by Melissa Guthrie Loy–

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things…

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth…

Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.
Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord.

I have a new song. Her name is Josie. For ten weeks I’ve been away enjoying the music that she makes. She mostly makes joyful noises; you can listen to her baby coos here. As Psalm 98 emphasizes, the Lord has done marvelous things. Marvelous things have unfolded in my life; marvelous things have unfolded at FCC. Some of the marvelousness? (I know that’s not a word; I’m using it anyway.)

-My infant is happy and healthy.

-Our church is thriving: we’re re-imagining our organizational structures and explicitly naming our welcome of all persons.

-I could see my desk when I returned to the office (thanks, Lee, and thanks to many volunteers!); I can also see how well everyone worked together.

-We at FCC are part of a bigger chorus making a joyful noise.

During my leave I attended the Regional Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) along with several other church members.

We participated in relevant workshops, we worshiped together, we addressed the business of the region. The Lord is doing marvelous things!

What’s your song?

During worship this Sunday, May 6, we will look at Psalm 98 and John 15:9-17. We will sing before the Lord.

I’m glad to be back. (I’m also glad for the grace and graciousness of our church. Josie might show up with me some days as I need her perhaps more than she needs me during this time of transition.) I’m glad to be a part of FCC. I’m glad to be a part of our denomination. The chorus to which we belong is making a joyful noise. Perhaps you’ll check out the noise beyond Sunday mornings. There are ways to connect and serve. There are ways you will be served. May we be open to God’s marvelousness; may our joy be complete:

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”