Fifth Sunday at Cornerstone

Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.  Psalm 30:4

In months containing five Sundays, we have a tradition in our church called "Fifth Sunday Singing."  Churchgoers are encouraged to sing a hymn or song, recite memorable Scripture, give a testimony, read a poem or any contribution.  Normally, we have it on Sunday evening.  Sometimes we'll have a fellowship meal following the service or homemade ice cream and cookies.

This year because of the caution surrounding Covid-19, we are unable to go caroling at the Nursing Homes and VA Home like we normally do at this time.  This is really disappointing.  We opted to have Fifth Sunday Singing this past Sunday and then have our Thanksgiving/Christmas Feast next Sunday after Morning Worship in lieu of caroling around town.

Congregants prepare and then there are usually some impromptu specials where anyone who would like is invited up to sing old favorites.  Lots of smiles.  We usually have a pianist, a guitar player and a harmonica player, but sometimes songs are done a capella.

Many times songs have lead-ins in which the brother or sister in Christ will tell a story about what the song means to them or memories that the song might bring up or thankfulness to God for blessings.  You are free to share whatever is on your heart.

In impressive fashion, two young men recite an entire chapter of the Bible from memory, inspiring us all and making us wonder how they can do that when my memory is so poor!

As is always the case, we close in prayer and leave feeling better than when we walked in.  Praise God!  In checking the calendar, I see that January 2021 is the next month with five Sundays.  Time to start getting ready.

Fifth Sunday Singing

At our small country church we have an event that most people look forward to on months that have five Sundays in them.  Instead of the traditional evening service on that Fifth Sunday, we have Fifth Sunday Singing.  We announce it a few weeks in advance so everyone can get ready.  The idea is this - everyone is encouraged to sing a solo, a duet, a quartet, a group song.  Perhaps you don't sing?  That's okay, too.  You can share a testimony, read a poem, recite a favorite Scripture, play an instrument.  You don't have to be in the choir.  You don't have to read music.  Just make a joyful noise to the LORD!  Sometimes we'll have a fellowship meal or "finger foods" afterward.

We haven't always attended our little church.  In the beginning, 5th Sunday Singing was very intimidating to me.  I would get real nervous and dread Fifth Sunday Singing.  After getting a few of them "under my belt," I quickly realized that there was nothing to get nervous about.  We have a church FAMILY and no one will make fun of you, or laugh, or throw vegetables.  People share and are very supportive. 

Recently, we had a water pipe that burst in our sanctuary.  We had to have the baseboards pulled and the carpet dried out.  Then all the plumbing had to be re-done.  No worries.  It didn't ruin Fifth Sunday Singing.  We still had it in our Fellowship Hall.  Sometimes old hymns are sung.  Sometimes old Southern Gospel songs are sung.  Sometimes more contemporary songs are sung.  The fact is, it doesn't matter.  As long as we are praising our Lord and enjoying time with fellow believers, it's all good!  Click the arrow below to hear "Master of the Sea" sung at a recent 5th Sunday Singing:

If my calendar is correct, June is the next month that has 5 Sundays in it.  Looking forward to it!