It is the time of the year when we look backward first in order to look forward. We have embraced such transformational change at First Parish this year! Looking back to a few highlights:
We reconsidered the surroundings of our sanctuary, narthex, and conference room to open the space to something new.
We are accustomed to the liturgy of our worship services. Reverend Sophia with the Worship Committee have brought about a predictable and comfortable order of service. This sense of deep peace has uplifted many in our congregation.
We affirm our covenant with each other. There are so many ways to connect that, as we end our church year, we are grounded in the love we collectively bring to the world around us.
Looking forward, each of us can attend a church service on any Sunday during the summer! We have lay-led services, the possibility of seeing the GA service, and the choice to attend other area churches.
Starting in September, we have wonderful themes to deepen our lives: Invitation, Deep Listening, Repair, Presence, Story, Inclusion, Trust, Joy, Imagination, and Freedom.
This summer, I will lovingly spend time finding choir music and children’s music to further these themes. I will enjoy being a part of many of the summer services.
May your lives be filled with time together with loved ones and time to rest and reflect. I leave you with the words to the song, “Loosen”, sung by our choir with Rev. Sophia and the Bridger family: “Loosen, loosen, baby. You don’t have to carry the weight of the world in your muscles and bones. Let go, let go, let go……” We will all be singing it together soon.
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.