Music Notes

This third Sunday of Advent we celebrate American Christmas music through two colonial period traditions. Anna O'Connell opens our service with her arrangement of an American carol for harp and voice. A trio of artists share music in the style of Appalachian folk tunes. Covenant member Bill Braun started playing Appalachian String Band music on the guitar in 2016. He started to study the banjo the same year. In the last several years he has repeatedly fallen into the trap of arguing that just one more instrument is all he will ever need. Michael Morgen began learning old-time fiddle in 2005 at the Folk School of St. Louis, having played guitar as a teenager. In 2015, he moved to Cleveland to practice neuro-ophthalmology at UH and happily discovered the strong and welcoming music community of Northeast Ohio. Our own Jonathan Moyer joins them on organ. Second, the Chancel Choir sings Shiloh (1781),by Boston composer William Billings, who was largely a self-taught musician. The choir sings using an authentic technique, made popular by New England singing schools of the 18th century: some tenors sing the melody line (the traditional soprano line) with sopranos to place a heavier emphasis on the tune. 

Calling All Cookie Bakers

Deacons still need cookie donations for their Christmas luncheon at Ernest J. Bohn Senior Center on Tuesday, December 18. Please bring cookies labeled for Ernest Bohn to the church office.

Deacon's Lunch at Ernest J. Bohn Senior Center

Tuesday, December 18 12 pm

With your help, the Deacons will deliver a holiday meal and gifts to participants in the Bohn Center's Daycare. The Deacons have established a relationship with the Ernest J. Bohn Center, one of seven local Rose Centers for Aging Well. Located on Ansel Road, less than a mile from us, this Senior Daycare Center provides home-delivered meals, as well as hot lunches, programs and activities from walking and chair exercises to board games and balloon volleyball. The Center provides comprehensive neighborhood-based services to children, youth, adults, families and seniors from diverse backgrounds.

Dece mber Book Discussion - Before I had the Words by Skyler Kergil

Sunday, Dece mber 23rd 11:30 am in the Dowd Commons 

In Befo re I had The Words ,  You Tube Personality, Author, and Transgender Advocate, Skyler  Kergil  reflects on coming of age while struggling to understand his gender. This is  a grou ndbreaking chronicle of change, loss, discovery, pain, and relief, Kergil brings an openness to his t ransition from female to male and new meaning to the phrase "formative years." Copies of Before I  Had The Words  are available for purchase in the Church Office.

 

                                                    

    Homeless Stand Down: While you are doing your Christmas shopping, remember to buy items to support the Homeless Stand Down. The following items are needed: new/gently used coats (XL only), winter boots (waterproof), new men's and women's underwear, new men's and women's socks, and new/gently used scarves, hats and gloves. The deadline for items is Sunday, December 30.