Faith Lutheran in Carthage, MO, held an event which drew 100 visitors. Nothing flashy; no gimmicks; just an old-fashioned “hymn sing.”
Pastor Tim Buelow says the idea sprang from the organ concerts held in the past, at which hymns were also sung, and conversations with people around town who missed singing hymns since their churches had gone the “non-traditional” worship route. Then a fortuitous meeting (while shopping at Sam’s Club) with the religion writer for two local newspapers led to a full-page article picturing Tim and his wife, Sara, singing from a hymnal.
In addition to a couple dozen members, 100 people came for the Sunday afternoon hymn sing. “Many were talkative over cookies and coffee after the hour-long event, some saying ‘Please, make this a monthly event,’” Pastor Buelow reports. “Had I been quicker on my feet, I’d have responded, ‘We’re Lutherans. We do this every Sunday!’”
Plans are in the works for another hymn sing on the fourth Sunday of Advent, at which Advent and Christmas hymns and carols will be sung. Pastor Buelow remarks, “I don’t know what will come of it, but anything that brings 100 visitors to church to sing God’s Word is a success in my book.”
