Close Menu
Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Wednesday, May 21
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Subscribe
    • Donate
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Spirituality»Spiritual connections: All God’s people have a voice among us!
    Spirituality

    Spiritual connections: All God’s people have a voice among us!

    Rod AndersonBy Rod AndersonSeptember 23, 20223 Mins Read

    During a discussion of DEI (Diversity Equity and Inclusion) at a meeting I was attending, God brought to mind a song titled “All God’s Creatures Got a Place in the Choir.” 

    Some characterize it as an old children’s song, and I remember learning it from my mom’s cousin, who taught it in our Wastedo Elementary School music class. The lyrics include a menagerie of creatures — literally a diversity of animals singing in the same choir, but those critters are analogous to all God’s people, for sure!

    Nothing brings all of us together like music! Every voice in the vocal ensemble or the mass choir senses unity, whether singing in unison or harmonizing! Every unique instrument and instrumentalist in the band or orchestra plays their part in making music! Every toe-tapping listener and every dancer feels the beat that comes into them via the music! Every cheering fan in the crowded concert venue can’t keep from moving with the music! All God’s people find themselves and their place in the music!

    By extension, I believe in the potential for diverse people to discover real community in a choir, band, or orchestra. I’ve seen and heard this in our Eden Prairie schools. Is it possible in my mind and heart that music just might be the best vehicle for drawing together people of diverse faiths and colors, genders and nationalities?

    Advertisement
    Ad for Washburn McReavy

    We’re entering the season of national holidays and festivals that bring us together through music. 

    Oktoberfest has long brought more than one nationality together, not just around beer but also music and dancing. Oct. 12 has been Columbus Day my entire lifetime, but recently has become Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and we will certainly see and hear costumed Native Americans drumming, dancing, and singing. I know they want their music to draw others in for a cultural experience. 

    Nov. 24 is Thanksgiving Day, the most ecumenical annual community gathering all through the 45 years I’ve lived in Eden Prairie. In recent years, Thanksgiving worship evolved from being multi-denominational to becoming inter-faith. Stories of gratitude and songs of thankfulness and praise have brought us together! All God’s people got a place in the choir!

    Now to remember and hear the song that brought this article to mind, Google “All God’s People Got a Place in the Choir,” and play one or several of the different renditions available for listening.

    More importantly, begin or increase your efforts to reach out and befriend neighbors around you from diverse faiths and colors, genders and races! Remember, strangers are only friends we haven’t met … yet!

    Editor’s note: EPLN contributor Pastor Rod Anderson serves on the EPLN Board of Directors. Anderson is the former senior pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie. If you would like to contribute a faith-based column to EPLN, email editor@eplocalnews.org.

    Comments
    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticlePortion of Mitchell Road closed Sept. 26-28
    Next Article Breaking out and building up

    More to READ

    2 Mins Read

    Spiritual connections: A time to plant … Ecclesiastes 3:2

    May 12, 2025
    5 Mins Read

    Local leaders reflect on Pope Francis as Pax Christi plans memorial Mass

    April 23, 2025
    7 Mins Read

    Catholic but not Roman Catholic? Local faith leader’s book explains

    April 11, 2025
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    Eden Prairie High School program gives seniors a head start on careers

    May 21, 2025

    Shakopee man charged in Eden Prairie sexual assault of 15-year-old girl

    May 21, 2025

    EPHS synchronized swim team advances to state meet

    May 20, 2025

    Minnesota legislative session ends, still with a long to-do list

    May 20, 2025

    Former Eden Prairie man sentenced for posting nude images of woman online without her consent

    May 20, 2025
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    INN Network Member Guidestar Seal
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2025
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.