Anne Lamott writes of her early days of attending a small Presbyterian church, the one that helped facilitate her embrace of faith, or perhaps better said, God’s embrace of her. Even as she struggled with her own addictions, she was particularly drawn to the singing of that little congregation. She writes in Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith, “Then the singing enveloped me. It was furry and resonant, coming from everyone’s very heart. There was no sense of performance or judgment, only that the music was breath and food.”
Have you ever been part of an experience of group singing that had a powerful impact on you? A growing body of research affirms that singing in groups has significant benefits for health and for our inner well-being. But we also know that singing together strengthens the connection and energy of the singing community. This is one of the reasons people are drawn to choirs, and why during the pandemic, many developed online choral experiences. It was not simply a love of music. It was a reflection of the deep longing for and profound delight in community.
Sunday at St. Mark’s, we’ll sing together some of the carols of the season. The Sanctuary Singers will present a choral version of Mary’s Magnificat composed by Alan Bullard, as well as an arrangement by Anthony Pitts of “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming.” Patrick Conklin will sing “Gifts for the Child of Winter” and Anthony Josep will sing, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy”. Organist Matthew Wachtman and harpist Aubrey Shumway will accompany them. We will read a selection of Biblical lessons, and sing carols as a congregation, offer prayers and have a moment for children. Mary Beth and Jimmy will each offer brief reflections.
If you have been part of the St. Mark’s community for decades, or will be joining us for the first time, we look forward to connecting with those of you here in-person or joining on the live stream at www.smumc.church at 10:30am Sunday morning!