Haslingfield Methodist Church
SINGING OUR FAITH
Methodists like to sing their faith. This is largely because of the influence of Charles Wesley who wrote many well known hymns. Charles was brother of John Wesley, founder member of Methodism. Charles wrote several thousand hymns and it is said that "The early Methodists were taught as much through (Charles's) hymns as through sermons and (John) Wesley's pamphlets. The most recent Methodist Hymn Book in the UK, called 'Singing the Faith' (2013) has over 70 of Charles's hymns, including "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", "And Can It Be", "Oh for a Thousand Tongues to Sing". "Love Divine All Loves Excelling", "Jesus Lover of My Soul", "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" and "Rejoice the Lord Is King".
On 17th October 2015 Members at Haslingfield Methodist Church organised an afternoon and evening of Singing OUR Faith at Castle Street, Methodist Church, Cambridge. Below is a photo and article on the event along with a link to a 10min video clip. If you like to Sing YOUR Faith - why not join us.....
Singing OUR Faith
An uplifting afternoon and
evening of singing was enjoyed at Castle Street Methodist Church on Saturday 17th
October. Three sessions, using the ‘Singing
the Faith’ hymn book, were led by Organist and Choral Director Robin
Walker. He began by revisiting some old
favourites, to learn the harmonies afresh and help us sing parts with
confidence. Robin then explored new
music for the forthcoming festive season – Advent, Christmas and New Year. For the third session we moved to singing new
and nearly new songs that will undoubtedly become ‘old favourites’ in the
future. Some of the songs were requested
by those attending. Robin was accompanied
during session 2 and for the worship by Phil Howie on guitar, percussion, flute
and piano.
Over 80 people registered for
the day; about half from the Cambridge Circuit plus others from as far afield
as Felixstowe, Norwich, Watton, Warboys, Kings Lynn, Rutland, Peterborough, Hitchin and places between. In addition to Methodists there were
Anglicans and Baptists. It was delightful to learn how passionate many
participants were about singing their faith.
The event culminated in time
of worship led by Revd Alison Walker with an address by Revd Catherine Dixon,
formerly of Cambridge, now Presbyteral Minister in Kings Lynn. Catherine preached from the Psalms and
reminded us of the importance of singing in faith over the ages.
The inspiration for the event
came from members at Haslingfield Methodist Church and their minister Revd
Alison Walker. Haslingfield and Castle
Street members ably provided and served refreshments for the event. Thanks were expressed to Castle Street for
providing an excellent venue for the day. Thanks were also extended to Phil Howie for
his accompaniment. There was a buzz of
happiness at the end of the day thanks to Robin’s inspiring and light hearted
leadership and for making our time together such fun, but especially for the
opportunity for people to sing their faith, in Christian fellowship. If you are aware of churches wishing to host
similar events, Robin Walker’s contact details can be found at: info@theorganist.co.uk.
