"I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free." These words from the familiar hymn His Eye is on the Sparrow turn out not just be a statement of faith but a phenomenon backed up by science. As it turns out singing with others has been shown to increase endorphins, a hormone associated with pleasure. Singing with others also helps us connect to one another, it creates surges of the hormone oxytocin, the hormone that helps bonds moms and new babies.
One of the surprising things about singing is that you don't even need to be good at it to experience these benefits. Professional singers in these studies show no noticeable difference in the pleasures singing they experience, with their untrained colleagues. Other benefits include lowered blood pressure, easier breathing, decreased stress and increased relaxation. For more information, please see the full article by Dr. Mehment Oz and Michael Rolzen.
Aside from the science, as people of faith we have the added benefit of uniting our voices in praise of God. As a church choir, lifting our voices in worship is the most important and gratifying use of our humble gifts. The founder of the Methodist tradition, John Wesley reminds us in the "Directions for Singing" printed in our hymnals: "Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing." We invite you to join us in testifying to God's beauty, majesty and power in our lives this season.
Sanctuary Choir rehearsals resume Thursday, September 5th at 7pm and the Sisters in Song resume on Monday, September 9th. For more information about the music program contact Juan Carlos Acosta, Director Music Ministries.
One of the surprising things about singing is that you don't even need to be good at it to experience these benefits. Professional singers in these studies show no noticeable difference in the pleasures singing they experience, with their untrained colleagues. Other benefits include lowered blood pressure, easier breathing, decreased stress and increased relaxation. For more information, please see the full article by Dr. Mehment Oz and Michael Rolzen.
Aside from the science, as people of faith we have the added benefit of uniting our voices in praise of God. As a church choir, lifting our voices in worship is the most important and gratifying use of our humble gifts. The founder of the Methodist tradition, John Wesley reminds us in the "Directions for Singing" printed in our hymnals: "Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing." We invite you to join us in testifying to God's beauty, majesty and power in our lives this season.
Sanctuary Choir rehearsals resume Thursday, September 5th at 7pm and the Sisters in Song resume on Monday, September 9th. For more information about the music program contact Juan Carlos Acosta, Director Music Ministries.
No comments:
Post a Comment