Scripture

Psalm 100:1-5

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness:  come into his presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him; bless his name. For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever and his faithfulness to all generations.

Story of Belonging 

“Here’s the church,
Here’s the steeple,
Open the doors, and there are all the people.”

As a child, this little rhyme always made me smile. Little did I know how meaningful it would become as I grew older. Over the years, I’ve walked through seasons of loss—the death of my parents, the death of in-laws, a serious illness of my own, and a serious injury to my husband. Through it all, the people of the church surrounded me with prayer, words of comfort, cards, meals, and countless acts of love and care.

Another reason I love the church is the worship experience itself. From the prelude to the postlude, every litany, hymn, sermon, and choral anthem weaves together a tapestry of praise to God. As a choir member, it is a privilege to help lead this offering of worship. One anthem begins with the words:

“All people of God, come worship the Lord!”

And that is what we do together, as one people—bringing our voices, our hearts, and our lives before the God who is faithful through all generations.

– MaryLynn Manley

Pondering:

What songs make you feel closer to God?

Which songs deepen your sense of community?

What songs inspire you to be the people of God in the world?

Prayer

God, You invite us to come to You with joy,
to lift our voices in song,
and to worship You with gladness because You are good.

May our lives sing of Your goodness,
even when the road is hard.
May we rejoice in seasons of abundance,
and give You thanks in all things.

For You, O Lord, are faithful — yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Amen.