In the sweet by and by

By Mama Mabel

At our church, Wednesday night singing is largely done by a small group of men.  They shuffle around who is on stage by the song instead of the night and whoever wants to sing in the pews can but it's not required.  If a kid happens to be there and wants to sing something special, they bring them up to the front and hand them a mic.  This suprised me at first because I was used to full congregational participation and was easily bored by "performance" song services.

This is totally different though.  For one thing, it's very casual.  It's as if the stage is just the easiest place for them to stand to play and sing together.  Just good old mountain singing with a guitar or two, a mandolin and occasionally a bass guitar.  It all depends on who's there and what instrument they pick up.  Everything is done with a country drawl but at a fast tempo.  Most of our songs are originals written by the music leader and most are about when he gets to see his loved ones in heaven.  It's not about the performance, it's about putting your love of God out there for everyone to see.  I think they's why they encourage kids to sing up front.  Not only is it fun to watch but it teaches them to be bold in their praise. 

They will do a few classic hymns, although at warp speed compared to what I'm used to hearing.  Their favorite is "In the sweet by and by."  I love their version of it.  So sincere and upbeat.  I decided last night as I listened that I would love to have them sing it at my funeral because it's so powerful (I don't know why I occasionally plan my own funeral - I'm weird I guess).  Then I realized that one of them is old enough to be my father and the other my grandfather so I guess I'll have to just enjoy it while it lasts and sneak my video camera in while they're not looking.  It's hard to hide it with only 15 people in the room.

~MM


You get the funeral planning gene from me.  We need to put the fun in funeral!  Don't forget you're supposed to hire a marching band for mine, and serve frito pie. 

~GG

Oh, I forgot about that!  But I thought it was a bluegrass band.  And we're going to tell funny stories about you while we eat the frito pie.  At mine I want the guests to wear colorful clothing and comfortable shoes.

~MM