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“We Would Be One”
A Reflective Observation of Commitment to Community
by Philip J. Rogers, DOM
A fundamental aspect of the Voices of Northwest rehearsal process is to understand the story and personality of each song that we minister during congregational gatherings. It is not enough for us to idly and passively sing “words and notes” without concern for what we are saying. Music Ministry is purpose and process driven which must be, and is, our ultimate goal – not passive or meaningless entertainment. It is our job as music ministers to seek to understand that purpose and willingly become vessels of encouragement to the Northwest community.
The hymn, We Would Be One for example, is designed as an introspective pledge of purpose and commitment to live out what we say we believe. The text encourages us to honestly observe our actions compared to our words. The phrase, “we would” connotes the need to choose the possibility, intent, or preference of personal and collective action and growth as an internal reflection of who we are rather than a perfunctory or superficial duty to the group. Visitors desirous of a genuine community of love and acceptance can read through the perfunctory and choose to never return.
It is imperative therefore to evaluate how we as singers articulate such a song. And it is just as important that as a community we can honestly be the love and acceptance that we verbally profess in verse 1, “to pledge ourselves anew to that high cause of greater understanding of who we are and what in us is true.”
The song ends with the phrase, “Strive to make us free,” which connotes the honest desire to strive to free ourselves from whatever prevents us from being vulnerable enough to love others without conditions – conditions of social, economic, race or gender standing.
The Voices of Northwest will be singing We Would Be One this Sunday morning. We hope that it touches each listener with its powerful message regarding our desired purpose to be… love and encouragement.
A Music Event This Weekend
Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus – Rubyversary
with Guest Artist Jessica Vosk
Sunday, April 10 @ 3 PM & 7:30 PM
City Springs Byers Theatre
Sandy Springs, GA
50% off code for the Balcony with code “BALC50”
30% off code for the Premium seats with code “PREM30”
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Please join us for an egg-citing day on April 17th for photos with the Easter bunny, fun activities, and an egg hunt! Make sure to bring a basket or other container to use while gathering eggs. RE families and members of the congregation are welcome to donate candy and non-edible Easter treats including basket fillers or stuffed animals which we will use as prizes for our games and activities. Donations can be dropped off before or after the service in the designated bin which will be in the lobby.
NWUUC Book Groupies
