Musical Musings
Anne Watson Born
Now is the moment of magic,
when the whole, round earth turns again toward the sun,
and here's a blessing:
the days will be longer and brighter now,
even before the winter settles in to chill us.
In this week before December 25, many of us are moving with a degree of frantic excess through our days. We shop, we bake, we carol, we decorate, etc., etc., caught on the hamster wheel of the holidays. It’s not all bad (we carol!), but it will be good to take time to slow down a bit, and to spend time in community. Here are some opportunities to be together at FUUSN:
The annual Solstice Service is Thursday December 21, 6:30pm – “The fire is burning, the long night draws near. All who need comfort are welcome by here.” Come to call the directions, hear readings, sing joyfully, and light our solstice tree.
There will be more joyful singing on Sunday December 24, 10:15am, as we experience the Christmas story told by children and adults in the Pageant. Costumes! Carols! Sheep! – all followed by our annual Carol Sing, when we bellow out a few of the beloved secular songs of the season.
On Christmas Eve night, we come together at two services. The 7pm service is a traditional Lessons & Carols service, with Lois Shapiro at the piano, a message from Rev. Parisa, and a candle-lit singing of “Silent Night.” This service is preceded by a chime concert at 6:40pm.
At the 10pm service, we will hear a variety of readings and music, and we will sing together again (including the beautiful hymn, In the Bleak Midwinter"). This service is a moment to be still, to enjoy some quiet, to breathe.
Now is the moment of magic,
and here's a blessing:
we already possess all the gifts we need;
we've already received our presents: ears to hear music, eyes to behold lights,
hands to build true peace on earth and to hold each other tight in love.
-- Victoria Safford
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