For thousands of years, music has played a central role in the lives of countless communities of faith. It did when the people of Israel escaped from the Egyptians, crossed the Red Sea, and sang “a new song to the Lord.” It did when the shepherd boy David found inspiration in the landscapes of Bethlehem, began to play his harp, and went on to compose many of the Old Testament Psalms that give us comfort and strength. It did when John Wesley led the Methodist revival in 18th-century England and featured the hymns of his brother Charles because he knew that music has a special power to soothe souls, inspire hearts, and draw people closer to God and to one another. And it’s played a central role in the religious life of countless other communities. As Cat Stevens once said, “music is part of God’s universe” and has long been central to the life of faith.

Indeed, it’s certainly central to what happens at St. Mark’s every Sunday
morning. Suzanne’s opening preludes create a meditative atmosphere for
prayer and reflection. During the service, we join together to sing hymns
that give thanks for God’s promises to be with us always, and that express
our commitment to be followers of Christ’s word and way. Our choir offers
a range of meaningful anthems that give expression to many of our
deepest hopes, emotions, and beliefs. And on special occasions, we
welcome some musical guests into our midst whose contributions feed our
spirits and touch our hearts in significant ways.
Last Sunday, we were treated to a moving duet by Zachary Boulanger and Jasmine Feicht McKim called Deep Within – which reminded us of God’s promise to plant a new and righteous spirit within us, be our strength and guide, and be with us always. And this coming Sunday, Maureen Paras and Theresa Patterson will be with us to share three moving and powerful pieces: Panis Angelicus, Pie Jesu, and Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. I can’t wait to hear them. “Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and
philosophy,” Ludwig van Beethoven once stated. Please join us this coming Sunday morning eat 10:30 am for this very special service.