Awenydd

Now to get on with the Chicago life…

Our time in Carbondale was a great blessing, as it always is.  The conference on Church Music was very good—helpful, informative, thought provoking, and entertaining.  Bill Hoover is wonderful person who loves the Lord and loves music of all kinds.  And that must be why I liked him so much.  We had a whirlwind runthrough of 3,000 years of Church music, from Miriam’s song to the Psalms of David to 20th century contemporary hymn and song.  To condense a two day conference into a very brief and simplistic summary (horridly unforgivable, I know), all Christian music has its place.  Depending on the nature of lyric and musical composition, that place may or may not be in the worship service (liturgy) of the Church.  Some music is better suited for more casual fellowship, and there is certainly nothing wrong with that.

The ball after the conference was a lot of fun as well, despite the fact that it was only the second time I’d really danced in my life (the chicken dance at German town, Epcot, does not count), and I made plenty of mistakes.  It was a consolation of sorts that I was not the only one making mistakes, and whether or not you did your steps perfectly was really not at issue.  The point was simply to get to know people and have fun.  Which is exactly what we did.  Also, this year I was able to relax and take things at a more leisurely pace.  I did not feel under obligation to join in on every dance.

Every time I visit Carbondale, the real highlight is always the worship on Sunday morning.  Great conferences, fun, and dancing aside(nothing wrong with those, of course), there is nothing more refreshing than the life and vibrance of the service at Cornerstone Reformed Church.  They do their liturgy with gusto, they sing with heart, and they worship God with their whole being.  It is a wonderful thing to be a part of.  And I continue to hope and pray that God will bless his people in the Chicago area with such a church.