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I am the person that “gets” to stand in front of all the wonderful people who play instruments and sing in the choir. The myriad combinations of brain synapses that traveled throughout the group on the chancel area last week was amazing. There was communication without speaking. That is the beauty of music – that energy, that transportation to other places, that emotional lump that forms in the throat and spills out in tears, filling our souls in ways that nothing else can. Only love of the art can create what you experienced last week. And only God could have given and created that love of this art. It flows out to the congregation and falls upon them, causing praise and adoration of God. A full circle. Thank you for this opportunity to lead people’s love for God to create that circle week after week. And many thanks to those who helped with setup, sound, live stream, printing, and financial support. Mission accomplished! (I mean that in the true sense of the word “Mission.”)
During this advent season, 3-5th graders bravely stepped up to process with chimes and sing with the chancel choir and live orchestra, some of them for the first time in their lives. Each one knew that they were serving their church in a very special way. Thank you to them and to their parents for encouraging their service to the church and gifts to God.
Last evening, we gathered to worship by bringing our griefs and burdens forward and taking communion for renewal of spirit. The Harp Ensemble, myself, Lynda Kennedy, and Melissa Tsai played the prelude music, hymns, and communion music. It was a gentle and healing time together.
So, what’s next? On Sunday, we celebrate Christmas Eve all day long. Starting at 10:30 am, we will light the fourth Advent candle of love and then there will be a telling of the Christmas story with a nativity tableau and carols. This service will end much like the later services - the lighting of the Christ Candle, Silent Night with candles, and exiting to Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. This will be an abbreviated service much along the lines of the 8:30 am service (there will not be an 8:30 service on December 24 & 31st)
The 5:30 service will have a full choir and instrumental ensemble – brass quintet, clarinets, chimes & bells, timpani, cymbal, organ, and piano. Ann Nermoe will sing “That Night” and accompany herself on guitar and I will sing O Holy Night with the choir. Our traditional Nativity Tableau will also happen after some lessons and carols. Of course, we will end with lighting the Christ Candle and spreading that light with our own candles throughout the church while singing “Silent Night” and then exiting to “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!” This service will be livestreamed for those of you who need to be away.
At 9:00 pm, our Early Music Ensemble will play as you enter to create a worshipful atmosphere. After a homily from Pastor Steve, AnnMarie Morrison will sing “Gesu Bambino” and we will experience Holy Communion, light the Christ Candle while singing Silent Night with our own lit candles, and exit in anticipation of the coming morning.
On December 31, Amy and I will be taking some time away and Mark Lochstampfor will be playing for that 10:30 am service and leading a quartet. We will be observing Epiphany that day, even though it is traditionally on January 6th.
I am most thankful for my fellow music staff members, Amy Bishop and Suzanne Morrison. Together, we get the job done. I wish for them the things I would want this time of year - the comfort of family, a long winter’s nap, and the joy of serving.
My heart aches for many people and things, but it is full of the love that I experience each day being a part of such a wonderful church family. Blessings to all on this most holy holiday season.
Love & Gratitude, Rhonda
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