Sunday, November 07, 2010

NaBloPoMo 7 - Music

Today we hurried up to church to be there earlier to help set up. We
had some guests from Prodigal Son Ministries
http://www.prodigalson.org.uk/ coming to speak about their work
providing mentoring to young men leaving a young offenders unit in
Bristol. Through their Friends On the Out mentoring scheme, they
provide the young men a chance to meet up once a week with someone who
can be a listening ear, and help them adjust to live outside, such as
helping with job applications. Without the scheme to chance of someone
re-offending in the 80% range, with it, it falls to around 50%. Still
not ideal, but it certainly seems to make a huge difference to those
who participate.

The service was the All Age Service, so we had a more informal
structure, and better than usual music. I do find good music helps me
connect with God, and I trotted over afterwards to sing Before The
Throne of God Above as Debbie played it on the piano.

(Worship band version - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8dlg5yBywo )

(Better Choir version, though sound is lesser quality -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7oR9dqbhAA&feature=related )

(Lovely Version - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5GdzZxdLEE&feature=related)

Upsetting amount of penal substitution in this song, much like In
Christ Alone, but the tune is just so beautiful I love to sing it with
simple piano accompaniment. I think the whole band thing in worship
can sometimes detract from the fabulousness of some hymns.

We did a fun song at the start of the service as a call to worship
with parts, the men singing a deep booming "Ohmm" noise, and simple
words overlaid. Something like that is lovely as a gathering hymn,
getting the congregation engaged. A favourite of mine for this is:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fJV01Ik1pM?wmode=transparent]

SO JOYOUS!

What are your favourite gathering hymns, and why?

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