Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music

Psalm 98:4

scouts at the piano

On a hot Friday in July, Nicholas Sofinski and I met with a group of young men, members of Scout Troop 799 and participated in helping them to earn a merit badge in music. Nicholas and I played a piece for flute and keyboard by J.S. Bach, asked and answered some questions about music and the flute, and then moved to Trinity’s sanctuary to have a look at the organ.

The Psalmist directs us to “burst in jubilant song” and the prophet Job tells us to “rejoice at the sound of the organ.” These scouts were fascinated as they saw and listened to the many sounds of the King of Instruments, learning about how different pipes produce different sounds, both by their length, shape and the material that they’re made of. And they heard how these different sounds come together to form one glorious voice of praise.

This isn’t so different from the people of the church or the people of scouting: many different shapes and sizes, many different colors and appearances.

No one knows what will happen with regard to the future of scouting, but what I do know is that a group of young men gained some knowledge and appreciation for one of the church’s oldest voices of praise. As J.S. Bach wrote at the end of many of his compositions – S. D. G. (Solo Deo Gloria – Glory to God Alone!)

Dr. Charles Staples

nativity in white cardboard on blue background

Learn more about Advent at Trinity!