First Baptist Church of Herndon

A New Song

Linda Soller | Apr 21, 2014

The choir at our church is not very big. We’ve been blessed over the years with wonderful directors, some of them paid and others graciously volunteering their time.  The directors were always very talented. The size and makeup of the choir itself has varied greatly. What we lacked in numbers we made up for in enthusiasm. I’m particularly enthusiastic, because I need to make up for a real lack of skill. I don’t play an instrument or read music, but I have to say I can sing really loud, which they rarely seem to need me to do. Fortunately most of the others are gifted and enthusiastic.  Anyway, we currently have a talented young man directing our small group. We weren’t sure what he’d think of us at first. One night at practice he informed us that we would be singing several songs in four part harmony, and oh yes, also in Latin. We knew then that we’d all get along because he was obviously as crazy as the rest of us. I really thought he was joking. Gradually over a few months he’d maneuvered us into our sections, taught us funny sounding vocal warm-ups, introduced us to a variety of terms and techniques, and sure enough he had us singing in Latin.

Easter morning is always special to me. We have a sunrise service followed by a breakfast and then our regular 10 o’clock service. Yesterday was no different really; a visitor would not have noticed anything out of the ordinary, but I did. At the regular service the choir entered the sanctuary walking down the center aisle singing Gloria Patri in Latin without using our sheet music. That’s right, we had memorized the piece, harmony and all. This may not seem like a big deal to you, but it was a big deal to me.

Our young director came to our church with a vision. He offered an opportunity for each of us to rise to the occasion. If he doubted our ability to reach the goal he didn’t let it show. Suddenly our little band of singers, accompanied by our gifted musicians, became a choir. Don’t get me wrong, there won’t be any recording deals headed our way.  We could really use more members.  And I’m not saying the choir had not made a valuable contribution to the worship experience in the past.  Over the years each director had brought something special to the job and made us better. What I’m trying to say is that there seemed to be new life in our singing. 

Easter is all about new life, the life that rose out of death with Jesus’ resurrection, and the new life that is spring time. The fact remains that achievement of new life is often preceded by struggle. Spring arrives this year after a long harsh winter. Jesus experienced incredible suffering, dying on the cross, so he could rise again, offering us life eternal. Looking back I would not compare the efforts of our choir to the winter and certainly not to what Jesus experienced, but we did struggle at first. We had to work hard, overcome our insecurities, step out of our comfort zones, and accept the challenge. Was it worth it? I’d have to say yes. With renewed energy and confidence we feel we can bring something new to worship, something a bit unexpected, something that cries out in four part harmony – God is working in this place.

Have a great week :o)    Linda