Mark Katrick faith column: From the shower to Sunday service, don't be shy of singing aloud
On any number of occasions, I’ve written of my love for listening to all the great music on SiriusXM. During my high school years, I tuned into CKLW radio out of Detroit where Motown artists were frequently featured, like Smokey Robinson, who is now the host of “Smokey’s Soul Town” (Channel 74).
As a young man, I regularly participated in the Mass, whether it was as an altar server, liturgist, organist or playing the guitar. And as a pastor, I’m scheduled to preach and/or help to lead worship on 48 of 52 Sundays. So it should come as no surprise that I greatly appreciate this little yarn that Robinson told on air.
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When someone called him, “a great singer!” he replied, “If you want to hear great singing, go to church!” I would wholeheartedly agree. From choir anthems and cantatas and soul-stirring soloists to weekly hymns that guide and inspire to Psalms sung from the Psalter, sweet music for the soul is the glue that holds liturgies together.
For over six decades of my life, it has been a great joy and pleasure to hold my hymnal open and sing along (within the limitations of my voice range — five or six notes). I may squeak and squawk when a note is too high. And I may groan and grumble when a note is too low. But no one seems to be paying much attention, except for an organist who way back when said, “Believe him. He really CAN’T SING!”
In my semiretirement, I’m blessed to be serving a congregation that loves to stand with their hymnals open and belt them out. And for the first time since my voice changed eons ago, I’m more willing to do the same — joining the chorus and “making a joyful noise unto the Lord” (Psalm 100:1), each in our own special way.
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From the days that David was writing the Psalms (songs) to when the early believers broke bread and prayed (Acts 2:42), the best and the brightest music has emanated from and within our houses of worship.
In these days of dwindling attendance, this column could devolve into a mini-rant on how Sundays used to be and the vital importance of making regular connections with the Lord and one another.
So I’ll leave it at this: Is there a better place to throw your head back and sing (besides in the shower) than at Sunday (or any other day of the week) worship? It’s like turning up the radio when a long-forgotten favorite is playing and a sure and certain way to experience, RELEASE, RELEASE, RELEASE from the frustrations and stresses that life invariably brings.
And if you happen to be a visitor who is trying a church on for size and the members ask what made you choose them say, “I’m just shopping around” and “Smokey sent me!”
Mark Katrick is a pastor and spiritual guide.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Mark Katrick faith column: In the shower or Sunday service, sing aloud
