On Sunday night we packed out Reading Cinemas Devonport with over 220 people from churches right across our city and surrounding areas for a private screening of The First Hymn.

It felt like more than just a movie night. It was a moment of worship, history, and community all woven together — and it reminded me again of the beauty of God’s church here in Devonport.

Older Than Denominations

One of the lines that really stuck with me came from John Dickson, who hosted the film. He reminded us that this hymn was being sung long before there were denominations. Long before we had all the labels and streams that mark the church today, there was simply one body of believers lifting their voices to God together.

That struck me. Because sitting in that cinema on Sunday night, that’s exactly what it felt like — Baptists, Catholics, Pentecostals, Anglicans, and more, shoulder to shoulder. The hymn called us back to what unites us, not what divides us.

Worship at the Heart

The lyrics themselves are so simple, yet so deep. They lift our gaze to the Trinity — Father, Son, and Spirit — the very heart of Christian worship.

As John reminded us, these were some of the earliest Christians, and yet they already carried this lived understanding of God’s three-in-one nature. It’s as if the Spirit was making sure the church began its song with the right focus: awe, reverence, and worship of the living God.

A Shared Moment for Devonport

When the film finished and the modern performance by Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding played, you could feel the room breathe it in together. Those ancient words, carried into our own time, became our song too.

And when the refrain “Amen, we sing, Amen” rang out, I couldn’t help but think: this is what it looks like when the church is family.

Watch for Yourself

If you couldn’t be there on the night, you can watch here: 🎶

 

Grateful and Expectant

We’re so grateful for everyone who came, for the churches who spread the word, and for the conversations that have already begun flowing out of Sunday night.

This hymn reminds us that across history — and right here in Devonport — we are one church, lifting one song, to Father, Son, and Spirit.

Andrew Hillier, Devonport Churches