Dear First Church,
I cannot remember a time in my life when I didn’t have a song — or at least a part of a song — in my head. Sometimes it’s music with words, sometimes just a melody, and sometimes just a rhythm, but it is never quiet in my brain. It was just a few years ago that I realized that everyone’s brain isn’t like this, that some of you get quiet moments, or don’t have a running soundtrack. Sometimes I wish for a bit more silence, but most days, I’m so grateful for the constant music in my head and the ways it makes my life richer and more meaningful.
This week in worship, we will celebrate our amazing music ministry, while also taking time to consider the power of music in our faith and in our lives. I imagine the music at our church is one of the things you love most — and many of you articulate your gratitude for the musicians quite frequently. But it’s good for us to stop and consider why it makes such a difference for us, and why Christians have worshipped through music since our very earliest days. We’ll use Psalm 150 to center our reflection, and of course, we’ll have lots of music. I look forward to singing — or at least listening — with you!
With you on the journey,
Pastor Elizabeth