Stories and Music
A powerful quote about music and relationship with God:
Music intimately connects God with our own story. Last night while listening to the stories people told about their favorite hymns, I couldn’t help but about my experience around Hymn of Promise (where would we be without Natalie Sleeth?).
When I sing it, I think of my grandmother and playing piano for her funeral several years ago. Chuck Echols suggested that we add it to the service. Chuck and I got acquainted that weekend and discovered our common love of dogs. He gave me a book that I have referred to many times over the years. The title escapes me right now, but it had to do with how the love of God for us is like the love a dog has for it’s people.
If you have ever been loved by a dog, you can relate to what I’m saying here. Singing one hymn makes me think about my grandmother (her oatmeal cookies rocked), Chuck Echols, a wonderful pastor who blessed my family; and how much I love my dog.
That’s pretty cool.
I’d love to hear stories from you. Post ‘em here or e-mail them to me:
lauraalle@gmail.com
Tags: Annual Conference, Music, Natalie Sleeth
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June 11, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Chuck Echols was the associate pastor at my church for a few years. When people talk about “stepping out of the boat,” Chuck is one of the people who led me to do that. “Kim, I want you to teach this Sunday school class.” So I did. And now I teach all the time, am a certified lay speaker and the lay leader of my church. He helped me find my call to serve, and I’ll always remember him for that.
Great blog — great pictures — great idea. Thanks for doing it.
My favorite hymn is “Be Thou My Vision,” but that night at Annual Conference, I think God walked into the room while we were singing “It is Well With My Soul.”
June 11, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Chuck had a wonderful spirit and I was touched by it as well. Awesome to hear that he had that impact in your life.
August 15, 2008 at 11:09 am
Laura, it is now August 15 and I am just reading the blog about Chuck……..thank you so much and to Kim…….I am so happy when people remember him and his sweet spirit. He taught me about the unconditional love of God for us through his love to me.
Susie
October 6, 2008 at 9:46 am
I served with Chuck Echols at Epworth United Methodist in Ripley, WV, as a church musician. He is THE finest pastor with whom I have ever worked. When I consider the kind of Christian man in ministry that I want to be, I think of Chuck. He was solid gold! I wish I could be observing his activities in Heaven…and someday I will.