Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.
Psalm 100:1-2

My Grandma Marshall used to always say that she couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket. She would also say, when referring to Psalm 100, a joyful noise was the only thing that would come out whenever she would sing. She would give me a wink and laugh and laugh and laugh.

But I remember fondly the songs she would sing to me, “Itsy, bitsy, spider,” and “London bridges” are two that I recall from my childhood. She may not have had the gift for singing but she loved music, she loved the good ol’ fashioned hymns.

“Amazing Grace” was Grandma’s favorite and at her funeral, her kids, and grands, and other extended family sang it together as special music. I can’t hear or sing “Amazing Grace” without thinking about my grandmother.

Music is one of the greatest connections we have with God on a Spiritual level. On Sunday we will celebrate our next resurrection tip: Music is prayer.

My Grandmother would be pleased, because the focal point of worship will be those good ol’ fashioned hymns. Our very own Jan Kansorka and the bluegrass band she is a part of “The Monday Group” will not only be leading our singing but will share their music during the sermon time (I will be at Community Christian Church in Tempe as they install my wife, Rev. Trish as their settled Minister)!

May a song connect you with the Holy this week!

Brett