In most Protestant churches, Lent is seen as a time of reflection and penance – and that’s not a bad thing. In our reflections, we see that we are wholly weak as individuals, and that we need repentance in order to realign our lives with Christ’s. However, Lent has historically been a time of preparation, anticipation, and even celebration for the church as a whole. In the early church, it was the season of preparation for baptism – the final steps towards death of self and life in Christ. Dying to self and walking with Christ is not just an individual act – life in Christ is the Church, and thus the season of Lent is a time when “we together work to root out the blindness and deception that prevent us from receiving each other as gracious gifts from God. Properly understood and practiced, Lent is an invitation to honesty and clarity. It is the disciplined time we need to learn to see each other and the world more deeply as the material manifestations of God’s love. Cleansed of our sinful attachments, and finding God always to be near, we can then go out to welcome everyone and everything with joy” (Norman Wirzba, Christian Reflection–Lent). As the old gospel song says: I am weak, but thou art strong. This is never more evident than when we examine ourselves and realize our collective needs as the church. Individually, we are wholly weak, but together we are made Holy in Christ! Soli deo Gloria, Tim
Timothy Hill
About author
Rev. Timothy Paul Hill joined the Providence staff in August 2014 as Minister of Music. Tim is passionate about worship and seeks to use music in service to God and the Church. He is an exceptional musician, from vocalist to conductor to instrumentalist, and he uses his gifts to enable others to experience God at Providence.
Under his leadership, the Providence Sanctuary Choir has presented major works such as John Rutter’s “Requiem,” Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” and Dan Forrest’s “Requiem for the Living” to name a few. His musical tastes are as varied as his talents and he uses old hymns, contemporary choruses, and even blue grass when he plans worship. His musical style is all encompassing. From children’s handbells to youth choirs to ensembles to senior adult groups, Tim’s passion is contagious as he seeks to actively engage the congregation in worship.
Tim has directed the Carolina Men’s Chorus and helps coordinate “Festival by the Sea,” an ecumenical youth music festival involving youth choirs from across the Southeast. He is a decorated teacher, youth chorale conductor and actor. He has a special fondness for the people of Romania, where he developed many relationships during multiple mission trips. He never turns down a good game of kick ball with the youth and is always up for a friendly challenge, especially on the golf course.
His passions are acting and directing theatre, traveling, golfing and watching sports (Go, GAMECOCKS!). Tim and his beautiful wife Kristie have two children, Emerson and Ella Rose. Kristie is a native of Seneca, SC and is a talented and compassionate high school guidance counselor.
Education
Bachelor of Music Education (Vocal/Choral) – Anderson College
Master of Worship Studies – Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies
Under his leadership, the Providence Sanctuary Choir has presented major works such as John Rutter’s “Requiem,” Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” and Dan Forrest’s “Requiem for the Living” to name a few. His musical tastes are as varied as his talents and he uses old hymns, contemporary choruses, and even blue grass when he plans worship. His musical style is all encompassing. From children’s handbells to youth choirs to ensembles to senior adult groups, Tim’s passion is contagious as he seeks to actively engage the congregation in worship.
Tim has directed the Carolina Men’s Chorus and helps coordinate “Festival by the Sea,” an ecumenical youth music festival involving youth choirs from across the Southeast. He is a decorated teacher, youth chorale conductor and actor. He has a special fondness for the people of Romania, where he developed many relationships during multiple mission trips. He never turns down a good game of kick ball with the youth and is always up for a friendly challenge, especially on the golf course.
His passions are acting and directing theatre, traveling, golfing and watching sports (Go, GAMECOCKS!). Tim and his beautiful wife Kristie have two children, Emerson and Ella Rose. Kristie is a native of Seneca, SC and is a talented and compassionate high school guidance counselor.
Education
Bachelor of Music Education (Vocal/Choral) – Anderson College
Master of Worship Studies – Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies
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