I lead music in three of the four chapel services we have weekly at our school: lower elementary, upper elementary and middle school (the high school, for better or for worse, is pretty much doing it on their own).

In our liturgically-starved environment, I like to bring little moments of reverence and consistency into the worship setting, and it’s surprisingly easy and well-received.

At my first-ever Anglican church experience (Church of the Resurrection, near Chicago) my then-girlfriend/now-wife, Anne led children’s church. It was an odd, yet rich and beautiful experience for me to see. One of the things I learned was how the kids were led into and out of the reading of God’s Word, with a little song – “This is the word of the Lord, thanks, thanks, thanks, thanks be to God” (before) and “Thanks be to God for the reading of His Word; thank You, God, thank You, God” (after).

For the youngest group at our school, I began using that exact tune (which I’ll post sometime, because it’s really sweet and easy for the kiddos to learn!), but for the upper elementary, I wanted something a little less sing-songy, so I created the simple tune you hear on the video above.

It’s the first of several liturgical songs I’ll post in the coming weeks. I hope you can use them or – better – be inspired to sing these ancient words with your own tune!

In His Peace,
Tom

I tell myself, I know Easter is not just a day; it’s a season. I remind myself, Our daughter’s got a fever of 102; staying home makes sense.

But, right or not, it’s odd to spend Easter Sunday walking to the Supermarket, eating Chef Boyardee, playing online Catan with your friend in Ohio, playing with your 3-year old (she really likes to give fake injections), and doing logic puzzles.

But there you have it. Easter 2008.

Being a parent makes odd things happen to your traditions. Granted, new and sometimes better traditions arise as you are introducing a young one to the Savior and teaching her the faith; but others seem a bit more flexible, changeable, even disposable.

I can’t wait to share with Avery and her mom Anne the joy this Easter season. After an especially blessed and challenging Lenten season, the excitement of living out the Resurrection will be great. Can’t wait.

But, for today at least, she and her mommy nap, and I ponder this darn logic puzzle sitting next to me…