Let your sermon be your song

To the Editor:

I was pleasantly enlightened of your article in yesterday’s Observer of the Hymn sing that was conducted by the churches in the Milo-Brownville area. I am a South Jersey summer resident of Dover-Foxcroft and am greatly interested in hymns both listened to and on occasion, sung by myself and the group I have the pleasure of vocalizing with, “The Yesteryear Singers.” Our group is led by Lew Dow Sr. who conducts seasonal and inspirational sings throughout this area, including nursing homes and our own home-church, Dover-Foxcroft United Methodist Church. It is made up of volunteers from the general area who enjoy the privilege of sharing of many kinds of songs.

Hymn sings are a very popular activity in my home area on the shores of Delaware Bay and are conducted once a month from October to June and they help to break up the “Winter Doldrums” that close in on us during this period. It even evolved into a friendly competition; complete with a nice banner that is proudly displayed by the winning church.

I might add that there are many denominations of churches involved and it excludes a feeling of camaraderie among all who attend and sometimes food and coffee is served afterward. We are privileged at Dover-Foxcroft United Methodist Church to have a “Singing Sunday” on the 4th Sunday of every month which is enjoyed by all who attend.

We are fortunate to have a pastor, Mark Stevens, who has a good voice and a good sermon. Not everyone can preach a sermon but most everyone can lift up their voices in song and it can be their “sermon” and their sermon can be their “song”.

In these trying times, we need all the inspiration we can listen to!

Ray Henderson
Dover-Foxcroft