Shining a light on the music in community at St. John’s
The warming temperatures and buds on the trees can only mean that the 2022-2023 music season at St. John’s is drawing to a close. The Children’s Choirs and Chime Choir are preparing music for their last appearances in church on May 7th and 14th, the Festival Choir will gather for a final Pentecost hurrah on May 28th, and choirs for two individual Sunday morning services will thin as we move to one summer service and vacations and summer plans are in full swing after the loooong winter. This always brings time for reflection and promises a complete feeling of gratitude. So many contributions to a successful year and so much to be thankful for. When I think of all the ways the St. John’s musical community showed up to make our church more whole and worship filled, I can’t help but see Christ’s love shining through these people of all ages and abilities as they sang, played, cooked, and crafted with joy.
Fidelity is defined as faithfulness to a cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support. This word comes to mind when I think of the Friday Open Mic-ers who have attended regularly for over 10 years, sometimes sharing a song or a poem and sometimes just supporting others. It comes to mind when I see the youth group or pilgrims collaborating on a project and enjoying each other, knowing that as pre-K choir members they first bonded while singing in a circle, pretend sleeping during pretend nap times and filling up their sticker charts. Fidelity comes to mind when I see and hear the 9 and 11 o’clock service choirs and remember my very first Sunday at St. John’s, over 15 years ago, conducting and accompanying some of these very same singers.
I have grown accustomed to the faithful ways you all show up and spread your joy. Our church is so enlivened by your gifts, whether you are a Wednesday night cook, a Friday night soul bearer/barer, a soloist sharing a piece of music during an offertory, or a choir member singing or playing your heart out. YOU make a difference in our community.
Ever grateful,
Chad Smith
Minister of Music
