David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers to sing joyful songs,
accompanied by musical instruments: lyres, harps and cymbals. (1 Chronicles 15:16)

Gary Fairbairn and I were talking one day in Dickerson Hall almost two years ago. He was speaking about the blessings he received from being on the GVPC Worship Team. I remember clearly when I casually mentioned that I used to play the electric guitar and drums years ago for a couple of different bands. I quickly followed up with, “Please don’t say anything because I haven’t played for over 35 years.”

At that time, Irene and I attended the 8:30 AM service only occasionally and did not know the Worship Team was without a regular drummer. Well, if you ever want to disseminate information quickly, tell Gary. The very next time Irene and I happened to be there during the Worship Team practice, I poked my head into the sanctuary to say hello only to be immediately kidnapped, collared and shackled to the “throne”, an affectionate term for the revolving stool that drummers sit on.
For those who don’t know the story, Irene was hysterical when I said they wanted me to play drums. “You don’t play the drums”, she said with a laugh. She knows I play the guitar because I have an acoustic I dust off every now and then to make some noise which she tolerates, but drums? Hah!!!

I started playing with the Worship Team in late summer of 2007 and enjoyed those 7:30 AM rehearsals before the 8:30 AM service. Right. It’s always amazing to see God’s hand in your life. I had no intention of playing the drums again. That was put away in the archives as something one used to do in another life. Did He prepare me for today? I wasn’t a great or famous drummer playing for a well known band. Yet I picked up the sticks many years ago as a hobby, only to put them away for good, so I thought. I had no vision of being at Great Valley many years later where there was a need for a drummer and just before I was finishing up my term on Session. Even the thought of contemporary music at GV was a foreign concept when we became members.

Folks, on Sunday mornings, some may hear a joyful sound, some may hear worshipful music and praise, and some may hear a lot of noise. But, be assured that our worship leaders seek wisdom and guidance with prayer and devotion to select music that is meaningful and is in concert with the theme of the sermon and selected scriptures. So the next time you listen to the Worship Team, think of it as song and praise to lift up the message that Dan and Jim bring to us every Sunday.

It took some time to shake the rust off and relax over the drum kit. One must be relaxed to play the drums. The left foot is doing one thing while the right foot is doing another and the left hand is doing something else while the right hand is doing yet another thing. And on top of it all, they wanted me to sing as well? Right. I am finally relaxing over the drums and feeling and enjoying the experience. So don’t be alarmed if you see me making faces or bouncing up and down or shaking my head. I am just rejoicing with all my being and enjoying the worship experience.

Going back to the conversation with Gary Fairbairn where he mentioned the blessings of being on the Worship Team. He couldn’t have been more accurate. Our evening practices and Sunday morning rehearsals begin with prayer which prepares us to lift up our Lord with the best that we have. We constantly remind ourselves that it is not for us that we do this but for Him who provides for our every need. Baggage from a rough day at work is thrown aside and our load is lightened as we work with each other, providing constructive feedback, all to His glory.

When my Dad went to be with our Lord in February 2008, the music that we practice and sing to praise God and exalt in Him, carried me through the difficult times. The lonely drive to and from work each day was filled with song. In the quiet nights before sleep descends, the music filled the emptiness. Gradually, it became clear to me that the music is part of God’s promise to each of us. We prepare for that day, when as worship leaders or worshippers, we will praise Him face to face.

My Dad enjoyed listening to my brother Dave, and me play our guitars and sing. He got a kick out of me playing drums but never saw me playing drums on a worship team. But now, he is enjoying the heavenly symphony in His Father’s house and I hear they have a great sound system up there. I believe, as our earthly fathers love to hear their children make music, our Heavenly Father must sit on His throne and bathe in the love and adoration we lift up to praise and glorify Him. So at the very next time you worship, during a traditional hymn or contemporary worship song, give your very best in song and praise. Look at it as practice and rehearsal for the Big Worship. Blessings.