Covenant CONNECTIONS:
Alexander Hamilton, Elizabeth Schuyler, and Time
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Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The
time
is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
--Mark 1:14-15
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Greetings!
We were in "the room where it happened" last night.
Yes, my wife and I were fortunate enough to see "Hamilton" Thursday evening at the Overture Center.
Inspired by Ron Chernow's 2005 biography,
Alexander Hamilton, the musical is a crash course in the courage, wisdom, conflict, and humanity in the founding of our country. I read the biography a few years ago; it's excellent.
There is much to appreciate about this musical phenomenon, especially for us as people of faith. It feels to me like a reflection on how to use time wisely and well. The "ten dollar founding faither" seemed obsessed with hard work and making the most of his time. Interestingly, as he journeyed through the challenges of life, he became more prayerful and more regular at church.
The songs are beautiful, poignant, inspiring, and they are filled with cultural, historical, and religious references. Click on the image below, to watch
"Yorktown: The World Turned Upside Down" performed at the Tony's in 2016, after a brief intro by the Obamas.
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Note: the cast decided to not use muskets in their "Yorktown" performance that night, as the Orlando nightclub shooting happened less than 24 hours previously. Note also the biblical and historical roots of the phrase:
"the world turned upside down."
"Hamilton" also gives voice to outsiders, ignored people--helping us to hear the voices of people long silenced, as our
"A Brief Statement of Faith" urges Presbyterians to do. In "Hamilton"
- The founding fathers are reimagined, with a racially diverse cast
- Orphans and an immigrants (Hamilton was both) are celebrated
- Women's voices are heard, as when Angelica Schuyler reflects on the "all men are created equal" from the Declaration of Independence. She sings out: "And when I meet Thomas Jefferson …Ima compel him to include women in the sequel!"
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At last night's show, after a long intermission, an announcement told us that an understudy would play Elizabeth Schuyler (Hamilton's wife) in the second act--and she has a rather large part, dealing with tragic deaths and adultery.
She finds the strength to continue living, and even makes time to oppose slavery and help orphans. The understudy was excellent, closing the show with a poignant and inspiring song which invites reflection on how we are living our lives.
Her closing song always makes me think of Paul's words to the Ephesians:
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love....Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time." (Eph. 5:1,15)
For those with time (and money and good fortune to get tickets) go see "Hamilton" and read all you can about the show. For all of us, a prayer, as we seek to faithfully live in the new time of God's Kingdom:
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Thank you God, for the gift of today, for the time you have given us to live. Grant us courage and wisdom to deal with the inevitable hardships of life, and help us to make good us of our time, to share your love with the world, as we follow Jesus together. Amen.
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On the journey together,
Charlie
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SERVING SURVEY
As a church, we are one body with many parts. To function more effectively, to know more about people's skills and interests, we are asking everyone at Covenant to fill out a Serving Survey. It will just take you a minute or two. Hardcopies are available at church, or even better you can fill it out on our website:
https://covenantmadison.breezechms.com/form/serving-servey
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You can give a gift to a local child in need through our partners at the Lussier Community Education Center. This year LCEC
is helping over 600 children in the Madison area, making sure
these children have a Christmas gift(s) to open. We have 12 children to help! Look for the table on Sunday, outside the sanctuary.
The monetary amount is about
$30. The children’s names are withheld, but we know their
Christmas wishes. Find us . . . we would love to have you help!! Thank
you!!
Click on logo to learn more about LCEC.
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