What a busy time it is, and what a blessing “busy” is! Our theme is “pluralism” and we are busy in many directions. We are also doing things we have not done before. Let me explain.
The First Parish Choir would, this very week, be getting ready for Music Sunday, as this has been our usual time for this special service. For many years, this has been our tradition. Music Sunday was in February this year, freeing us to sing songs to honor Memorial Day for the first time ever. Our songs are “In Flanders Fields” and “Let the Life I’ve Lived Speak for Me”. In addition to this, we are singing a lovely song that is almost a chant, called “Loosen”. We will sing these songs on May 19th. I feel like we are breaking new ground in contributing to people honoring those around us who have passed on.
Our church is getting ready to honor diversity in our ranks with the upcoming Variety Show on May 11th. This gives all a chance to share something special that we can do: sing a song, sing a song or two with others, do a dance, recite a poem, and many other displays of talent. We open ourselves to seeing each other in a new light, promising a new depth to our experience of each other. The choir will be singing “We are the World” and Hand in Hand, our very own hospice choir, will be singing two special songs.
And then there is a new town-wide initiative, the Porchfest. This promises to be an annual affair because the response has been so robust. Our First Parish porch will be featured with some local talent on display.
The composite of all this feels like us reaching out with confidence, being who we are. We might see the world differently, yet we are together, embracing our community. “Pluralism” is us coming together, making our collaborations stronger because we are more aware of what makes us different as well as the same.
May it be so.
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.