Celebrating With Song

By Ginny Finch

”Sing lustily and with good courage,” John Wesley instructed congregations in 1761. His published “Directions for Singing” have been such a part of United Methodist heritage they still appear in the front of the hymnal.

In this fourth and final session of the “Seek, Serve and Celebrate” series on Dumbarton’s identity, Music Director Rick Latterell and pastor Mary Kay Totty reminded adult ed that music is more than a way we celebrate—it also helps shape who we are.

Latterell pointed out the key role song text plays according to Wesley’s instruction to “attend strictly to the sense of what you sing.” Borrowing melodies from African, Native American, and other traditions…setting new words to old (and often familiar) tunes…these are other ways we celebrate with music.

Dumbartonians were treated to an old-fashioned hymn sing and picked such selections as “Every Time I Feel the Spirit,” “It Is Well with My Soul,” and “Cuando El Pobre” Rev. Totty even soloed in a hearty rendition of “Amazing Grace” sung to the tune of “Gilligan’s Island”!