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Over the past few days, there has been traffic in and out of our sanctuary. Those who are coming and going are distinguished organists from the American Guild of Organists. They have asked if we would host a recital, they are recording highlighting our beautiful tracker organ. We will let you know when the recital is released.

I have greeted some of them as they come and go and they all leave enthusiastic about the caliber of our organ. They are so excited to play this great instrument.

The A.G.O has tuned our organ for the recital. I am happy to report that the instrument is in good shape needing some minor repairs.

Almost three decades ago, the church needed to make a decision about the pipe organ which was failing due to its age. The decision was made to replace it with our current organ built by Charles Ruggles of Ohio. It was a good decision and the members of our church dug deep into their pockets to build this amazing organ.

God is glorified week after week as the organ sounds forth the glory of God in music. We are blessed with a gifted musician, Akiko Hosaki who brings us the best the organ has to offer. Not only that, but she arranges concerts and recitals like this one from the A.G.O. so the powerful instrument sounds forth God’s glory.

I celebrate the generosity of the congregation thirty years ago that gave us this musical legacy. It is a reminder of what we today pass on to the next generation.

1. When in our music God is glorified,
and adoration leaves no room for pride,
it is as though the whole creation cried,
Hallelujah!

2. How often, making music, we have found
a new dimension in the world of sound,
as worship moved us to a more profound
Hallelujah!

3. So has the church, in liturgy and song,
in faith and love, through centuries of wrong,
borne witness to the truth in every tongue:
Hallelujah!

4. And did not Jesus sing a Psalm that night
when utmost evil strove against the Light?
Then let us sing, for whom he won the fight:
Hallelujah!

5. Let every instrument be tuned for praise!
Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise!
And may God give us faith to sing always:
Hallelujah! Amen.

The Psalms tell us to use music in praise of God. Praise the Lord with the harp, make music to him…Sing to him a new song, play skillfully with a shout of joy. (Ps. 33)

Let’s pray. “Forever put a song in our heart, dear Lord. May the sound of music never cease going forth from your sanctuary. Thanks for endowing some with voices and skills to lead us in worship and praise. Amen.”