Dukinfield congregation (Cheshire) making a Joyful noise to the Lord!
Dukinfield Moravian Church was definitely shouting with joy after a music packed day on Sunday 29th April.
Morning service began with a visit from the popular local ‘Rainbow’ Group, who are based out of St Chads CofE Church in nearby Romiley. This 8-piece group delivered a wonderful Service with excellent hymns around the theme of love. The reading was from 1 Corinthians 13, featured at many a wedding, and different versions of these verses were explored and brought to life before the congregation.
As well as singing, flutes, drums, guitars, tambourines and maracas all came into play and the set list included:
- ‘Father God, I wonder’ – as the warmup.
- ‘How deep is the Father’s love for us.’
- ‘The steadfast Love of the Lord.’
- ‘A New Commandment I give unto you’.
- ‘Here is love vast as the ocean.’
- ‘Great is thy faithfulness’.
- A very emotional and fitting end with ‘Amazing Grace’.
Many popular songs reflect on the theme of love – indeed the Beatles said ‘All you need is Love’ – but we were taken through the different ways that love works: Storge / affection and caring; Philia / Friendship and fellowship; Eros / romantic love; and then AGAPE the unconditional love from our Father. The first three can be encapsulated in the saying ‘You may not be perfect, but you are perfect for me’ – but the love of the Father is always with us and shown by our Lord Jesus Christ in its highest form. This does not count on our worthiness but is freely given to all.
We had a real treat for all ages; every member of the group took part in conducting the sermon so was a real testimony to proclaiming the Word with powerful performances. Not to be missed if you get the chance to see them in person and in harmony.
Later that day our local ‘Songs of Praise’ service also took place at Dukinfield. This annual event circulates round the town’s Churches all who have input into the chosen hymns. It’s a great way to share joint worship – and a look ahead to us all joining together again for the Whit walks. Everyone is welcome – Sr Gillian Taylor greeted all warmly. Representatives came the variety of Churches in the area such as St Mary’s Catholic Church, Dukinfield Methodists, Old Chapel Unitarian and St Marks C of E. Again, praising the Lord through fellowship, prayer and music was the focus with a reading from Genesis 1:14-19.
We enjoyed explanations for the reasons of today’s chosen hymns that encompassed choices such as: ‘O Lord my God (How great Thou Art)’, ‘Jesus Christ is risen today’, ‘Blessed Assurance’, ‘For the beauty of the Earth’ and ‘Lord Jesus Christ, you have come to us.’ The Grace was shared by all who attended with chance to catch up with friends old and new over refreshments. To quote from the final Hymn: ‘Jesus our love for you we sing, Living Lord.’
Sr Penny Weir
