| Whether or not you espouse any kind of December holiday, it is pretty widely held that there is something special about this time of year. People seem to be a little more understanding, a little more giving, and maybe even a little more hopeful, no matter how dour things may appear. And, of course, there is music everywhere–arguably more so than during other months. For a working musician, this is by far the busiest time (I, for one, am involved in no fewer than 12 performances this December…and this is a light season for me!), and while it is indeed work for us, being privileged to provide musical merriment to people during festive times is a real gift. So is getting to plan and rehearse this year’s Music Sunday service, which will be this Sunday Dec. 15 at 11:00 am.
It has long been my tradition on Christmas Eve each year at 10:00 am (five hours behind the 3:00 pm local time) to listen live to the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols broadcast from King’s College, Cambridge, in England. There is a little bit of pomp and “high church” to the service, with its numerous organ preludes, readings, choral anthems, and sing-along hymns, which admittedly, I love. But even more, I love the way each piece of the service melds into the next, the reading reflected in and deepened by the following song. Naturally, I have wanted to create a UU version of “Lessons and Carols” since I first came here in 2010, and I am not sure why I am just now getting around to it, but here we are!
For our adaptation, the themes that comprise the readings and music include the many festive days that occur in December, but also universal ideas that tend to be heightened during this season, such as “giving”, “peace”, and this month’s Soul Matters theme, “presence” (a fun play on words for the other kind of “presents” we often focus on). I had so much fun collaborating with Rev. Terasa and Rev. Kelli on identifying themes and selecting readings for the service and with my colleagues Michaela, Nathan, and Erin on choosing fitting music. And, of course, our choirs have been working feverishly on their contributions, which to me is the heart of the service. I am so excited for all of us to share with you!
A few things to prepare yourselves for in this Sunday’s service: 1.) Nathan will begin playing preludes at 10:55, so please plan to enter the Worship Center quietly and come early so you can hear all of his music (he will also end the service with a postlude, so please plan to sit back down after the closing hymn so you can enjoy all of his preparation and musicality); 2.) we would prefer there be no applause during the service; if you feel so inclined to applaud, please do so at the very end of the service after the postlude; 3.) this is an all-ages service, but there will be some alternative activities during the service for anyone who needs a break. Finally, be sure to head to Beach Hall after the service for this year’s Cookie Fair! (I also find an abundance of cookies another thing that makes this time of year very special, but that one is a given!)
I look forward to seeing (and hearing!) you all at this year’s Music Sunday: Lessons and Carols.
Warmly,
Dr. Brandon L. Moss
Director of Music and Chalice Choir
First UU Church of Columbus |
