Southland Baptist Church Presents "Sermons Sung"

A worship service of music and drama examining the stories behind seven familiar religious hymns entitled "Sermons Sung" will be presented  at Southland Baptist Church, said a press release Wednesday. It will take place during the 9:45 a.m. service on Jan. 17 at 4300 Meadow Creek Trail.

Associate dean for academic affairs and professor of Christian ministry and church music at Baylor University's Truett Seminary, Dr. Terry York, will serve as the lead narrator for the service. Dr. Tim Lyles, Southland's associate pastor of worship, will serve as musical director. "Sermon's Sung" was written by Southland member and author, Preston Lewis.

The seven hymns featured in the presentation are "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," Blessed Assurance," "It Is Well With My Soul," "Wonderful Words of Life," "Just As I Am," "This is My Father's World," and "Amazing Grace" with an original musical arrangement by Southland member Harriet Lewis.

Lyles stated, "These hymns are representative of songs that have endured through generations as meaningful expressions of Christian faith and hope and continue to speak to us today in all circumstances of life."

According to the press release, the dramatic portions of the service will be directed by Angelo State University theater senior Tyler Hastings and will feature six ASU theater majors and Southland church members in period costumes. Music will be provided by Southland's Adult Sanctuary Choir and Southland Orchestra.

Participating ASU theater students are Nick Cline as Father Watts, Julia Rhea as Fanny Crosby, Adam Rich as Isaac Watts, Jacob Scott as Philipp Bliss, and Jose Villedas as Dwight Moody. Southland members with speaking parts are Courtnie Pehl as Phoebe Knapp and Harriet Lewis as alternative narrator. Adam Rich will serve as costume designer and Elizabeth Holland as scenic designer.

Following the presentation, Dr. York will speak on church music in the Southland Sanctuary during the 11 a.m. Sunday School hour. He has published more than 40 hymns including well-known "Worthy of Worship" and 60 choral anthem texts set by numerous composers. He has been a featured speaker at worship conferences worldwide and authored "Rehearsing the Soul," "Observing the Rests," and "The Voice of the Congregation."

The church service and the remarks by Dr. York are open to the public. For more information, contact the Southland Baptist Church office at 325-949-9633 or [email protected].

Contacts:

Dr. Tim Lyles, 325-949-9633, [email protected]
Tyler Hastings, 903-209-5762, [email protected]
Preston Lewis, 325-223-2204, [email protected]