Make a Joyful Noise

“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord”

Psalm 100:1

Dear Friends,

Joyful noises enter our lives in myriad ways. We may find joy in the sound of a cooing infant or the first notes of a Mozart horn concerto. We may find joy in the crack of the bat on Opening Day or the whir of a coffee bean grinder. We may find joy in hearing church bells ring or a horse whinny. Joyful noises abound in our lives when we have ears to hear them.

I’ve been thinking about joyful noises this week as the sounds of construction have begun emanating from our Parish Hall renovation project. I realize that drilling and hammering may not be at the top of your list of “joyful noises” — and I admit I escaped to my favorite coffee shop to write this article.

But just as there are many varieties of joyful noises, the sounds ringing out around our campus feel particularly joyful. They serve as audible signs that vision is becoming reality. For if the church itself is the beating heart of our common life, the Parish Hall is a vital organ. It is the place where we gather and come together as a community, where we learn, worship, and grow spiritually.

This project is not just about making things prettier (though it will!). It is about elevating a primary space where we build community by connecting with God and one another.

Now, lest you think this is the only joyful noise happening around here these days, I’m looking forward to our season’s final service of Choral Evensong this Sunday at 4:00 pm.

In the meantime, I encourage you to reflect on the noises in your life that bring you joy. Some may be louder than others; some may be more melodic. But I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we gather together to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord.”

Peace,

Tim+

PS. Don’t forget! This Sunday we return to our Summer Schedule of morning services at 8 & 10 am.