Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it. — I Corinthians 12:27
As you read this, Music Gift Fund Sunday, October 30, is just days away. It is a celebration of NUCC’s music, and through your gifts, the Ministry of Music can provide creative, professional, and worshipful music each week. I am in awe of the generosity of this faithful congregation.
Like every organization, the Sanctuary Choir has evolved and will continue to change. Recently, a church member asked me who are those young people who sing in the choir. My first response was, “a blessing.” They are students from Florida Gulf Coast University majoring in vocal performance, music education, instrumental performance, or pursuing music therapy degrees. They all sing in the choral program at FGCU and are paid section leaders who sing with other volunteers in the choir. They come from various religious faiths, and a few are non-believers. Are they there just because they are being paid? Maybe, but I do not think so. They are not only growing as musicians, but also in their faith by our example. And this is our opportunity to include all these young people in the body of Christ.
We rehearse each Wednesday for two hours. I must admit it is my favorite two hours of the week. How blessed am I to work with such a fabulous group of singers! You might ask how we sound as well as we do. Well, I have a secret! It is unified vowels. All vowels must have the same shape to tune! You may find that interesting. We all come from various backgrounds but when we sing, we must find unity to be successful.
Our church is like that. There is on old anthem entitled, We are One Lord.
The opening text, written by Stan Pethel, begins “We are one Lord, united in the spirit. We are one Lord, surrounded by your love; we are one Lord, one of heart and soul, gathered as your children we are one.”
Is Naples United Church of Christ a welcoming congregation? I think so, but we can continue to find ways to welcome people of all walks of life. Maya Angelou wrote, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Prayer Focus: In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
Prayer: God, help us to remember that no matter where visitors are on their life journey, they are welcome at our church.