Singing God's Praises

Music has always been an important part of my life, and my spirituality. I grew up in a church with a strong music ministry, and I always felt more comfortable singing God's praises in the choir than in Sunday School. So when I was looking for a church home after moving to Cincinnati, an excellent music program was my number one criteria. I joined the Cathedral Choir seventeen years ago, and have been a member of the Praise Team since its launch in 2016. I cherish the friendships I have developed in both of these groups, and our weekly rehearsals and services are definitely time well spent. Long ago I found my connection with God through music; in both liturgical and secular music. The blending of voices in harmony feeds my soul and strengthens my connection with God. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Saturday, May 20, 4:00 pm

Church Sanctuary Leader: Ben Owen, Director of Music, at the piano

Followed by an informal fellowship hour

After singing a few stirring hymns in church on Sunday, do you sometimes find yourself with an “earworm”? As the words and melodies float through your head— demanding your attention while you try to carry on with your daily activities—do you ever pause to consider the power hymns have to affect your day? Hummed to ourselves, hymns may help us find a way to celebrate, grieve, pray, give thanks. Sung aloud with others, they gather power.

Build on that power by joining with friends and families from our church who treasure our Methodist music heritage and who have requested this afternoon be set aside for a one-hour hymn sing. Our versatile Director of Music Ben Owen will lead us from the piano as we sing hymns that cover a range of familiar texts and tunes.

In addition to sharing the joy of harmony and the delight of music resounding throughout our beautiful sanctuary, we hope participants will experience a shared moment of gratitude: for God’s grace; for wise parents, grandparents, teachers, neighbors, and mentors who prepared us and sacrificed to help us along the way; and for new and lifelong relationships made through church friends, Sunday school and choir teachers, ministers and staff, scouting, UMYF, and people sharing service opportunities.

All are welcome. Invite your friends, your family, and your neighbors. Just imagine the collective power of grateful voices singing praises to God. And surely, the afternoon sun will do its part by illuminating our magnificent stained-glass windows and radiating through our hearts.

2 Cans of cooked pasta or chili (14oz)

2 Cans of soup (Chunky, Progresso, or similar)

2 Boxes or bags of cereal

1 Plastic jar of peanut butter (16oz)

1 Plastic jar of jelly (strawberry or grape)

2 Large Rolls of toilet paper

2 Bars of Soap

1 Large tube of Toothpaste

Items will go to our neighbors served by Madisonville Education and Assistance Center and State Ave. UMC

Pick up a Project 5000 reusable grocery bag today to help feed our neighbors. A food list is attached to each bag. Please return your filled food bag(s) to the Social Hall. All food collected is shared with our ministry partners and will help feed individuals and families in our community.

We accept donations too. It costs about $25 to fill a food bag; however, any amount will help! Checks should be made out to HPCUMC with “Project 5000” in the memo.

For additional information contact Rev. Kate Smith at ksmith@hpcumc.org.