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 Hush! Somebody's Callin' My Name!

This Spiritual speaks to all of us as we consider the times and situations we live in. For God is always calling us, and so are his people. And even when we often don't heed the calls that will brinig us closer to God, the people we love, and the life we want - in His mercy, God continues to call us through the life, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, his only Son. My hope is that today's music reflects that!

This music for the 8:30 and 11:00 Choirs on October 15th is an arrangement written by Brazeal W. Dennard, and it features the "sh" on the end of the word "Hush" - you will want to listen for it. One of the phrases in this spiritual was originally "I'm so glad I found my freedom in time" - and that has been replaced with "I'm so glad I found my religion in time" - so as we sing this, think of your/our faith - our relationship with Christ, as freedom. And yes! Most definately - think of how the slaves were gaining freedom through the underground railroad, risking their lives for something better than malnutrition, beatings and no dignity; how God worked through others to provide freedom for those who were physically enslaved, and still provides freedom today through Christ for all of us who are enslaved to various things - addictions, oppression, persecution, prejudice and more.

"Hush!" is a song to remind us that God calls all people to freedom, to listen for God's voice - whether its in the southern swamps of the civil war era, where slaves listened for code songs or in the rooms or gatherings of our churches, or out in our lives in the world - where we can look and listen - and realize that many of us get caught up in discussions, systems or ways of living that take away freedom from others, even today. Thank goodness for a God who loves us, forgives us, frees us, and empowers us to share God's love with others. Thank goodness for the gift of music that helps us relate that to so many - to tell all peoples' stories of life in the mercy and love of God.

At 9:45 - Chris Morgan leads us in the song "My Redeemer Lives" - another song of hope and freedom for all. This text and variations of it have been sung in so many formats and styles, that we sometimes forget what a celebration it is to sing these words - my redeemer lives! I hope that your worship this week is inspired by all of our music as we gather together online and on site, connected by the love of God - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our time, word, service and sacraments.

Soli Deo Gloria!

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