singing as a holy act

May 08, 2019 by Paul Vasile in Congregational Song, Leadership, Church

I wonder what would it look like to imagine worship as a kind of holy rehearsal space. What if singing together is a place we are put back together, where we remember, re-discover and renew what we believe?

What if this congregation is a choir: a community of learning where we have the opportunity to grow into new experiences, trusting there is no success or failure but a deep pool of grace that holds us as we try and try again?

What might it look like to put to practice this way of love through our voices, through the tunes and rhythms we share in song?

the way of love: worship

April 17, 2019 by Paul Vasile in Worship, Church, Congregational Song

I'm grateful to The Rev. Hillary Raining for including me and Music that Makes Community in the Way of Love podcast focused on worship.

It's Holy Week, and time is of the essence, but take a listen when you have a moment and reflect with us on the formative power of worship, especially singing!

There is lots more to listen to at The Hive, an online spiritual community buzzing with rich material to sustain your life of faith.

the church's song in the world

October 18, 2017 by Paul Vasile in Congregational Song, Social Justice, Church

I was honored to represent Music That Makes Community at launch of The Hymn Society's Center for Congregational Song, joining a group of 40 leaders in the field of song and hymn-writing to discuss the most important issues facing composers and writers in the church today. I was also invited to write a brief essay reflecting on the question, "What kinds of songs are needed for today's church to best intersect and witness to the world?"

god calls you good

March 07, 2017 by Paul Vasile in Congregational Song, Music, Lent

Rather than focus only on the ways that we have failed or fallen short, how might our Lenten journey (indeed, our life journey) change if we begin with an affirmation of our beauty and worth as beloved children of God? When doubting voices inevitably come, will we let them derail us? Or can we learn to respond with a powerful assertion of trust – ‘God calls me good, beloved child. I am a treasure deeply prized’ - and live in freedom and love instead of fear.

songs of forgiveness

August 28, 2016 by Paul Vasile in Congregational Song, Worship, Music

The best way I know to express the joy of being forgiven is through song. I've been excited to find and compose music that celebrates God's unconditional love and boundless grace, names its power to liberate and lift us, and then invites us to share the blessing with others.