written by Richard Walsh…
The Faith through Music is a discussion group for the Churches of Weardale, held by Zoom, at 20:00, generally on the second Tuesday of each month. The twin objectives are to gain a deeper understanding of the songs we use across the Churches in Weardale, and also to build relationships, and an appreciation of our different traditions and church backgrounds.
The discussions run to a loose format. Richard introduces the chosen song, and gives a brief overview of the circumstances of its composition. He then facilitates a free flowing discussion, addressing questions such as:
- Do we like (or dislike – that’s allowed too!) the song?
- How can we use the song in our personal or corporate worship?
- How does the song speak to us/what does the song mean to us personally?
- Are there any words or phrases that we don’t understand, or are “theologically contentious?”
Richard often has a couple of “Difficult Questions” prepared, should the discussion dry up. He only rarely gets to use them. The chosen hymn is published in the Benefice Newsletter, the zoom invitation (and a YouTube link to the hymn) is issued on the Sunday before the discussion.
During Lent and Advent, we tend to drift a little “off piste” – so our Lenten discussions have included musical settings of The Lord’s Prayer (in 2024), The 23rd Psalm (in 2025) and hymns based around Psalms 120 to 134, the Songs of Ascent (in 2026). Advent discussions have looked at Christmas songs that one would not necessarily expect to sing in Church.
We’re a friendly group: whilst we don’t always agree on everything, we always enjoy a lively and uplifting discussion, learning from one another and from God. It would be fantastic to see a few more people joining in: please contact Richard via westweardalenews@gmail.com for more information or an invitation to the next discussion.