Plan now: World-Wide Methodist Songfest in May

On Tuesday, I mentioned one upcoming global Methodist event: the Game Changers Summit hosted by UMCom in September.  Today, as we're now officially into 2014, I'd like to mention another global Methodist event coming up this year: the World-Wide Methodist Songfest on May 24.  This collection of locally-organized events was initiated by the World Methodist Council and the New Room in Bristol to commemorate the 275th anniversary of John Wesley's Aldersgate experience.

What is this event?
It's a world-wide songfest, or a global hymn sing, in which Methodists (and not just United Methodists) from around the world will all hold local hymn-sings to celebrate the 275th anniversary of John Wesley's Aldersgate experience, the moment when John Wesley found his heart "strangely warmed" and experienced assurance of the forgiveness of his sins in Christ.  The idea is to gather together to sing hymns and Methodist songs for forty-five minutes, any hymns and Methodist songs the local organizers may deem appropriate, and then cap it off by singing, "O, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing" at the exact time of Wesley's experience.

Who is this event aimed at?
All Methodists everywhere.  It doesn't get much more broadly Methodist than singing hymns.

When and where will the songfest be?
The event will happen on Saturday, May 24th at 8:00pm/20:00 local time and culminate with singing "O, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing" at 8:45pm/20:45 local time.  The songfest/hymn sing will be happening in local Methodist congregations.

How can I participate?
You can contact your local Methodist congregation to see if they are planning to participate.  If not, consider leading the organizing efforts.  The time and day are set; you would only need to arrange music leaders and publicity.  While you can contact the World Methodist Council or the New Room, Bristol to notify them of your participation, that is not necessary.