Greetings, Trinitarians!
All are welcome tonight, May 16, at 5:30 for our Folk Dance and Psalm Sing, held at the Atwis (1370 Duchamp Road, Broussard LA 70518). Also, bring a container to take home fresh strawberries from the garden!
Why do we host an event with folk dance? Along with music and feasting, dance is one of the basic forms of Biblical celebration. The first reference to dancing in the Bible is in Exodus, after God delivered his people from Egypt. Scripture records Miriam leading the women in tambourine, dance, and song (Exodus 15). Similar celebrations are recorded in the time of King Saul after the defeat of the Philistines, and of course David himself is recorded dancing when the Ark of Covenant returned to Jerusalem (1 Samuel 18, 2 Samuel 6).
The psalms turn this precedent into an encouragement to all Israel, including its children. Consider for example Psalm 149:1-3:
Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly! Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King! Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
Not only does this psalm encourage dance as a practice of celebration, it specifically locates such dance "in the assembly of the godly," which is to say, in the gathering of the people of God. This is why many of our Anglican brothers and sisters around the world, especially in Africa, actually incorporate dance into their church services!
For us at Trinity, we've developed in recent years the pattern of hosting seasonal Folk Dances, especially in times of celebration such Christmastide and Eastertide. We've also incorporated folk dance into our children's ministry and our annual Camp Hosanna.
The incorporation of dance in ministry does have some critics, especially those who are concerned about excessive sensuality. Such concern does have a basis in the Bible and in experience. In addition to the good dancing that we see in scripture, there is also idolatrous dancing, as at the golden calf, which prompted Moses to break the first set of tablets! (Exodus 32).
That's why our dance ministry puts special focus on folk dances, which are appropriate for large groups and for children. The more sensual dances can be good in the right context, but are less fitting for multigenerational church gatherings.
One of the most famous of Jesus' teachings is the parable of the prodigal son. In that parable, after the prodigal returns to his father, the father throws a party with feasting, music, and dancing (Luke 15). Just so, we gather to celebrate the repentance of sinners and the triumph of Christ, who brings us to our God and Father in heaven.
Living Stones Update #6
You may notice the extensive work now under way in the Family Center! In addition to the movement of the stained glass windows, we have moved the double door and new windows onto the south wall. The walls are being installed, and new ceiling tiles are delivered. Please continue to pray for the work in the coming weeks as we seek to get the space prepared for Camp Hosanna!
In Christ -
Peter
All are welcome tonight, May 16, at 5:30 for our Folk Dance and Psalm Sing, held at the Atwis (1370 Duchamp Road, Broussard LA 70518). Also, bring a container to take home fresh strawberries from the garden!
Why do we host an event with folk dance? Along with music and feasting, dance is one of the basic forms of Biblical celebration. The first reference to dancing in the Bible is in Exodus, after God delivered his people from Egypt. Scripture records Miriam leading the women in tambourine, dance, and song (Exodus 15). Similar celebrations are recorded in the time of King Saul after the defeat of the Philistines, and of course David himself is recorded dancing when the Ark of Covenant returned to Jerusalem (1 Samuel 18, 2 Samuel 6).
The psalms turn this precedent into an encouragement to all Israel, including its children. Consider for example Psalm 149:1-3:
Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly! Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King! Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
Not only does this psalm encourage dance as a practice of celebration, it specifically locates such dance "in the assembly of the godly," which is to say, in the gathering of the people of God. This is why many of our Anglican brothers and sisters around the world, especially in Africa, actually incorporate dance into their church services!
For us at Trinity, we've developed in recent years the pattern of hosting seasonal Folk Dances, especially in times of celebration such Christmastide and Eastertide. We've also incorporated folk dance into our children's ministry and our annual Camp Hosanna.
The incorporation of dance in ministry does have some critics, especially those who are concerned about excessive sensuality. Such concern does have a basis in the Bible and in experience. In addition to the good dancing that we see in scripture, there is also idolatrous dancing, as at the golden calf, which prompted Moses to break the first set of tablets! (Exodus 32).
That's why our dance ministry puts special focus on folk dances, which are appropriate for large groups and for children. The more sensual dances can be good in the right context, but are less fitting for multigenerational church gatherings.
One of the most famous of Jesus' teachings is the parable of the prodigal son. In that parable, after the prodigal returns to his father, the father throws a party with feasting, music, and dancing (Luke 15). Just so, we gather to celebrate the repentance of sinners and the triumph of Christ, who brings us to our God and Father in heaven.
Living Stones Update #6
You may notice the extensive work now under way in the Family Center! In addition to the movement of the stained glass windows, we have moved the double door and new windows onto the south wall. The walls are being installed, and new ceiling tiles are delivered. Please continue to pray for the work in the coming weeks as we seek to get the space prepared for Camp Hosanna!
In Christ -
Peter
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