During one of the days when Grace was in her early years of elementary school, Miah and I found her doing an interesting job around a potted plant. She held a radio and played some music for the plant. When we asked what she was doing, she explained that this music would help the plant grow well. We didn’t know where she got the idea, but it seemed quite impressive. Music is also recommended for our pets. Many veterinarians recommend music for our dogs when they get stressed or too excited. In this case, slow and steady classical music will comfort and calm them effectively.

If plants and animals need music for a quality life, we don’t have to mention how music will affect our lives. According to educational studies, music education helps children with their learning abilities and emotional growth in many ways, such as language development, IQ, better test scores, etc. In our lives, balance is always an important factor to keep them in good shape. God made daylight as well as darkness in night. We need to serve our community and also need to worship and praise God. We learn God’s words and also spend time praying to God to communicate with Him. In the same manner, we need physical exercise plus the arts, including music, for our spiritual health.

Martin Luther was once asked, “You are getting incredibly busy recently. How much time do you spend for prayer these days?” And his answer was, “Because of that reason, I have increased my prayer time lately…” I think the time of praising God is not that far from this example.

Do you think you don’t have enough time to get relaxed? Do you not have enough time to pray? And do you not have enough time to enjoy music? I suggest that you come and join us in music ministry at First Presbyterian. You can have the answer for all the above questions. I have been trying to create some variety in our musical activities for your various life situations.

During summer we have summer choir, which needs your time only on Sunday mornings when the choir sings for service. For people who don’t have previous music reading skills but want to learn, there is Praise Ringers, a beginners’ bell choir group. If you want to devote your time to praising God on a regular basis, join the Celebration Ringers and/or Sanctuary Choir.

There are some events you may want to mark on your calendar: Church Family Talent Show and Chili Cook -Off on Sunday, October 13 and Joint Christmas Worship and Concert with First Congregational Church on December 8 at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

If you want to start contributing your time and talents in any of these opportunities, don’t hesitate to contact Taemin, taemin@1stpresby.org. Your exciting musical journey will start this year and will enrich your life in a mysterious way.