This Life: Worshipping God when you’re at your weakest
CHARISSA CHEONG reflects on how she was reminded of the transformative power of worship…
Health Insight: ‘Tis the season to be jolly – singing Christmas carols together isn’t just a tradition, it’s also good for you
In an article first published on The Conversation, WENDY HARGREAVES and MELISSA FORBES, of the University of Southern Queensland, say group singing engages many beneficial biological, psychological, behavioural and social processes…
Wow!: Bargain hunter scores 700-year-old medieval times document
DAVID SHARP, of Associated Press, reports on a remarkable find at an estate sale in the US state of Maine…
Keep COVID-19 restrictions during in-person worship, US ecumenical guide suggests
RNS Some Americans may be behaving like the COVID-19 pandemic no longer hinders them from socializing with friends and family, many of whom they may not have seen in months. But the Ecumenical Consultation on Protocols for Worship, Fellowship, and Sacraments, a group of clergy, scientists and other experts, advised congregations to take it slower […]
Is it safe to sing at church yet? In the US, it depends who you ask
RNS On Pentecost Sunday, some members of Southwood Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, sang hymns without masks for the first time in more than a year. They vocalised Multilingual Grace in four languages after music director Denise Makinson taught them how to express thanks in Spanish, Arabic, Swahili and Korean. “I do have to say it […]
Curbs on girls reading, singing in public stir rights fears in Afghanistan
Kabul, AfghanistanThomson Reuters Foundation A decision to ban girls over the age of 12 from reading poems or singing at public events sparked anger in Afghanistan this week, with literary figures and campaigners saying it marked a backwards step on educational rights. The Education Ministry’s directive comes as the government negotiates a power-sharing deal with the […]
Sight-Seeing: Why can’t I sing the Lord’s song in this strange land?
Writing from London, RICHARD KINGSLEY THOMAS reflects on how the “singing famine” – due to prohibitions on singing in church – has made him realise he needs a new song…
Choir practice in Spain infects 30 of 41 members with virus
Madrid, SpainAP At least 30 of 41 members of a gospel choir in north-eastern Spain have contracted coronavirus following a rehearsal indoors with little air circulation, local authorities and the chorus say. The River Troupe Gospel, a volunteer Gospel group, rehearsed on 11th September ahead of an open-air performance two days later for a local […]
Keith and Kristyn Getty’s ‘Sing!’ conference goes online, focuses on singing at home
Nashville, Tennessee, USRNS Keith Getty’s life is usually filled with singing. Leading worship at Christian conferences. A national singing tour, including a standing-room-only hymn sing at the Grand Ole Opry House. Irish Christmas concerts at venues like Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and a series of megachurches. Almost all of it with groups of fellow Christians – which he […]
Singing is no more of a COVID-19 risk than talking but volume matters, UK study finds
London, UKReuters Singing is no more risky than speaking when it comes to the possibility of spreading the new coronavirus, British scientists said on Thursday, adding that volume is the most important risk factor. Last week, the British Government changed its guidance to allow professionals and non-professionals to resume singing rehearsals and performance, bringing the […]