Second Christian Reformed Church in Grand Haven, Mich., wanted to showcase music from around the world and how it can be used in worship, so it hosted a Global Music Celebration Service in early March.
“Our original goal was just to introduce our congregation to these new songs. We expanded that goal to showcase the songs for worship leaders or musicians and pastors of other churches who might not be aware of them,” said Paul LeMaire, coordinator of music ministries at Second CRC.
The concert highlighted songs from Global Songs for Worship, recently published by Faith Alive Christian Resources.
The service highlighted songs from Tanzania, Russia, Mongolia, Sierra Leone, and Lebanon.
In his opening remarks, Rev. Michael Koetje of Second CRC spoke of how people are connected globally and that as Christians we are called to be one body. “We are here to celebrate that Jesus Christ reigns over all the earth. We celebrate the fact that we stand under the blood of Christ as one,” he said.
The service was led by various people, including Western Michigan Christian High School’s chamber choir and Second CRC’s sacred dance group.