From the Pastor: February 16, 2004

     "This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long." Whenever Christians are asked to name their favorite hymns, "Blessed Assurance" (with these words starting the chorus) is sure to be at or near the top of the list.

     Do you know who wrote those joyful and confident words? It was a blind woman whose life story is a blessing to read or hear. That story, like the words of her many hymns, is a witness to God's mercy, grace and love. It is a story of continuous praise to her Savior. Her name was Fanny Crosby. Almost every hymnal includes more of her hymns than those written by any other poet.

     She was not only a poet, but also a pioneer. She introduced a totally new style of hymn, at least as dramatic a change as the "praise" music of the last twenty plus years. Prior to her time, many hymns were simply Psalms or other Scripture passages set to fairly solemn music. Most hymns were addressed to God or descriptive about God. They were seldom, if ever, about one's personal encounter or relationship with God. Fanny Crosby's hymns bear witness to that personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Her story, her witness, her hymns will come together in a unique service of music and narration on Sunday, February 29 (postponed from January 25 when the service was cancelled because of a major ice storm).

     Plan to be present and expect a blessing.

      In His love,

      Pastor Harriet

     To view past issues of the Grace Notes, click HERE.