bout three and a half years ago we started having evening hymn sings and now continue to have them about every 6 months. Our focus was bringing people, especially those aged 55 and up, together to sing cherished songs they might not hear in more contemporary worship services. We cover around 25-30 hymns in just over an hour, moving quickly from one song to another allowing everyone to simply enjoy singing together.
Our November Sing had a special treat: Denver Berman joined us with his trumpet for a surprise performance. He has been with us in the past and everyone enjoyed him. Partway through the event, unannounced, he started playing the national anthem from the balcony. The congregation stood and joined in singing as he walked down the center aisle, creating an emotional, patriotic moment in honor of Veterans Day. We followed this with "God Bless America" and then recognized the service songs for each branch of the military. It was a powerful addition, and Denver even joined us for the last few songs, making the night memorable.
We regularly get requests for favorite hymns, with “Amazing Grace” topping the list. It seems to be a lot of people’s favorite but mine is “How Great Thou Art”. And while we can’t fulfill every request, the joy on people’s faces when they sing their favorites makes it all worthwhile. What I love most is seeing how God works through these events. Attendance has been strong, averaging between 125 and 150 people, with somewhere around 25% coming from other churches. These gatherings have become more than just singing—they’re a way to connect with the community and celebrate our faith together.
