Even though the weather has gotten cold, I notice a sense of Awe in the air. I admit that I get much joy from tending our yard during the warm season. But, when it gets cold, the trees and plants get to rest. They shed their leaves with the certainty of them returning in the spring, restored from their time being dormant. Similar to the natural world around us, I am looking for magic in the air and renewal. If I can be open-ended in my experience of the every-day, I can let the light in and sense the wonder of the season.
Focusing on Awe means that we choose to be grateful on a constant basis. During the holidays, there is much music and art and beauty as part of being in the moment and experiencing gratitude for the world.
Music at First Parish in December:
Vespers :
Tuesday, December 9th: Readings will be led by Lynn Bratley and Chuck Dickinson with the music of Michael Collins with Djalai Babazadeh and Guy Urban, piano.
Tuesday, December 16th is Blue Christmas Vespers led by Rev. Sophia and music by the Hand in Hand singers and John Buchanan, piano.
Church services in December will include the Harmony Hymn Singers, Michael Collins, and Nick Woebcke.
The Pageant on Dec. 21st will feature the sword dance, among other wonders.
The First Parish choir will be singing two anthems on Christmas eve:
“Riu, Riu, Chiu with God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen”
“Where the Light Begins” featuring a beautiful text of renewal by Jan Richardson
With love and gratitude for our community!
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.