Last Sunday I spoke about my former professor from Drew Theological School, Mark Miller, who composed the song “Creation of Peace”, an adaptation of the song “We’ll Build A Land”. Mark serves as faculty and choir director at both Drew and Yale; I had the pleasure of participating in his class “Sacred Songs and Social Justice” where we studied the history of music in justice movements and sang/played/created new music together. This upcoming Sunday, our guest minister, Tara Humphries, has chosen the opening song, “Draw the Circle Wide”,  another Miller original. This one features the faces and voices of my own graduating seminary class from the 2020 virtual commencement. So while I won’t be with you this Sunday, I’m glad to see that my seminary classmates will be on screen!

While my current musical talents are limited to blending my alto voice decently with a good choir and a few memorized piano pieces from grade school recitals, music of many genres has had a remarkable impact on my life. From moments of transcendence to resistance, music plays an essential role in our spiritual lives, too, and in our work together as a community of faith. We have been particularly gifted during this Zoom time with the talented artistry of our musicians, Paul Mariconda and newcomer, Chaz Baldwin, who surprise us each week with their multi-instrument arrangements of classic songs and new favorites! I look forward to hearing more from this dynamic duo and others with musical talents to share when we return to in person services.

Music was also one of the topics discussed at our recent Worship Retreat in January. The retreat was well-attended by UUC participants both in person and on Zoom and generated great enthusiasm and commitment from all who participated. We now have an active Worship Ministry Team that will be meeting monthly to coordinate services! We welcome the participation of others who would like to be involved as readers, time for all ages leaders, musicians, etc.

So thank you to all who make music – both literally and figuratively- which has helped to sustain and generate new energy during this cold January time of rest and renewal. Whether you find your place in an improvisational jazz quartet or a harmonious six-part choir, may we continue to create beauty and meaning together.

Peace,
Rev. Terri