday to the festive celebration of Easter Sunday. Sometimes I think that it would be nice to go straight from the parade of palms and the singing of “All glory laud and honor” to “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” on Easter morning. We could skip right over the Passion reading, the Last Supper, the betrayal by Judas, the abandonment of the Disciples, the Stations of the Cross, the pain, the suffering and Jesus’ death on the cross. But I believe it is necessary for us to experience this week, and I hope that you will participate in the services either in-person or online. I feel that we must know the anguish of the journey to the cross to fully understand and appreciate Easter. The singing, the joy and the excitement of Easter are more fully experienced when we take this trek with Christ.
Knowing that every hymn and anthem is especially chosen to compliment the lessons of each service, may we sing along and feel the Spirit moving within us.
Blessings,
Gini+