Heavenly Music

I feel very fortunate to be a member at Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ. We've had a unique opportunity recently. We are connected with the churches in St. Petersburg, Russia. One of the Russian Christians there is a musical composer. We've been privileged to be singing one of his songs, "My God and King" based on Psalms 84. The words and melody linger in my mind.

Two weeks ago on Wednesday evening, the composer, Konstantin Khiguln, his wife and another Russian young woman visited our chorus class. They sang for us. It was like hearing angel voices. This was all the more special because I can remember when some members of our congregation began going to St. Petersburg around 15 years ago. I remember a young American who had just become a Christian become educated at the Institute for Christian Studies (now Austin Graduate School of Theology.) He heard and responded to the call and went to live in Russia. Watching Konstantin lead us in learning his beautiful songs that Wednesday gave me a small sense of God's amazing power to spread his love to all of us. His joy in knowing Christ was radiant that evening.

This past Sunday evening the worship service centered on the work in Russia. One highlight was having Konstantin Zhigulin lead the congregation in "My God and King." This was followed by our Russian brothers and sisters singing some of these beautiful new hymns. And then a small group of local singers joined them for more of these new hymns.

For those of you in the Texas area, there are some more opportunities to hear these new and beautiful hymns:

Tues. Sept 19 - 8:00 P.M. Abilene Christian University Lectureship - General Session
- 8:30 P.M. Abilene Christian University Campus - Williams Performing Arts Center, Recital Hall
Wednesday, Sept. 20 - High Pointe Church of Christ, McKinney, Texas
Saturday, Sept. 23 - 7:00 P.M. Richland Hills Church of Christ, 24/7 Conference Room Richland Hills, Texas
Sunday, Sept 24 - 9:00 A.M. Duncanville Church of Christ, Duncanville, Texas
Sunday, Sept. 24 - 5:30 p.m. Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ, Arlington, Texas

The Russian and Austin area singers have made a CD that is available. Cost is $20.00. I highly recommend it. There is also a Russian language CD with some additional chamber music that Konstantin has written. If any of my readers are interested in ordering these CD's, contact me and I'll send you the email information.