Sing-a-long and a smile on my face

The blue hymnal does not have a New Year's section as such. It has several hymns which refer to the changing of seasons and the changing of the years.

Last Sunday was the first Sunday of the new year. Instead of choosing one I talked to Pastor Hunter about doing a sing-a-long of four. With his permission I planned that, but was scared about the whole thing. This meant, I understand it, that I would direct the singing with my voice very informally. This is a congregation used to singing along with the organ. Maybe that would be called organ-a-long.

Two tricks up my sleeve as I flicked the mute off on my portable mic--just one verse each hymn and pitch them much lower than written. This was, afterall, at 9 in the morning when voices don't like going very high.

What I heard was a new sound to me. It sounded spontaneous, rising up and benefiting from the great acoustics. It sounded like the people were hearing their congregational voice.

Hearing their congregational voice. That's the starting point for church music. One builds from that. It's not an ingredient one adds to a rich stew of piano or organ or orchestra.

While I saw the beauty and success of what was happening, I guess I'll have to check with people who want all the lyrics on the screen. I wanted the lyrics on my face, in the books, and on their hearts. At moments like that, the screen moves down the list of tools doing the heavy lifting. I'll listen to what others say.