For the All-Souls Service on November 2nd, the First Parish choir is singing an anthem about the urgency of actions needed because of climate change, called More Waters Rising. The composer of this anthem, Saro Lynch-Thomason, has quoted Theodore Parker from 1853, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” (a quote often attributed to MLK, Jr.) This anthem is a reminder that the arc will not bend towards justice on its own. It does so through the constant compassion, vigilance and cooperation of each generation. This moment calls on us to reach for each other and our abundant cooperative efforts as we wade through the waters and rebuild the mountains. We are fortunate to have our own Lily Bridger as a solo singer and Matt Calabro building the momentum with his drumming.
After being at the No Kings Rally, I remember just how powerful it was just to be there to witness a huge and like-minded community. As we are navigating difficult times, I know that music is essential to create and sustain a common bond between us. It helps us lovingly hold on to each other in times of pain. It provides us an oasis of beauty that reminds us of the good in the world. And it can inspire us to action.
Music this November at First Parish:
November 2nd: The choir sings More Waters Rising and What Wondrous Love arranged by Clif Hardin.
November 16th: The Harmony Hymn Singers will be singing Blue Boat Home in an arrangement by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
November 23rd: The choir sings Simple Gifts and a Chorale by J.S. Bach.
November 25th: Vespers with musical participants: Michael Collins— Djalai Babazadeh—Marianne Collins plus John Buchanan, piano.
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.