Few things make church people grumpier than having to sing new songs they do not know.
The Reverend Dr. Matthew Rasure
Newton Highlands Congregational Church, UCC, congregants enjoyed a service led by the Reverend Dr. Matthew Rasure on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Deacon Tann Scott assisted.
The Reverend Dr. Rasure joked about people’s reaction to singing new hymns during his commentary about Psalm 40, which includes the words, “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. He explained that the psalm provides reassurance that God will lift us out of the pit and make our footing sure. “God has the final word and that word will be good,” he said.
He also spoke about God’s call to young people to do something meaningful. “What is the new song we can sing today?” he asked, advising listeners to honor their connection to each other and to their neighbors.
The children’s message, delivered by Director of Christian Education Wendy Donnell, was about leaning on God for support.
In memory of world-class composer, pianist, and arranger Richard Smallwood (1948-2025), the choir sang the gospel hymn “Total Praise.”
For the postlude, organist Yevgenia Semeina played Magnificat tertii tonight III.
During fellowship time, the Reverend Dr. Rasure, currently director of development at Allston Brighton Food Pantry, spoke about food security in Greater Boston and Massachusetts.
