Lessons from a Handbell Choir: Community and Unity

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

1 Corinithians 12:7

Being a part of a hand bell choir is a rewarding, yet sometimes daunting, experience. Picture several people standing behind a long line of tables filled with bells. Every person plays at least two–one for each hand. Thankfully, you are only responsible for the bells in front of you. A space note in the left hand. A line note in the right. It sounds simple enough, right? But playing your part means finding and following these two musical notes as they bob up and down in a sea of black ink. Meanwhile, every other ringer at the table is trying to do the same thing. And one mistake can bring everybody down. It’s like taking a tightrope walk over a waterfall with a group of friends.

Just play the notes at the proper time and everything will be fine.

Doris, our brave director.

Playing in a handbell choir is much like being part of a Christian community–the Body of Christ. In his first letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul compares the church to a human body whose many parts make up a whole:

As it is, there are many parts, but one body…If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

1 Corinthians 12:20,26

In other words, everyone matters if anyone matters at all.

Kind reader, you matter, and God’s personal mission for you matters. As you fellowship with other believers in Christ, there’s a specific part for you to play.

So please keep ringing your bells and I’ll ring mine!

Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️ prayers and love




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10 responses to “Lessons from a Handbell Choir: Community and Unity”

  1. davidsdailydose Avatar

    I borrowed the idea from a song that says, “Everything matters is anything matters at all.” Thanks for stopping by, Matt!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. jesusluvsall Avatar

    love- everyone matters if anyone matters
    I am always amazed at the coordination of a handbell choir. I would get lost and mess it up.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. R Meadow Highlights – Revisiting April 2026 Highlighted Blog Writers | R M Meadow Avatar

    […] from Lessons from a Handbell Choir: Community and Unity “Playing in a handbell choir is much like being part of a Christian community–the Body of […]

    Liked by 1 person

  4. peggywritesblog Avatar

    Wonderful story and spiritual message as always, David! I love to hear the handbell choirs at Christmas.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. davidsdailydose Avatar

    You’re welcome, Bridget! Thank you for stopping by. God Bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Bridget Avatar

    “So please keep ringing your bells and I’ll ring mine!” I love this reminder. Thanks, David! 🔔

    Liked by 1 person

  7. davidsdailydose Avatar

    You’re welcome, brother! God bless you too and Susan as well. 🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Alan Kearns Avatar

    Thank you for this encouragement today David – good timing! God bless you and Nancy 🇺🇲🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙏

    Liked by 1 person

  9. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Handbells are fun to play, but you can’t let your mind wander! Thanks for stopping by, Pastor Pete.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. pastorpete51 Avatar

    Thanks Dave and that is such a great illustration. I’ve played a few instruments, but never handbells. Sounds terrifying!

    Liked by 1 person

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