A hymn sing celebrated 500 years of Anabaptism Sept. 27 at Hyattsville Mennonite Church in Maryland. The joyful noise was the high point of the congregation’s yearlong celebration honoring Anabaptist history.
Eastern Mennonite University’s Chamber Singers took part in the event, which highlighted Anabaptism’s global diversity. Song selections included “Dhuh Pangeran” (O Prince of Peace) from Indonesia, “We Are People of God’s Peace” with lyrics from Menno Simons, Felix Manz’s “I Sing With Exultation” and a Cheyenne hymn, “Ehane he’ama” (Father God, You Are Holy).
More than 30 congregations were invited to the event, which also included a display of Anabaptist hymnals and a monologue written and performed by Anabaptist historian Kimberly Schmidt about early Anabaptist Agnes Linck of Biel, Switzerland.
Other activities held by Hyattsville this year included an Anabaptist film festival, “the Wurst potluck ever,” which recognized the importance of sausages in Anabaptist history; monthly Anabaptist history potluck quizzes and guest sermons from Anabaptists around the world.
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