Hymns as Poetry: Session One – Hymns of the Protestant Reformation

Published on October 24, 2019 • Michelle Voelker

Adult Education, today in Grace Hall at 10:15

“Hymns as Poetry: Session One – Hymns of the Protestant Reformation.”

Hymns are an integral part of corporate worship at Grace as in many Christian churches.  The words in the hymns pass from the page to our eyes, briefly into our minds, then from our mouths as songs, and quickly die away as fleeting echoes.  The words of scripture follow a similar track; yet after being spoken, they are often analyzed, expounded upon, elaborated, and discussed by the pastor. Are those words in hymns of less value than those from scripture even though they are not sacred texts?  Hymnodists (those who write the words for hymns) often take scripture and its themes as inspiration and guidance when writing.

Throughout the program year, a series of presentations based on the premise that the words of hymns are poetry and that those words deserve dedicated study will be offered.  These sessions will not involve singing, but rather those attending will be given the opportunity to encounter and engage the words of old and new hymns with the goal to embrace, discover, and articulate the messages contained within. Please join us as Rich Synder facilitates this interesting presentation.