Sunday morning we attended worship at the Hillsong Community in London. This church meets in the Dominion Theater in central London. As we entered the auditorium it was clear that I was one of the oldest persons present in the sanctuary. The service began with very energetic music and a vivid light show as the congregation was buzzing in anticipation. One thing I noticed was that I did no know the songs but the congregation knew them well. They sang loudly! At several points in the musical portion, the instrumentalists and the praise team would stop and allow the congregation alone carried the music. There was electricity in the sanctuary as the singing rang out.
On Monday, we attended the evensong at the Westminster Abbey. This old sanctuary holds so much history but what struck me was the inspiration it produced, I stood amazed at the beauty of this structure. We were able to be one of the first few people admitted to the service so that we sat in the wooden pews right beside the choir. When the pipe organ peeled forth it’s first notes, I had cold chills and goose bumps. The choir lifted their voices in praise to God, echoing in an amazing acoustical environment.
I was struck by how both service utilize music as the primary vehicle for bringing persons into the presence of God. I was reminded of the words from Ronald Allen and Bordon Borror in “Worship: Rediscovering the Mission Jewel” talk of the value of music in the act of worship. They say, “The people of God have always been and will always be a people of song. If the enjoyment of song is gone, that is a symptom of a far greater disease. A congregation’s singing is not an absolute thermometer of their spiritual temperature, but it is one indicator. As Luther said way back in the Reformation days of the 16th century, ‘If any would not sing and talk of what Christ has wrought for us, he shows thereby that he does not really believe…’”
Contrasting styles of music but both offering the legitimate praise of a gathered people of God.
We worship a wonderful God who blesses us with so many varying gifts.
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Hey Bernie! Wow, it sounds like everyone is having a meaningful time. I would like to visit those places one day. We won the softball game tonight (we played the red shirts) score 12 to 5- very exciting! My neice, RaeAnna from Michigan age 6, is staying with us this week. We picked her up on our way home from Green Lake. We are having a fabulous time together. Tell the fam hello for me. Take care- jeanine:-)
ReplyDeleteDitto the exciting softball game. I seem to always miss when you have won this year. Betsy did a tumbling routine in honor of the win! I envy your worship experience. I have always enjoyed taking part but agree about not knowing the music. Make sure you take some pictures with no people, too. Sometimes people ruin a good view! Keep on keeping on! Becky :)
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ReplyDeleteI am pleased to hear that you got to an evensong service. I can just imagine that the one at Westminster Abbey was as beautiful as the one I attended several years ago at St. Paul's Cathedral. I don't remember much about the rest of the service but I do remember how beautiful and awe inspiring the organ music was. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Virginia
Your vivid description of the scene puts us right there. Praise God for music!! It has a way of getting to your heart like an arrow. David has started cardiac rehab!! Hurrah!! I am looking forward to more news.
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