A MOMENT IN TIME

Hymn 401, The God of Abraham Praise; Hymn 691, My Faith Looks Up to Thee; Hymn 635, If Thou But Trust in God to Guide Thee; Hymn 473, Lift High the Cross--These were the last hymns we all sang together on March 8, 2020 before we had to go into lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic which gripped the world one year ago and which continues its hold on us to this day. These numbers have remained on our hymn boards in the sanctuary since March 8, 2020 holding a moment in time. They are a reminder of the last Sunday we were able to lift our voices in song collectively. The choir sang the beautiful anthem by John Stainer, "God So Loved the World" and we heard Adriana Portales sing the solo on the beautiful anthem by Leo Sowerby, "I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes Unto the Hills."

There are signs of pre-pandemic life all around us and we wonder when and if life will return to normal. What is the new normal? These numbers on the hymn board tell an incredible story which has been unfolding for an entire year--one of strife, of tears, of loneliness, and death. They also tell a story of hope, ingenuity, new-found opportunities, new adventures, re-awakenings, and new life. These hymn numbers remind us not only of what was but also of what will once again be! The day is coming when we will be able to lift our voices together in song without fear of spreading the virus. We will again be able to hear the beautiful sounds of the choir soaring over our heads as they sing the great anthems of our church.

May these hymn numbers give us hope for the future and promise that tomorrow will dawn anew. May seeing them each Sunday make a true difference in how we go forward with a renewed vigor and trust in the Lord. "The rain is over and gone, the winter is passing by. The time for singing has come, the clouds have parted from the sky..."

Tim Brumfield