Shining through our year of Intention, and all the monthly themes, I see our First Parish choir. Belonging to the choir is to embody compassion, abundance, and courage as we notice with awe the rituals that awaken us to be flourishing together. (All underlined words are monthly themes this year.) To sing together is to engage your spirit and singers’ awareness of the singing of those around them elevates that spirituality. Shared spirituality is shared ministry. Shared ministry is looking around you, knowing that the people you see matter so much to you that your connection with them can change your life. The First Parish choir shows up, listens, responds, rises to the occasion that is presented to them. Each member is not just important to the blend of sound that we create; rather, all are essential to the adventure of bringing music to life. We flourish together.
We flourish when we sing hymns together as a congregation, too! For example, when we sing rounds, I ask that you take a risk by hearing the voices of those singing the “other” part. I wish some folks could stand in the middle aisle, not singing, but just listening to the harmony that is there because of the different parts combining as a whole. Music is listening as much as it is singing, and when you are invited to receive the music around you, I hope sometimes you do that. Then you hear what a marvel we are. We could not be so without all of us.
As we go into summer mode, take that flourishing with you. Know that we are there for each other. We are together even when we are not physically together. I challenge you to create a meditation for yourself. Bring together your family and have a short Vespers as the stars come out. Share some favorite music and readings, then add some meaningful silence. Let yourself be warmed by all that we are and all that we do…..together. We flourish in love. May it be so.
Music in June:
June 7th is Pride Sunday. Our choir will sing “Celebration.”
June 14th is Youth Sunday, with music led by our young folks.
June 21st is the Flower Communion and the music is provided by the First Parish Band. This year, the band is represented by Nick Woebcke, leader, keyboards and bass, Matt Calabro, percussion, Morris Sullivan, guitars, Lisa Lin and Debi King, vocals, and Guy Urban filling in on keyboards and bass.
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.