Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord

by Terry Shanahan, Northeast Region Minister

But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. (Psalm 68:3)

Palm Sunday found me worshiping in two different faith communities, with one obvious similarity: both of these celebrations were filled with the joy of salvation.

The first joyful noise was heard at the International Christian Fellowship in Portland, Maine, soon to be known as Bethel Christian Center. We began our service of worship by singing hymns and songs of praise in Swahili and English. The words we did our best on, were Hallelujah, and Hosanna. Both those words were familiar to all the congregants. At one point sixty children came into the sanctuary waving palms and singing Hosanna, Halleluiah and dancing around. We all rose to our feet and joined in the celebration as we praised God for his wonderful gift of the cross! I had the privilege of praying over their first called deacons, installed that morning, who will serve the church in many ministries.

This church not only worships the Lord, but they are committed to serving their community. Their vision includes a community center that serves people in various ways, including a place for education, counseling, recreation and relaxation; a wellness clinic; and prayer and cell groups. They have already opened their doors at their new facility to a youth basketball league!

In the afternoon we had another service of joy. We gathered at Curtis Lake Christian Church in Sanford, Maine to celebrate the life of Maine Area Representative and ISI Missionary Rev. Phillip Webster, who passed away April 5. Phil served the CCCC with faithfulness, grace and wisdom for many years. (See brief obituary here.)

Phil’s family filled the front pews: Erna, his wife of 57 years, three children, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He had asked that his service be no more then 30 minutes. So we spent that thirty minutes singing some of the old joyful hymns, including “Victory in Jesus” and “I’ll Fly Away” and “When The Roll is Called Up Yonder.” All these sang out our absolute assurance that Phil is with the Lord, welcomed home by “well done, good and faithful servant.” This joyful noise was no less enthusiastic than the Hallelujahs and Hosannas of the morning service.

In both services we were celebrating the fact that Jesus rode into Jerusalem to face the cross and bring us salvation — one through waving of palms and singing of praises, and the other through the joy of celebrating life eternal of a brother in Christ. God is so good to us. In this special season of celebration of the victory of the cross, I am, every day, grateful.