5/5/09

Dear St. John Members and Friends,

What is your favorite selection of Christian music?

In Scripture we are called to praise God in song, and told the blessings of songs or hymns. Psalm 96 and Psalm 98 tell us to

“Sing to the LORD a new song;”

Colossians 3:16 tells us,

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”

Music can praise the Lord and teach and encourage God’s children in their faith.

So, what is your favorite sacred music? I have found that I like old hymns. Right now I am listening to “Precious Memories” a CD of old favorite hymns recorded by country singer Alan Jackson. Another one of my favorite hymn recordings is called “Hymns Triumphant.” I have recordings of the Valparaiso University Choir, the Concordia River Forest Choir, and the Concordia Seminary Choir (and many others).
Recently I have found a contemporary artist, Fernando Ortega, and I really appreciate his recording of “O Sacred Head Now Wounded” from his CD, “Hymns and Meditations.”

I’m not much of a contemporary music person, but a number of years I found real joy in listening to Twila Paris, especially her “Heart that Knows You” CD. I also enjoyed Steve and Annie Chapman, and Michael Card. Those are older contemporary musicians by today’s standards, however.

You cannot go wrong in listening to classical sacred music either.
Every Christmas and Easter I listen many times to The Messiah, by George Fredrick Handel. I am not sure how many Bach recordings I have.
Perhaps my favorite Bach piece of all time is “Sheep May Safely Graze.”

That is quite a wide range of music!!! But, my experience is that what goes into my mind and heart influences what comes out of my mouth and life. Martin Luther is reputed to have said, “He who sings, prays twice.” (See Philippians 4:8)

What IS your favorite selection of Christian music? Why not answer this e-mail and let me know?! I might enjoy listening to music that blesses your soul. We can share notes.

A child of God whose faith is blessed by Christian music,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. Please remember that Christi Crux (Cross of Christ), the traveling choir from Concordia University Portland, will be providing a concert of sacred music at St. John on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. They will also be helping to lead worship on Mother’s Day, May 10, with their music.
(We could still use a couple of housing opportunities. Please call Judy at St. John if you can help.)

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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ - I am sending these e-mail messages,
hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have. (I am always adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.) However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.

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THANK YOU to all who helped us surprise Pastor Allen and celebrate the 50th anniversary of his ordination. Sunday was a good day for all concerned! Praise our Chief Shepherd, Jesus, the Son of God.

“THE PRESENT FUTURE – SIX TOUGH QUESTIONS FOR THE CHURCH” by Reggie McNeal is the Bible Class now being taught by Pastor Rockey on Sunday mornings in the area outside the kitchen. This video series looks at the change in our society and possible church responses. This week May 3, we look at the fourth new reality, ‘The Return to Spiritual Formation.”

WOULD ANYONE LIKE TO HELP CARE FOR AN ELDERLY MEMBER OF ST. JOHN? Anna Mae Shackleford’s daughter, Cindy, is looking for someone to help care for her mom during afternoons that Cindy works. I have one volunteer.
Let me know if you can help!