Saturday, January 23, 2021

Gerald Weston: It is now OK to sing "softly" in church

 



COVID Guidelines—Singing at Services
During his sermon of December 26, Mr. Weston explained the updated policy regarding singing hymns during congregational services. In case some brethren did not hear the sermon, we will briefly summarize his comments in this issue of The World Ahead. He explained that last summer it was decided we would not sing aloud because of reports of how the virus is transmitted. We’ve also been wearing masks and social distancing since that time (in the United States—in some cases outside the United States, the protocols have differed). Thanks to God, we have not had any major outbreaks from Sabbath or Feast services during this time. Therefore, Mr. Weston explained we would like to carefully move forward with singing softly while wearing masks, if local regulations and restrictions allow it. He explained that singing softly is reasonably similar to what we are already doing in fellowship. The overall format of services—two songs at the beginning, and one at the end—will stay the same for now. We can be thankful for this decision and encouraged by the opportunity to sing as we worship God together!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Singing while wearing masks? Sounds stupid.

The W.A. said...

He explained that singing softly is reasonably similar to what we are already doing in fellowship.

Wow - LCG members sing during fellowship time?! No wonder some of them felt muzzled during services for months.

Now if LCG will add the hymn, "Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling...."

Anonymous said...

6:36 said: "Now if LCG will add the hymn, "Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling....
"

Or "Killing me softly with his songs"?

Mason said...

Wow this so sad, weird, and funny.

Mason said...

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The Church Writer said...

"LCG's singing restriction was a major factor in the departure of then LCG minister Sheldon Monson, who formed the Church of God Assembly late last Summer.

As far as singing in services goes, we in the Continuing Church of God did NOT ever prohibit it as, consistent with New Testament teachings, we feel that singing was part of original Christian church services. To deal with government restrictions, we had chairs somewhat distanced at the Feast of Tabernacles last Fall, but did not otherwise change our practices."

-From Bob Thiel Aka COGwriter

Questeruk said...

LCG rules are more liberal than UK government guidance rules for worship:-

- Communal singing should not take place. This applies even if social distancing is being observed or face coverings are used.

- Spoken responses during worship should not be in a raised voice.

Anonymous said...



I GUESS IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THEY COME UP WITH AN EXCUSE TO JUST KEEP ALL OF THE MONEY AND NOT EVEN PREACH THE GOSPEL!! PERHAPS THEY WILL JUST CANCEL THE SABBATH AND THE HOLY DAYS TOO!! After all, it is ALL ABOUT THEM!! THEY are obviously calling the shots!!