I grew up singing in church choirs. Before I could read words, much less music, my parents sat proudly in their pew of Kirkwood Baptist Church beaming at me singing “Jesus Loves Me” with the Cherub Choir. From being a cherub, I went on to sing in many church choirs. Singing with others is a true delight as voices meld together in beautiful four-part harmony. While I suppose there’s a place for the unpleasantness of the 7-chord in the major key, I’m not a fan for clashing dissonant musical tones.

I prefer harmony, and I am a proponent of “transforming disharmony” within families, communities and even churches. Problem solving with the hope of achieving harmony is something I’ve learned to do well. But the truth is that sometimes there isn’t a harmonious path. Sometimes life contains conflicts that we cannot always transform. Accepting this reality, however, doesn’t mean we can’t still love the other.

I’m not sure why this is on my mind today. I think it may have something to do with Mother’s Day and the dissonant relationship I had with my mother. She died last summer agitated and resentful. Not one of us could fix her life the way she wanted us to. Nonetheless, I love her. Love, as you will hear on Sunday, is the theme of our gospel--God’s love for us and God’s commandment that we love one another as Christ loves us.

I look forward to Sunday and our first in person indoor worship! And while, as the congregation, we won’t be able to sing, we will enjoy hearing the hymns sung harmoniously by a small ensemble. Don’t forget you’ll need to pre-register through Eventbrite and you will need to wear your mask.

Peace and blessings,

Jenny+