What do you remember, if you were even alive then, about October of 1998? Perhaps you recall that the New York Yankees won yet another World Series. Or that Eric Rudolph was charged with six bombings, including the 1996 bombing at the Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta. Some might even note that John Glenn, who in 1962 became the first American to orbit the earth, returned to space aboard space shuttle Discovery to perform experiments on aging.
But perhaps the most impactful event of that year happened in a field in Wyoming on October 6, 1998? On that evening, a young gay man named Matthew Shepard was taken to a field, beaten within inches of his life, and was left to die hanging on a barbed wire fence. He was eventually found, and taken to the Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he died six days later. His death, the heartfelt witnesses from his father and mother, and the trials that followed were deeply impactful in American life, and led to the passage of significant hate crime legislation.
Craig Hella Johnson has composed profound oratorio titled “Considering Matthew Shepard”. As another article in this newsletter notes, the Bloomington Chamber Singers (BCC), which is directed by Gerry Sousa, will present this oratorio at the Buskirk Chumley on October 9 and 10. Johnson’s piece is written following the pattern of Bach’s Passion, and indeed, interprets Matthew’s story as one of redemptive suffering. The work is a fusion of styles, and the readings and lyrics are quite moving.
We at St. Mark’s have a special opportunity to share in part of this powerful musical witness this Sunday as members of the BCC, accompanied by Matthew Wachtman, will present four movements of the oratorio in our Sunday morning Worship service. Mary Beth and Jimmy will also offer brief reflections, which connect to the biblical passage for the day, Matthew 22: 36-40. There will also be a moment for children, prayers and hymns. We hope you join us either in person or on the Live Stream.
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 on the live stream at www.smumc.church at 10:30 am this Sunday!