Is it a hymn if we do not sing it?

Worshippers at VSCC on April 25 experienced a hymn that was not sung.   Occasionally there is a hymn (the text) which connects with the message of the day but is set to a tune unfamiliar to most of us.  When possible, we seek a more familiar tune so we can sing the hymn in worship.  If not, we might just read it!

 Last Sunday the Rev. Dr. Bronson Netterville used Micah 6:6-8 for his sermon emphasis.  Our CHALICE HYMNAL has two hymns based on that scripture.  The meter of the text did not match any other familiar tunes so we chose to read hymn 659 at the close of the service.   From comments we heard, this was not as unwelcome as trying to sing an unfamiliar tune.

Our hymnal is filled with many fine texts which may never be sung in worship.  Reading the text can offer you an understanding of the hymn without the distraction of an unfamiliar tune, a tune that does not enhance the meaning of the hymn, or a tune which captures all our attention.  Try reading a hymn some time and let it sing in your mind and heart.