As a church who love to sing praises unto the Lord, we look forward to our Singing Festival every year!
This special service is a time to reflect on our favourite hymns and why we love them. When we sing, it can be easy to love the tune and forget about the words and meaning of hymns. During the service we were able to reflect on the words and how some of the hymns were written by authors going through a difficult time in their lives.
An open invitation was given to the congregation to chose a hymn which has meaning to them. During the service we sang: In Christ Alone, Just a closer walk with Thee, Before the Throne of God above, The King of Love, The Splendour of a King (How Great is Our God), How deep the Father’s love for us, God forgave my sins (Freely), Mine eyes have seen the Glory, To God be the Glory and When the Trumpet of the Lord. The hymns were accompanied by Frances Jenkins on organ and Jeremy Stone on the piano.
We also had a short message from Rev. Ian Middlemist, from Hill Park Baptist Chapel, Haverfordwest.
We were blessed with two musical items; a solo by Jeremy Stone who sang ‘The Holy City’ which allowed us to think about the scenes of heaven, and a duet by Philip and John Hancock who sang ‘Because He lives’. The back story to ‘Because He lives’ highlights God’s presence in our lives. Whilst expecting their third child. Bill and Gloria Gaither were in a difficult period of their lives, with recent health issues and the anxiety of life. The thought of bringing another child into this world, with all of the “craziness,” was taking its toll especially on Gloria.
During a difficult time she was unexpectedly, she was filled with a gentle, calming peace. The panic she had once felt gave way to calmness and an assurance that only the Lord can impart. She was assured that the future would be just fine, left in God’s hands.
After the birth of their baby Bill and Gloria remembered that the power of the blessed Holy Spirit which has helped them through this difficult period. Christ’s resurrection, in all of its power and affirmation in their lives, revitalized their thinking. To Gloria, it was life conquering death in their daily activities. Joy once again dominated the fearful circumstances of the day.
Those events gave rise to one of the most famous Christian songs of our time, “Because He Lives.” In this song, which begins, “God sent His son, they called Him Jesus,” we are reminded that Christ came to this earth. And the purpose for His coming was that we might be able to face tomorrow, with all of the uncertainty that it brings. She also reminds us that God holds the future right in his hands and makes life worth living for all who trust in him.
We were grateful to all who attended and look forward to next year’s Singing Festival already!
Penuel Baptist Chapel, Roch 
