On Sunday afternoons, it's hard for me to want to do much else, but this past Sunday, we decided to make the effort to go to a hymnfest at the local Lutheran church in Arden, where we live:
It was a great event. Mary Louise (Mel) Bringle, the hymn writer, was there, and it was interesting to hear her insights about how she wrote the hymns. For example, she told us about writing a hymn for Christmas and trying to be aware of the fact that Christmas is not part of a cold season in the Southern hemisphere; in parts of Australia, Christmas is a holiday of picnics and sunbathing on the beach. She talked about realizing how there aren't many hymns that talk about all of creation, the flora and the fauna (or "critters" as she called them).
She presented each hymn, telling us the way she came to be writing the song (someone sent her the music or she realized a lack), then she spoke about the composing process for a few minutes, and then we sang them. It was a good mix of her insight, our singing, and special musical presentations. There was a festival choir, a violinist, a guitar player, and handbells.
It was great to sing, great to explore new music, great to have something different on a Sunday. We usually spend Sunday "visiting" other worship services or just watching a variety of programs and shows.
Even better, we had a chance to see friends we don't often see, because of my work schedule. I worry that by the time I'm retired or working less, I won't have as many friends as I once did--we're none of us getting younger. Sigh.
Let me focus on the good, though. Let me rejoice that there are opportunities to gather and sing and learn about the process of writing a hymn.
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