Imagine that you love someone desperately and deeply, but you’re physically separated from them. You might ask them, “How can I let you know that I’m thinking of you and love you?” For God, part of that answer is, “Sing to me. Make new songs. Play instruments.” —Ruth Richmond, Associate Worship Pastor
At Woodland, one of our favorite ways to sing our love to God is with the help of our choir. The choir brings together a beautiful cross-section of our community including a 58 year spread in ages! We thought it would be fun to ask our oldest choir member, Jerry (75) and our youngest choir member, Lydia (17), their thoughts on being part of Woodland’s choir.
How did you get involved in the choir?
Jerry: Music has always been a big part of my life as a source of solace and a way to express my feelings. When I surrendered my life to Jesus it seemed only natural to dedicate to him this gift that had kept me safe and sane. After joining Woodland, I eventually worked my way onto one of the worship teams, and then had the privilege to join when the choir assembled!
Lydia: When I was in 8th grade, I had done piano lessons for five years and decided that I wanted to use my musical gift to serve the church. My mom encouraged me to talk to Ruth Richmond, who helps lead the music ministry at Woodland, about joining the children’s worship band once a month. After a few years of playing keyboard for Heroes Gate, Ruth asked me about singing in the baptism choir, and I was really excited! I remember feeling so fulfilled singing with other Christ-followers because worship music has always been my direct connection with God. After the first baptism choir, there was talk about doing a choir in the main service. At our first rehearsal, when I heard all of our voices singing together for the first time, I knew that God was truly in the room, hearing our praise.
Why do you think music matters in the way we connect with God?
Jerry: God is a master designer and engineer. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God and the sky above proclaims his handiwork”. Everything God creates is a masterful work of art including the sounds that every creature and creation makes – there is music in the wind whistling through the trees. We as his image bearers are an integral part of the symphony of sound that proclaims his handiwork. As members of his Body and his Holy Spirit we create a synergy that I believe angelic beings and the “great cloud of witnesses” join in! A choir amplifies this both audibly and visually.
Lydia: I have found that worship music has helped me learn Bible verses and write them on my heart, to pray when I don’t have the words to say, and to praise God throughout my day. Worship music often serves as a reminder for me to be conscious of God working in my life, and to be grateful for the blessings he has given me. When we host the choir in our worship space, we encourage our congregation to worship alongside our main singers. They say that when people sing together, their hearts all beat together as one; I believe that when our church congregation sings praise together, our hearts are beating for the Lord.
How does helping lead worship impact your own faith?
Jerry: Being a worship leader allows me to participate in the creative aspects of this synergy that is ultimately led by the Master Conductor. At times I also feel like one of the sheep that the Good Shepherd placed a bell around the neck of so that, as I follow him into the loving throne room, my fellow sheep will also enter into the joy of his manifest presence! What a privilege to actually hear and feel “the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen!”
Lydia: Leading worship is a way that I can be very outward about my faith. My greatest fear is someone being surprised to learn that I am Christian, because I want my actions and my words to reflect Jesus in every aspect of my life. By leading worship, I am not only connecting with God through lyrics, but I am also proudly declaring my love for him to our congregation.
What would you say to someone interested in joining the choir?
Jerry: Try it out, because even if you’ve only sung in the shower, choral singing is one of the best ways to strengthen your voice. More importantly, you’ll find yourself around kind and loving people of God who will welcome you and grow along with you both musically and in Christ.
Lydia: Do it! Even if you think that you aren’t “good enough,” as long as you love music and you love singing, joining the choir is a great way to get involved with the church, and it is a very low commitment. There are never too many people in a choir, especially a church choir! There is no one too young or too old; no matter who you are, you will be welcomed with open arms.
That’s the truth—whether you are 17, 75, or anywhere in between, the choir has a place for you! We have more opportunities to sing in the choir coming up. If you are interested, contact Ruth at rrichmond@whchurch.org.
