I completely agree with you. And I also believe in repetition… having some hymns and other spirit songs you know by heart. Ask any group of religious educators what happens when someone starts singing “Come, Come, Whoever You Are” …
The UU hymns are a big reason I've remained affiliated with Unitarian Universalism. I found that at my former church, the music started switching from the hymnal to anthems from Broadway musicals and pop songs. I love musicals and pop songs, but it's not what I want to hear in worship.
A former music director started a lovely practice of regular weeknight gatherings where we sang our way through Singing the Living Tradition. Everyone was welcome to come and sing. As a "non-singer" I loved and felt empowered by this practice. My off-key voice blended in beautifully in a group. One of my core beliefs is that we are more powerful together than individually: the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Singing is an example of that higher power.
I completely agree with you. And I also believe in repetition… having some hymns and other spirit songs you know by heart. Ask any group of religious educators what happens when someone starts singing “Come, Come, Whoever You Are” …
The UU hymns are a big reason I've remained affiliated with Unitarian Universalism. I found that at my former church, the music started switching from the hymnal to anthems from Broadway musicals and pop songs. I love musicals and pop songs, but it's not what I want to hear in worship.
A former music director started a lovely practice of regular weeknight gatherings where we sang our way through Singing the Living Tradition. Everyone was welcome to come and sing. As a "non-singer" I loved and felt empowered by this practice. My off-key voice blended in beautifully in a group. One of my core beliefs is that we are more powerful together than individually: the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Singing is an example of that higher power.