So Will I Sing Series

In February, I will begin a new series for Trinity Church called “So Will I Sing.”  The series is a partnership among several United Methodist pastors in the North Shore area. 

It is based on Psalm 61:8 (KJV): “So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.” 

My clergy colleagues and I have selected one hymn and several verses of Scripture to develop our sermons.  We will take turns as guest preachers for the various congregations.  The participating congregations are in Deerfield, Glencoe, Northbrook, and Wilmette.

The songs that will be featured at Trinity include “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry” by John Ylvisaker (1985); “A Place at the Table” by Shirley Erena Murray and Lori True (1998); and “How Can I Keep from Singing” by Robert Lowry (1869).

The preface of The United Methodist Hymnal states that “hymn singing has been a vital and distinctive component of our worship of God.  From our beginning, we have been a ‘singing people.’”  We sing hymns because as we sing, the songs reinforce our biblical faith in God, raise our awareness of the wonder and suffering of the world, and summon us to be a welcoming community of compassion and faith.

Feb. 12

I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry

Isaiah 46:3-4

Feb. 19

A Place at the Table

Micah 6:6-8; Luke 14:12-15

Feb. 26

How Can I Keep from Singing

Psalm 22; Revelation 21:1-5