In the past few weeks, it’s likely you’ve seen a video of people singing together virtually.
When the members of Winnipeg’s Prairie Voices choir had to cancel their 20th anniversary concert as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, they channeled their disappointment into this video.
A group of singers in Nashville put together a rendition of “It Is Well,” and a Toronto choir made up of women physicians posted their take on “We Rise Again,” a song made famous in the early ‘90s by the Rankin Family.
Now Mennonites are adding their voices to the mix.
Just in time for Easter, Matthew Froese—a member at Hamilton (Ont.) Mennonite Church—has posted two videos on YouTube featuring Mennonites joining their voices together thanks to modern technology.
“Low in the Grave He Lay”
“Thine is the Glory”
More than 25 Mennonites from across North America participated in the videos, which are the follow-up to an earlier video Froese put together along with Christina Entz Moss.
Froese produced the latest videos as a way to make the best of a time when churchgoers can't be together in person due to physical distancing practices.
“I’m trying to find ways to hold on to the parts of Easter that mean the most to me,” he says. “This was a way to hold on to that musical part, that musical tradition.”
Froese hopes to organize virtual hymn sings for as long as people are taking physical distancing measures.
“It seems like there are people who are missing congregational singing and at least some people who are excited about doing another [video],” he says.
Anyone who wants to participate can email matthew.froese@gmail.com.
Do you have a video we should see? Email submit@canadianmennonite.org.
Related story:
Sundays without singing
More videos:
Watch: Anabaptists worldwide respond to COVID-19
Watch: Three songs to bring you solace
Watch: Worship led by MC Canada leadership
Watch: Eco-anxiety spurs creativity
Watch: How did we become so polarized?
More than 25 Mennonites from across North America participated. (Photo courtesy of YouTube)
Comments
So beautiful and meaningful! Thank you!
Add new comment
Canadian Mennonite invites comments and encourages constructive discussion about our content. Actual full names (first and last) are required. Comments are moderated and may be edited. They will not appear online until approved and will be posted during business hours. Some comments may be reproduced in print.