In our worship planning, we, the staff, focus on themes which give us inspirations for creating weekly worship services. This month, it is “Awakening.” It is as if, after being asleep, I wake to something new or something with more depth: appreciation of beauty, being able to name what I are grateful for, seeing a need and finding ways to care for others, perhaps a more mindful and purposeful ability to listen to others and the world around me.
It is my habit to awaken to music as a joyful experience. I love congregational singing especially when it is shared by looking at other singers, moving and clapping together to a common beat. (This is one reason that I like not having to hold a hymnal in your hands!) Awakening to music is living in the moment. It is becoming attuned to the world around us. We may not always like all that we hear, and yet, even that is worthy of noticing. Music is around us constantly and awakening to really hearing it is a blessing.
Music in April:
April 5th Easter Sunday
The First Parish choir will be singing a Chorale, a Lutheran tune arranged by J.S. Bach and an anthem by Andre Thomas, “In Times of Silver Rain,” lyrics by Langston Hughes
There is no formal Vespers until October. Here is a thought: why not create your own Vespers service? Bring some music you love, create a meditation, read a poem or two. Invite your friends.
Charlyn Bethell
Charlyn’s professional training has followed two paths: as a professional oboist and as a music teacher and conductor. As Music Director at First Parish, she joins these two paths of her musical life, conducting the choir, coordinating guest musicians, and performing on oboe.