Tomorrow, Biden will be flown out of the White House on a prestigious helicopter who’s call sign will be Marine One. While Biden is in midair, Trump will be on the steps of the capitol being “sworn in.” And just like that, a declaration, and the precious, sacred Marine One magically bumps down to Marine […]

Today’s prelude is a favorite of mine, when it comes to the joy of epiphany. We’ll be in the season of epiphany for a while, so let’s enjoy what things can dawn upon us. Who knows what’s in store? Life is like a box of chocolates. It’s just a delicacy, so let’s enjoy. Flor Peeters […]

Today’s postlude is a fun ditty on a French carol called “Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella.” It originated in the 17th century in Provence. The song was intended as dance music and was later translated into English and published in France. In the story, the carol is about two shepherdesses, Jeannette and Isabella, who are […]

When I sit to write Music Notes, I never know what I’m going to write. I often dread it, honestly. I feel helpless because the bulletin information is due. I feel it’s my job to help you hear the music more deeply. How can I do that when I feel helpless? As you study music, […]

I used to love making art projects in Sunday school, Advent calendars that would help us count down the days until Christmas. I loved Christmas because of the element of surprise. But once Santa came, it was a letdown. No more surprise to look forward to! As an adult, I look forward to taking down […]

Today, we celebrate our Highest. As Mendelssohn reminds us in today’s communion anthem, it’s above all praise and all majesty. It’s like a thief in a house. When the police try to catch them on the first floor, the thieves ascend to the second. When police go into the second floor, the thieves are already […]

In contemplating today’s Psalm and anthem, “setting the Lord always before me” is difficult to explain. I have Amanda Cohen to thank for this image; but it’s like an hourglass that seems to have been flipped and steadied. Your average human is “heady,” and is often led by compulsion. And when the hourglass rights itself, […]

Bob Chilcott was a founding member of The King’s Singers, a famous, all-male, British vocal ensemble known for their exquisite sound and immaculate vocal refinement. I’ve heard them sing on several occasions and have always been wowed by their blend, tone, and artistic sensitivity. In my days at The University of Kansas, I had the […]

John Rutter’s Requiem has remained one of his most popular works. Rutter conducted the first performance of it in 1985, at Lovers’ Lane United Methodist Church, Dallas, where the director of Music Allen Pote prepared the Sanctuary Choir and orchestra. I was surprised to learn that the premier was in the US, given that Rutter […]

Today’s communion anthem is a gem. Herbert Howells’, “My Eyes for Beauty Pine,” is one of those pieces that is simply divine because of its simplicity. The text is intriguing. To think that our eyes pine! When we notice something beautiful, something breathtaking – our attention is captivated, engulfed in the present moment, in awe. […]