"Singings"
-- As found in "Marching to Zion" --
In keeping with its image
as a "singing church", the Apostolic Christian Church has retained a tradition
over the years in which various members assemble (usually in homes) and sing
hymns. In the German language, it was called a "Singstunde" (hour
of singing). In English, it is referred to as a "singing".
A singing, as it is practiced in the Apostolic Christian
Church, is quite unique. The form and procedure are almost exclusively
considered to be vintage Apostolic Christian. A search among Christian groups
which existed during the Middle Ages, the Reformation, and in modern times
reveals that virtually no similarity to the Apostolic Christian style has
existed. There is, however, one exception. John Hostetler in
Amish Society (John Hopkins Press; Baltimore, Maryland; pages 158,159)
refers to "singings" among Amish groups, especially among young people.
For the Amish, this serves not only as a social outlet, but as a foremost means
of matching up young people for marriage. The Mennonite Encyclopedia
(volume IV, page 534) further substantiates that historically, the Amish people
have engaged in singings also.
A "singing" as practiced by members of the church is
described in the following essay:
Singings in the Apostolic Christian Church
The anticipation, warmth,
and spontaneity of a singing all combine to make it a wonderful event, and a
treasured blessing for young people (and others) in the church. All the
older brothers and sisters can sentimentally look back to their youth when they
attended many singings. They can recall with pleasure the pleased feelings
they experienced when they heard the welcomed news, either by phone or in
person, that they were invited to a singing. Such an invitation assured
the invited guest of an upcoming blessing among God's elect. It would help
to fill in unused blocks of spare time and provide a spiritual alternative,
perhaps, to many carnal beckonings. It is no different today.
Singings provide a clean and wholesome activity for young believers in Christ.
A great thrill over the years, and one that is truly
humbling, has been for a person to attend his first singing after he has begun
his repentance. For a person who has trod through the mire of sin, who has
groped in the arena of darkness, and who has borne the burden of sin for a long
time to participate in a singing for the first time is like walking into a green
and verdant valley. This can truly be likened to a pasture greened by the
Holy Spirit of God. The peace and inspiration, prompted by the truths of
God as revealed in song, are a needed and timely balm for the sinsick heart.
And a singing is indeed a part of that inn where the sinner can find shelter and
warmth. One is truly brought close to the heart of God - "a place where
sin cannot molest." It is a marked contrast to worldly endeavors and the
unfruitful works of darkness.
Singings are usually held in the homes of believers with
young believer of the home acting as host or hostess. All young, single
people are invited, not just "favorites" or a "select few". Often some
married adults are present as well. A beautiful point regarding these
singings is the fact that unmarried believers all the way up to forty years of
age or more participate, and age really is of no consequence. As believers
unite in the love of God, the secular limitations of age, which often can result
in cruel exclusion, are obliterated.
The singing usually begins between 7:30 and 8:00 p.m. when a
brother announces the first hymn. By this time most everyone is seated and
ready to begin singing, although a few are almost always a few minutes late.
Brothers and sisters are seated apart as space and conditions permit. This
is done to prevent distraction. This, then results in more joyful and
meaningful singing.
As the singing begins, God's presence is truly felt in a
warm, tranquil, peaceful, and reverent way, for what converted soul can resist
feeling peace upon hearing the beauty and substance of such phrases as: "Mercy
there was great and grace was free, pardon there was multiplied to me;" "When I
survey the wondrous cross;" "I am going to a city, where the roses never fade;"
"When the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there;" "I'm filled with trust and
confidence;" "Watch and pray that when the Master cometh;" and on and on?
The joyous singing continues for nearly an hour or more.
Songs are spontaneously announced by both brothers and sisters. Usually,
at mid-point, glasses of water are passed around. Mints are also sometimes
passed several times during the singing.
After an hour or more, the pace slackens somewhat and a
"farewell" song is announced. This is usually announced by an older
brother of the young group, or by a brother from a visiting church.
Favorite songs of farewell are the "Doxology", "God Be With You 'Till We Meet
Again", and "Blest Be The Tie That Binds".
When the farewell is concluded, the group quickly evolves
into complete silence. At this time, the host brother or the father of the
host sister requests that a brother read from the Bible. As the Spirit
leads, it is decided who will do so. Visiting brothers are accorded first
preference, but if none are present, a local brother takes the initiative.
Usually only one chapter is read.
Following the reading, a request is made for a brother to
lead in a closing prayer. Again, as the Spirit leads, a young brother
usually says, "Let us pray," or some similar phrase, and the entire group stands
for prayer.
Sisters do not participate in the act of reading aloud from
the Bible, nor do they lead the group in prayer. The Church abides by the
Biblical commandment that women are to be silent in church. Also, the
sisters wear small headcoverings at singings which is in compliance with another
New Testament teaching (I Corinthians 11).
As soon as the Scripture reading and prayer are completed, a
lunch may be served. Usually during the latter stages of the singing,
several ladies are busy preparing the lunch in order that it might be served
when the singing is completed. Fellowship and visiting occur during after
the lunch.
Singings are not held exclusively for young single people,
but for other adults and brethren as well. In these cases, the format is
just about the same, save for the fact that the participants are mostly married.
-- Essay by Perry A. Klopfenstein