Worship through Song

Anglicans don’t have a strong music tradition, we have a strong worship tradition that includes singing. It’s not the same thing. And it is not just songs and hymns to sing, but deep and profound biblical truths expressed in the highest form of worship and praise known to humans. When we sing, we are expressing back to God what we know of his character, what he has revealed to us, and then how grateful we are to be in the presence of such a God. He is the audience and we are the players, and the audience is thrilled to be intimately included and pulled in, as the beauty of holiness begs to be released to fill the earth. Worship without singing is possible, of course, but it’s lesser. I am always amazed to see folks who refuse to give themselves to God in this way. It’s possible to stand there and hear people around you sing, “From our sins and fears release us; let us find our rest in Thee” and this prayer in music not touch us in any way. Possible to hear the words, “Yet she on earth hath union with God, the Three in One, and mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won,” and the church know nothing of the experience of union with Christ. Just like every lesson read and sermon heard, every hymn we sing is an opportunity to engage the heart of our God and to be lifted to where he is in the heavenly places with thankful hearts.

Chuck Collins
Interim Rector

“He [or she] who sings, prays twice.”
– attributed to St. Augustine