Never Enough Singing

Word from Wiese

27 September 2023

If you’ve ever received an email from COS Director of Worship and Music, Larry Peterson, you’ve seen this quote from Martin Luther below his signature: “As long as we live, there is never enough singing.”

Even though Larry’s been with us only since May, his quote captures one of the key heartbeats of COS. Summertime worship was rich with special music at COS. But now that fall is here, we’ve kicked it up a notch.

Did you know that Karl Dietmeyer, volunteer of the century, who leads our Brass, Flute and Clarinet Choirs, kicks off every year with a twist? Karl and Cheryl gather COS musicians at their home for a series of “play-ins” and lovely dinners. This year, once again, it was a treat for me to sit in the Dietmeyer living room both evenings as I wondrously listened to Karl help two groups of musicians overview some of the worship music for the year. (See photo). And then how fun to eat together afterwards and catch up on summer adventures. Karl does a great job inviting visitors and non-COS musicians into this musical community that becomes a key faith experience for many.

Simultaneously, we’re so blessed to have dynamic leaders organizing incredible worship for our contemporary services. Luanne Harms, Barbara Anderson, Brad and Kendra Milburn, and James McDaniel pull together three different praise bands that always offer worship flows that speak to the hearts and imaginations of our faith, in addition to our clapping hands and toes tapping quite often. Stalwart volunteer bass player Dana Bogdanski is always fun to watch; he even rocked his lederhosen last week.

How Barbara Anderson and the little Skiddles delight us when they sing!

So many little gifts are offered, of which we might not ever know. For instance, last week was one of the first times Richard King (after driving to another state to secure it) played a newly purchased trumpet which added great flair.

Meanwhile, David B, Joni S, Pat O, and Sue B help Larry with our Music and Master crew (M&Ms we affectionately call these kids) offer their chimes and singing when the adult bells, adult choir, or other neat ensembles are not sharing their incredible gifts in worship leadership. Just last Sunday, our M&Ms shared a beautiful song, “This is the Day.” How incredible to learn that our own Larry Peterson wrote it!!!! Click this link to enjoy it and brighten your day: (LAURA INSERT LINK HERE)

Well, if Martin Luther says “as long as we live, there is never enough singing,” then let me also remind you of all the fantastic musical acts that will take the stage at our Family Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 21. Music and singing will compliment well the joy of a kids’ zone, great food, ponies, artisans, and a whole bunch of fun. Fun, fun, fun.

Let me wrap up with a big word of GRATITUDE for all of you who are represented in this WFW. You are musicians who practice diligently to share your gifts in worship. You are organizers who bring musicians together and coordinate how the services flow. You are worshipers who might not play an instrument, but joyfully sing your best when given a chance to praise the Lord. How blessed we are. And how pleased Martin Luther would be!

O give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!

Psalm 105:1-2

Questions for reflection:

What is one of your favorite worship hymns or songs? Why?
When is the last time you thanked one of our COS musicians, singers, or instrumentalists for their dedication?

Let us pray:

Dear God, your psalms call us to sing your praises. Thanks for all the musicians you send us to help us do so. Along with banging drums and sounding trumpets, help each of us to use our voice to be bold in singing with Martin Luther and others—whether in church or in the shower. For wherever we are, we can and should sing your praise! In Jesus’ name, Amen.