Dear Hot Metal Family,
"Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord" (Psalm 68:32).
It's almost cruel that so many of the Psalms encourage us to sing our praises during this time when we're apart. Not only because singing in worship now is dampened by the internet capacity of Zoom...filled with quality issues and delays, but also because scientific research tells us that corporate singing should be one of the last things to return when we eventually gather together. As a singer and life-long choir member, hearing such news has been one of the harder moments of this pandemic. It was a reminder that the effects of how we've managed this virus will have long-lasting and ever widening ripples.
And yet, music still continues to ring throughout creation. I will admit some of my favorite TV shows are "The Voice" (which Tim finds incredibly silly and rarely watches with me) and "The Masked Singer" (which is objectively even more silly and yet Tim watches religiously with me). Both shows had their finale this week. Both were celebrations of the power of music and song. Both demonstrated that music has the capacity to convey power and emotions through seemingly impossible barriers.
Perhaps that is what people of faith need to remember. That our inability to gather together to sing does not stop the reason for singing. The God who is the source of our song, the giver of our voice, is still at work in the world, and still delights in hearing us. So even if it's while you're muted on Zoom during worship, or while you're doing dishes, or humming along on your socially distanced walks, I hope you find ways to sing and give voice to the praises and thanksgivings that are still around us every day.
In Christ,
Pastor Erin
Unlocking Us: Podcast Discussion Group//
These unprecedented times can be taxing on our mental health. Login with us to learn and practice evidence-based coping strategies through mindfulness meditation with Luke Watson, LPC. Saturdays at 9:00 am starting this week on May 23. Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/91914176444No password needed Join HMBFC in Anti-Racisim Work: The work of anti-racism and declaring that #BlackLivesMatter does not take a break in quarantine. Join members and friends of Hot Metal in a Facebook group where we engage in discussion and learning about how to be better white allies in the journey toward an anti-racist society. Request to join the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/391536268196657/ , and be sure to stay tuned for future book groups discussions, events, and advocacy opportunities. _________________________________________________
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Please stay connected. Go to our website for various links to our Facebook, YouTube, and Zoom Gatherings. |
