Edith K. Thurmond
29th June 2008, 04:52 PM (16:52)
Note: This is an upfront gentle reminder that this thread is not for discussing the pros and cons of displaying flags in churches nor the pros and cons of U.S. churches that choose to observe Independence Day in their services. It is merely my sharing with you the lessons that have been learned this particular day.
The Highlanders, our state's premier pipe and drum corp, graced our church service today with their annual appearance in honor of Independence Day in the U.S. It is a much anticipated event and one always replete with several observations that can be applied to our spiritual lives. The corp members were dressed in one set of their summer uniforms with the drummers and pipers having different colored plaid kilts.
The sacred music before the service was played by them as they stood outside the main entrance into the church and their sounds softly ebbed inside and we waited, with anticipation, the blessings we knew would follow. One of those beautifully played songs was Jesus Loves the Little Children.
During the Procession of the Pipers, Choir and Clergy, we sang the hymn, God of our Fathers, which is one often used for national days. The precision the pipers displayed while leading the procession was almost exquisite in its execution. After arriving at the chancel area, the pipers and drummers exited and we continued with our service liturgy. After the sermon and offeratory anthem by the choir, the pipers returned and there was a dedicatory blessing prayer for the pipes, drums, and the musicians that all would be used for the glory of God. They played another familiar hymn, Amazing Grace, and we then sang the national anthem which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Chief of Police. The pipers again exited until after the Holy Communion.
At the end of the service, they returned to the chancel area and played the hymn, Materna (O beautiful for spacious skies....), for the Recessional which was followed by Highland Cathedral as the Concluding Voluntary. Both were joyful and beautiful and the pew packed congregation sang with great thanksgiving and praise.
Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant, we beseech thee, that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain these liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Lessons learned from observing The Highlanders:
* Every drummer and piper has his eyes on his major at all times. Every movement, every note, every action of any kind was only done at the leading and instruction of the major.
Almighty Father, help us to keep our eyes and hearts focused on you so that every movement of ours will be ones that you orchestrate for the good of all. Amen.
* Even though the musicians were in uniforms, there were individual variances such as the different colored kilts mentioned above. The cords and tassels that hung from the back of the pipes were in various colors with some being red, others green and more still grey. Other slight differences could be noticed but the whole reflected unity. There were 9 pipers (including the pipe major) and 4 drummers plus the drum major. There was a bass drum, a tenor drum and two snare drums with each one being a different size. The two snare drums were played with wooden drumsticks while the other drums were played with wool-covered mallets. The tenor drummer played his with flourish (twirling the mallets into the air throughout the song) while the other did not. Again, differences with the whole reflecting unity and harmony.
Almighty Father, may the various gifts and talents that you have graced us with be seen for their uniqueness while, at the same time, be used to reflect your glory and the unity of your Kingdom. Amen.
* One drummer was age 82 and still marching and serving his corp while enjoying every minute of it. There was a continum of ages represented.
Almighty Father, help us everyone to continue in faithful service to you and our fellow men all the days of our lives and do it with joy and gratitude. Amen.
One verse that stuck in my mind as a prayer for the United States is from the hymn Materna:
Verse 2: O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife,
who more than self their country loved and mercy more than life!
America! America! God mend thine every flaw,
confirm thy soul in self control, thy liberty in law.
With thanksgiving and prayers,
The Highlanders, our state's premier pipe and drum corp, graced our church service today with their annual appearance in honor of Independence Day in the U.S. It is a much anticipated event and one always replete with several observations that can be applied to our spiritual lives. The corp members were dressed in one set of their summer uniforms with the drummers and pipers having different colored plaid kilts.
The sacred music before the service was played by them as they stood outside the main entrance into the church and their sounds softly ebbed inside and we waited, with anticipation, the blessings we knew would follow. One of those beautifully played songs was Jesus Loves the Little Children.
During the Procession of the Pipers, Choir and Clergy, we sang the hymn, God of our Fathers, which is one often used for national days. The precision the pipers displayed while leading the procession was almost exquisite in its execution. After arriving at the chancel area, the pipers and drummers exited and we continued with our service liturgy. After the sermon and offeratory anthem by the choir, the pipers returned and there was a dedicatory blessing prayer for the pipes, drums, and the musicians that all would be used for the glory of God. They played another familiar hymn, Amazing Grace, and we then sang the national anthem which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Chief of Police. The pipers again exited until after the Holy Communion.
At the end of the service, they returned to the chancel area and played the hymn, Materna (O beautiful for spacious skies....), for the Recessional which was followed by Highland Cathedral as the Concluding Voluntary. Both were joyful and beautiful and the pew packed congregation sang with great thanksgiving and praise.
Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant, we beseech thee, that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain these liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Lessons learned from observing The Highlanders:
* Every drummer and piper has his eyes on his major at all times. Every movement, every note, every action of any kind was only done at the leading and instruction of the major.
Almighty Father, help us to keep our eyes and hearts focused on you so that every movement of ours will be ones that you orchestrate for the good of all. Amen.
* Even though the musicians were in uniforms, there were individual variances such as the different colored kilts mentioned above. The cords and tassels that hung from the back of the pipes were in various colors with some being red, others green and more still grey. Other slight differences could be noticed but the whole reflected unity. There were 9 pipers (including the pipe major) and 4 drummers plus the drum major. There was a bass drum, a tenor drum and two snare drums with each one being a different size. The two snare drums were played with wooden drumsticks while the other drums were played with wool-covered mallets. The tenor drummer played his with flourish (twirling the mallets into the air throughout the song) while the other did not. Again, differences with the whole reflecting unity and harmony.
Almighty Father, may the various gifts and talents that you have graced us with be seen for their uniqueness while, at the same time, be used to reflect your glory and the unity of your Kingdom. Amen.
* One drummer was age 82 and still marching and serving his corp while enjoying every minute of it. There was a continum of ages represented.
Almighty Father, help us everyone to continue in faithful service to you and our fellow men all the days of our lives and do it with joy and gratitude. Amen.
One verse that stuck in my mind as a prayer for the United States is from the hymn Materna:
Verse 2: O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife,
who more than self their country loved and mercy more than life!
America! America! God mend thine every flaw,
confirm thy soul in self control, thy liberty in law.
With thanksgiving and prayers,