Paul and Bob

We’re rounding out our Summer Music Festival with music from two specific artists. On Sunday, August 3rd, we’ll worship God using the music of Paul Simon. Then on Sunday, August 10, we’ll use the music of Bob Dylan as our guide for worship. These two artists, who started out in the folk genre, gave us lyrics and music that express some of our greatest longings. They’ve been used to help communities through difficult times or to express our hope for the world God intends. I think of how Paul Simon’s song The Boxer became New York City’s rallying anthem after the September 11 attacks. Or how the lyrics of Blowin’ in the Wind expressed exactly what people needed in the early days of the Vietnam War. While these are not specifically religious artists, their music has helped us experience the Holy in so many ways. And some of the songs are made more powerful when we imagine God singing those words to us. That’s why we want to create worship experiences with this music. Here are some lyrics that we’ll be singing that may inspire you:

I’ve reason to believe we all will be received in Graceland.” –Paul Simon’s Graceland.

“…when times get rough, and friends just can’t be found, like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down.” –Paul Simon’s Bridge Over Troubled Water

“…how many times must a man look up before he can see the sky? Yes, and how many ears must one man have before he can hear people cry? Yes, and how many deaths will it take ’til he knows that too many people have died? The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.” –Bob Dylan’s Blowin’ In The Wind

“May God bless and keep you always. May your wishes all come true. May you always do for others. And let others do for you. May you build a ladder to the stars. And climb on every rung. May you stay forever young.” –Bob Dylan’s Forever Young

You can see how these songs may lead us into the presence of God and find a holy connection. I hope to see you in worship over the next two Sundays.

Gracefully,

David