A glimpse of heaven

Before too much more time goes by, I'd like to write a little about the music at "Look In, Shout Out!" - the first ever national gathering of Presbyterian women in Canada. This event took place May 20-23, 2011 in Richmond Hill, ON and attendance exceeded initial expectations with registration around 540 people. Our worship leader was Glen Soderholm, ably assisted by a 4 piece band and a few others on occasion.

It's hard to know where to begin! The music was well-presented both in format and selection. I enjoyed participating without having to play. There is joy and strength in worshiping in such a large group - an opportunity I rarely have. We learned some new pieces together, which is always a joy to me, and sang old ones in an updated way, breathing new life into them.

Sunday morning worship began with a processional hymn, the traditional "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty" led by Glen and the band. The procession was led by Rev. Margaret Mullin, Thundering Eagle Woman, director of Winnipeg Inner City Missions, who joined the band playing her Indian drum. She was followed by women from many parts of the world - our international guests - from Hungary, India, Guatemala, Malawi, Scotland, Korea and Japan. (I've probably missed a couple countries.) As we got to about the third verse and I watched these women of God come forward, I suddenly had a glimpse of heaven with people from all nations gathering around God's throne singing and praising God with words very much like this hymn. It was an extremely meaningful moment in worship which I think will stay with me for a long time to come.

You can't beat live music!

This post, strictly speaking, is not faith related. However, it does have to do with music! Twice in the space of seven days, I've attended live music events. It doesn't get much better than that for me. As a musician who is more often than not sitting on the bench playing, it is a real treat to listen to others for a change. Last weekend, I was at the first ever national women's conference put on by the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Saturday was a 'free' evening with various events to attend. I chose the concert at the conference hotel with fabulous music by two groups: Clan Hannigan, led by Steafan, and Lost Pilgrims. A most enjoyable evening of music and entertainment.

Tonight I went to "Spring Fling", an annual fundraiser for the band program at my son's school. The music was provided by the jazz bands - one band per grade, Gr. 9 through 12 - and an alumni band. Once again, great quality music and really good entertainment.

These two very different events held 1,200 miles apart made me think about the power of music in our lives. It would be easy to take music for granted. After all, we hear it nearly everywhere we go - the grocery store, the airport, traveling in the car, etc. I can hear a song from a certain time in my life and be instantly 'transported' back to that year (1970 something?) and sometimes even a specific place where I was when I heard it.

Now, just for a moment, think about how this relates to the pieces we sing in worship. The staying power of words and music is phenomenal. Words of faith and statements of belief can be planted in our hearts and minds using music and be used over and over to assure us of God's love and plan for us. I say, bring on the music!

The greatness of God

Don't be frightened away! I'm not planning to attempt to write all my thoughts on the greatness of God. It's just that I've been reminded once again how many hymns and songs we sing proclaiming God's greatness. If you've been following my blog, you'll know that I have a couple concerts coming up next week and in preparation for them I've been doing some research. In my concerts, I talk a little about the background of the pieces I'm playing - whether it be about the author or composer, or my own connection to the song. Next week's program includes 5 previously unperformed pieces and three of them embrace this very topic. They are: Our Great Saviour, Great is the Lord, and How Great is Our God. The respective publication dates of these pieces are: 1910, 1982, and 2004. It inspires me to know that songwriters, over all the decades and centuries that pass, are still finding new and creative ways to praise God. Why don't you come and hear for yourself?