Sing On Ye Joyful Pilgrims
I grew up in a small church of Christ in rural North Carolina. I can recall the size of the congregation being somewhere around 120 people, most of which were relatives. In fact, in many cases I never the difference between those who weren't actually relatives and those who were. Nonetheless, one of the things I remembered most about growing up in that little church was the fact that everyone loved to sing. Beyond any discussions of doctrine, theology, or worship practices, people there simply found pride in singing together.
In fact, I remember many occasions when a family would host a "singing night". Someone would swing by the church building, pick up a stack of hymnals, a truck load of folding chairs, and after a delicious cookout, 20-30 people would begin singing in together in four part harmony for hours.
I'll be the first to admit, I didn't always care to sing. I was much more fascinated with playing hide-n-seek, kickball, or jumping on the tramp-o-line with other kids. Still, those were nice moments in my past. I was happy. I felt safe and I knew other than my parents, there were 20-30 other people who loved me and cared for me too.
Looking back today, that was "church" at it's best. The singing may not have been anything impressive and maybe I wouldn't choose to sing the same old songs today, but every time I hear singing similar to those nights, I smile on the inside. It wasn't about the singing. It was about the time spent together. Those are memories I'll cherish forever.
Here's a song that reminds me of those days..."Sing On Ye Joyful Pilgrims."
3 comments:
My home church occasionally had something similar to that. We always had potlucks at the church whenever the many choirs would have a special evening or we would gather with some other local churches and sing songs by request. When I finally got brave enough to request a song, I would request "Here I Am, Lord" and "Hymn of Promise," because both had fond memories attached to them for me. :) I am not familiar w/ the one you mentioned.
Hi Ben. I was surprised to have a comment on my blog and even more surprised it was from you! I am not the best at keeping it updated and have only told a few people about it. It was nice hearing from you. Phillip, Ellen and I live in Thompsons Station...I did not realize we live kind of close. I read a little on your blog and agree that this is the best time of year. My co-workers are not really into basketball, which is disappointing, but they all commented that I am a lot happier during the tournament than any other time. Maybe I need to be happier in general...but the point is, March Madness is the best pick me up I know of. Carolina is playing now. I hope they do well. My bracket is busted-I had Duke beating Carolina in the final game-but I am still excited about the rest of the tournament. Well, I am glad to know about your blog. I will keep checking it out.
Alaina
And don't forget about the fun games like stoplight that we played in the auditorium while everyone else were fellowshipping elsewhere!
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