Sing Hallelujah

Nancy and I just have gotten back from attending the dinner theater matinee of Sing Hallelujah! My first thought was how I wished that everyone that I know could have been there to witness the play and hear the music. The play itself was very well done about a pastor in his first church following seminary. His enthusiasm for his first church and his desire to praise God was met with dealing with church politics and church gossip. Rather than being discouraged he met the challenge issued to bring back three former members and restore them to the grace of God. He went to a local saloon and met with someone with a drinking problem who was a former member. He was sincere in the desire to reach out to him in love as in the hymn the 90 and 9. He also reached out to a divorced woman who did not feel comfortable returning to the church because of the fear of how others might judge her.
It was also an interesting contrast between the way one always does things and trying to do something new. It started with his first sermon which according to some was too short, not full of hellfire and brimstone, and short on God's judgment. What was amazing to me was not how this can happen in most churches but how the people came together at the end due to opening themselves to the grace of God.
The songs ranged from Amazing Grace, Do Lord, His name was Abraham, Swing down Chariot, the Ninety and nine, Joshua fit the battle of Jericho, Onward Christian Soldiers, Glory train and more. The music helped with setting the mood of the play and conveying the spirit (Holy Spirit) of the performance. The audience often were clapping their hands and there were a few tears including mine.
I am reminded how singing praise songs, even the so-called tradition hymns, can evoke one's emotions and connection with God. Music was part of times that disciples gathered together since the very beginning of the church. Music continues to play a role in the way we worship today. I came away inspired not just by the message that I heard but also by the songs that were sung as they were met to be sung with feeling, gusto, and exuberance. I would heartily recommend if you are in the area of Louisville KY go across the Ohio and go to the Derby Dinner Playhouse. It was wonderful. This was the last showing and I wished we could gather the entire cast to come our way.
A side note about the experience. There were several church groups who were attending and one of them was a United Methodist Church. Nancy and I went over and introduced ourselves and they were very welcoming. I was asked if Nebraska had a football team. I did mention what happened to Louisville. We shared about our churches and it was great to meet them. Another bonus with the connectional system. God Bless you all. Until later.