Batavia church's 'Summer Soundtrack' explores songs of life and faith

Summer music, the soundtrack of warm days cruising in your car, hanging out at the beach, enjoying barbecues and picnics.

The Congregational Church of Batavia kicked off a "Summer Soundtrack: Songs of Life and Faith" on June 4.

Pastor Paige Wolfanger collected some favorite songs from members of the congregation to study in a series of sermons throughout the summer.

In this summer sermon series, the congregation is listening to some of the members' favorite "non-church" songs that have touched their hearts and brought God near, and using those to explore our scripture and our faith.

Each Sunday service will focus upon songs as varied as "Give a Little Bit" by Supertramp to "Feed The Birds" sung by Julie Andrews in the film "Mary Poppins."

The "Summer Soundtrack" began with a favorite of Pastor Paige, Over the Rhine's "All I Need is Everything."

The sermon discussed calling, discernment, and looking for God in the wilderness. A video of the most recent service in the series may be found on the homepage of the church website, www.congregationalchurch.org.

Join the 10 a.m. Sunday services at the Congregational Church of Batavia, 21 S. Batavia Ave.

On June 18, it will be Supertramp's "Give a Little Bit," followed by June 25 wtih "Why Me Lord" by Kris Kristofferson.

On July 2, there will be a guest preacher.

It continues with Sheryl Crow's "Soak Up the Sun" on July 9, Five Man Electrical Band's "Signs" on July 16, "Your Majesty" by Zack Brown Band on July 23, Julie Andrew's "Feed the Birds" on July 30.

The summer series will wrap up in August with U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" on Aug. 6, Kasey Musgraves' "Rainbow" on Aug. 13, Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up" on Aug. 20, and "Farthest Shore" by David Wilcox.