Zach Young, Director of Music Ministries
Last year, I heard a modern hymn from Getty Music with an intriguing title: “Oh, What High and Holy Privilege.” That phrase could allude to many blessings Christians enjoy: forgiveness from sin, peace with God, adoption as His children, access to the throne of grace, and certain hope of eternal life. But the writers instead expound on a rich blessing often overlooked today: the “high and holy privilege” of gathering for worship with God’s people.
Participating in worship and engaging in the life of the local church are means through which God feeds, strengthens, and renews our faith. A hungry man does not need paltry
gimmicks, slick graphics, or persistent goading to join the line at the soup kitchen. His natural desire for nourishment will drive his duty to arrive at mealtimes and wait in line. He is the beggar; the soup kitchen doesn’t have to beg him! Likewise, we are beggars who eagerly line up to receive spiritual sustenance from our good and gracious Provider. Sporadic or reluctant involvement in church suggests pride and entitlement rather than humble dependence on the grace of God.
As you consider our privileges as members of Christ’s church, I urge you to prioritize weekly gatherings. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” (Heb. 10:25) is a word from God who desires to bless and form His people through the local church. But Sunday morning is just the beginning. You are always invited to dig deeper into the privileges afforded through church involvement. Note these helpful suggestions:
- Come early for Sunday School and grow in the Word with others.
- Join Midweek ministries this Wednesday: family meal, adult Bible study, youth group, children’s choirs (preparing for a Christmas musical!), and adult choir.
- Speaking of adult choir: sing in the Stephens Valley Christmas concert, a joyful outreach to our neighborhood and celebration of the Incarnation. Christmas rehearsals start this Wednesday at 6:45 p.m.
- Deepen your love for Scripture through one of our men’s or women’s Bible studies.
- Share in planned fellowship, including the annual Hymn Sing on Sunday, August 30, at 4:30 p.m.
- Serve young parents by volunteering in the nursery.
May the words of this song nudge all of us to prayerfully adjust plans and priorities, so that worship takes precedence over all else. Then, let Sunday mornings be your springboard into other ministries that deepen your relationships with God and fellow believers.
Oh, what high and holy privilege, once again to gather here
In the name of our Lord Jesus as we see His Day draw near.
May we join in joyful reverence with thanksgiving, faith, and love
As He welcomes in His people to the throne of grace above.
Oh, what high and holy privilege, voices raised in prayer and praise
Boldly bringing great petitions, gladly singing hymns of faith.
May His grace at work among us cleanse and heal us from our sin,
That our prayers may not be hindered, and our praises honor Him.
Oh, what high and holy privilege, hearing from the word of God
Heaven speaks in perfect wisdom; earth responds and stands in awe.
Do our hearts not burn within us as we see God’s promises
Find their final yes in Jesus, leading us to righteousness!
Oh, what high and holy privilege, this communion that we share
With the Father, Son, and Spirit, and His people everywhere.
As we go with God’s great blessing in the keeping of His grace,
Go in peace to love and service till we join again in praise.
© 2025 Getty Music Hymns and Songs
