As a part of the lead up to the new choir season at St. Simon’s, I’ve been sharing weekly writings about the power of music and singing. I thought I’d share these writings here as well.

Hymn writer Susan Palo Cherwien writes:

“Singing together is one of the most important things the Christian community does together in worshiping God. We sing into ourselves, into each other, into the universe, holy stories, holy truths, wisdom, beauty. We are shaped into one body by singing together holy songs. We begin to vibrate together. We are changed. Into what are we being shaped by the songs that we sing?”

Studies show that when we think, meditate, pray, and SING thoughts of love, compassion, and care, the spindle neurons in our anterior cingulate cortex grow and multiply, and we actually become more compassionate, loving people. When we sing together as a congregation, we are, in a sense, singing our way to compassion and love.

Choir member Charlotte Weber says:

“Singing is a renewing and joyful experience for me. I feel that music brings people together in an almost magical way. I have been fortunate to become friends with many amazing people in choir as well as experiencing the healing that music and singing bring to my soul. No matter what, I always feel better after I sing!”

Each Sunday every one of us has the opportunity to be shaped, changed, and transformed simply by singing in the greatest choir of all- the gathered assembly- the congregation at Sunday morning Eucharist.