Christians throughout the world sing Pentecost hymns in celebration of Pentecost Sunday, the seventh Sunday after Easter. This celebration commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles following the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.The Pentecost, by El Greco (1541-1614) WikiArt.orgNew Testament Eyewitness AccountsEyewitness accounts from the New Testament book of Acts, […]
Continue readingTo Members of the Faith Music Connection community,From Dr. Larry Frazier A New NormalThankfulness and gratitude! 2020 has been a year like no other. The pandemic, along with political and social discord, leaped into our lives. In response, we have greatly altered the ways we gather for worship, sporting events, weddings, funerals, or even for […]
Continue reading2020 is a year of world-wide pandemic. It is also a year of severe political discord and civil unrest in the United States of America.Now, several days after the general election, some results are still in dispute. Riots broke out in several cities while officials counted the votes. Legal challenges before final results are certified […]
Continue readingSunday, June 14, members of my local church shared a special blessing that binds us together—in person worship! After a three-month break because of the COVID-19 pandemic we gathered in the sanctuary for our traditional liturgy. But this was no ordinary service. Observed Social Distancing GuidelinesWe observed “social distancing” guidelines regarding seating. There was no choir. […]
Continue readingThis post is the first of a new series considering traditional hymns in contemporary worship. Each week we will consider a traditional hymn and connect it with a contemporary worship song. The connection may be through lyrics, scriptural references, historical or current cultural, political, and religious conflict, performing artists or musical performances.All Worship is ContemporaryAll […]
Continue readingThe whole world is at war. Not the kind of war where nations throw their armies and weapons against each other in desperate attempts to destroy and dominate. No, the enemy is invisible, but its deadly casualties reach every nation on earth. Whole sectors of the economy are shut down. People shelter in their homes, […]
Continue readingWorld-Wide PandemicIn addition to taking thousands of lives across the world, COVID-19, has changed the way we interact with each other. Social distancing has become the norm as we hunker in our homes to avoid contact with others who may be infected. We can’t go to work, except for jobs deemed essential. Sports of all […]
Continue readingThis week is Holy Week, 2019. Our focus is on a great hymn of personal devotion and commitment. “Just as I Am” is our Hymn of the Week.” Charlotte Elliott (1789-1871) is the author. Ironically, though born into a family of devout believers, she doubted her own personal faith.Just as You AreCharlotte Elliott was the […]
Continue readingReview: Chris Tomlin – Come Thou FountGreat contemporary Christian artist, Chris Tomlin has offered wonderful contributions to Christian and Sacred Music in bridging contemporary and traditional styles. One example is his arrangement of “Amazing Grace” in which he sings this universally known traditional hymn just as it was written. But he also adds a contemporary […]
Continue readingAnd You Thought You Had it BadDid you ever have one of those days when everything seems to go against you? Maybe you have misplaced something important (or trivial). You spill coffee all over the counter as you pour yourself a cup. Next, you trip as you carry your plate across the kitchen. The plate […]
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