Sunday, February 26, 2006

Just Singing in the Van

Jim and I went to the Acappella concert last night at Southern Hills and it was great. Jim hadn't heard of them before so it was ALL new to him. One the guys now is from Bham, Alan Brantley, Gary Brantley's son. It's always nice to see folks from the old homeplace. They have such a unique sound - unlike anything on Christian radio. It leans toward the old Stamps-Baxter songs. They all follow a familar pattern but the men have tremendous voices and I was taken back to Camp Wyldewood. We loved Acappella's music back then and we memorized all the songs.

I have been thinking of our tradition of acappella music alot lately. There's a whole unity thing going on that is seeking to put us (COC) more in touch with our instrumental brethern (a word you never thought you'd see on this blog!) I'm a music fanatic. I can have a good day based on the last song I heard or I can struggle all day with a horrible song stuck in my head. I listen to the contempory Christian station here in Abilene and have fallen in love with so many of these songs. My kids sing along as much as I do. We worship together every day with "Cry Out To Jesus" or "Famous." Or whatever comes on the radio that Mommy belts out! I am convinced that it's just a matter of time before we have a guitar (much hipper than a piano) in our public services.

I know my kids will probably wonder what all the acapella stuff was about. They'll say they enjoy that sometimes. Me, too.

6 comments:

Sarah said...

One of SHCC's worship leaders said once that "Sure it's a wonderful tradition -- and it's my job to be sure it's a tradition worth having." There are so many songs that I prefer acapella. Basically, all of them. Sorry, I probably won't come to the service with the guitar, but I'll love you anyway when you go.

Steve said...

I tend to agree with your assessment. It looks like Shannon & I are going to be visiting with a instrumental church for a while. I have a great fondness for accapella singing but it is not the only thing to consider in a church family. I like Guitar better than organ personally.

Anthony Parker said...

Jim had never heard of Acapella? That is shocking, but somehow so cool.

Tammy M. said...

I love our Sunday morning singing. I love how when you are little in church and you are listening to the harmonies and trying to figure out which part to sing. I love that when we sing "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" that you can almost picture those high notes reaching heaven. Those are just 2 things that I miss when there are instruments involved. In the times that there has been some sort of accompaniment around it seems the center of the noise is the instrument. I find our singing at church (not mine specifically mind you) such a blessing, all those basses, tenors, altos, sopranos, together making such sweet music. I love it.

AbbieCRAZY said...

Christy, where are you?

Anne said...

I am sad that I missed the concert...you know how much I love good singin'. I love both acapella and instrumental for different reasons. It seems that music is my most intimate form and time of worship...when I feel nearest to God...and there have been times in my life when I just couldn't bring myself to sing. But what I also love the most, is that our children are drawing nearer to Him too, through the music at church, and the music on the radio. Natalie will listen and try to sing along, and then afterwards, will ask what that song was saying about Jesus...I love it!

Sing-On Sister! :)