The Blessing – the Church,the City, the Y

A friend shared this song with me the night before Easter. Each time I’ve listened to it, I get teared up. It’s taken me by surprise, this rarely, if ever happens to me and music.

When I reflect on what I find so moving about this virtual church choir, there a few things that come to mind.

One, I love seeing city churches like this coming together to bless a city, especially when everyone is going through a hard time. Rev. Roger Reece of Associated Churches is the one who shared this song with me, and I appreciated his Easter greeting and gift, particularly since his work everyday is about knitting together churches to bless our city of Fort Wayne.

Two, it’s a really good song, performed by talented singers who are obviously moved by the music as well. A few of them captivate my attention, they seem so caught up in the message and moment, it really is inspiring. Makes me wish I could sing, or inspire like that, to encourage others and make this kind of connection with God for others.

Three, when I think of the mission of the YMCA, of the different leaders and Christians who are part of the Y, across the city, and when I listen to this song, it resonates deeply in me. The Y can be a powerful catalyst for connecting different kind of churches to be a blessing in their city. Yes, each church can be a blessing on their own. But how much more powerful when we do it together. This song points me to John 17:21.

Fourth, it reminds me of what I want my children and family to experience with the Lord. That God is for them, and with them, and he hears them and wants to bless them with his presence and calling, to pour his favor upon them, that they, that we might be a blessing to those he sends us to.

May the peace, favor and blessing of the Lord Jesus Christ be upon you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author: Tim Hallman

Serving the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne as their Director of Christian Emphasis since 2016 to inspire, empower, and mobilize members and staff to live out our mission of putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Contact me for speaking engagements, consulting, resources, and collaboration regarding ways the Christian faith can be an inspiring and inclusive dimension of diversity in your YMCA.

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