This Sunday's worship will be a service of song and remembrance. We'll gather in the sanctuary to sing favorite hymns, chosen by members, and we'll also honor the memory of Blanca Raniolo's sister Nelly who died recently in Venezuela, and we will hold in prayer the families affected by this week's shooting at Annunciation Catholic School.

Martin Luther famously said, “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise" (Luther’s Works, Vol. 53). Hymn singing has been a vital part of Lutheran worship since the Reformation. But why is it so significant? A survey of readers of Living Lutheran suggested that hymn singing was a shared experience that formed connections and helped people articulate their Christian identity and faith. Others recalled how special hymns were attached to memorable events in their lives. "But nothing was made clearer than this: Favorite hymns become etched onto hearts, providing a prayer to sing when words escape us" (Living Lutheran, May 3, 2021). Such an understanding speaks to us today as we grapple with the sadness of the past week. Please join us on Sunday for our service of song and healing and remembrance.

For those who worship with us online, we'll be recording the worship live on Sunday, and the video will be posted on Monday. Find it on our YouTube channel.