This is the time to reflect on our world at First Parish, as this month ends the fiscal year at First Parish. Two things come to mind: finding a new song for singing our children out, and adding to the fullness of RE time for our children.
First, as I mentioned a couple months ago, the hymn we sing, #413 “Go Now In Peace”, was written by a Methodist minister who requested that her words to the song not be changed. Alas, we do change them from “May the love of God surround you” to “May the spirit of love surround you”. Since the composer did not give permission for this, I think we should find a new song. I reached out to my colleagues at neighboring UU parishes, and they all sing different songs. They shared those songs with me, mostly songs they themselves had written. We will be singing one of those songs, “There is a Love”, soon. Stay tuned for that.
Secondly, starting this Sunday, I will be heading downstairs with our young ones to enjoy some music together with them. This will happen occasionally, and I greatly look forward to spending this time with them.
Music in March at First Parish:
Beth Welty will be our guest musician and will play a rather new piece for violin and piano called, “Peace”, written by Jessie Montgomery, a young African-American woman.
Vespers will be on Tuesday, March 26th at 7 pm.
The First Parish choir will sing two anthems for our Easter service on March 31st.
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.