Music Notes for Lent

Sarah Marino — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 14:10:27 +0000

Each week, the FCCW Choir will provide a movement of Haydn’s dramatic and moving oratorio, Die sieben letzen Worte des Erlösers am Kreuze (The Seven Last Words of Our Savior on the Cross), Hob.XX:2. Originally composed as an orchestral work in 1786, Haydn subsequently made a string quartet arrangement, solo keyboard version and, finally, an oratorio for vocal soloists, chorus, and orchestra.To begin each movement or “word,” you will hear a short chorale-like episode (in German, corresponding to the text of the 7 last words), written in traditional chant style, with no meter or rhythm. We have placed the “chant” before the sermon. The movement offered immediately following the sermon is Haydn’s own anguished reflection on the corresponding “word” or “sentence.” We are blessed to welcome the Aryaloka String Quartet to our chancel each week during Lent: Beth Welty, violin; Mark Latham, violin; Noralee Walker, viola; Joel Wolfe, guest cellist. With our own Jeffrey Mead at the organ, we have an opportunity to meaningfully and prayerfully explore these beautiful 7 last words.

Pastor’s Reflection: “Call to Vigil”

Sarah Marino — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 12:49:27 +0000

“Call to Vigil”
Rev. Will Burhans

July 11, 2019

Jesus tangled with politics when he healed a stranger on the Sabbath.

Jesus tangled with politics when he shamed a few “good” men who were preparing – rocks in hand – to exact justice on a woman caught in adultery.

Jesus tangled with politics when he submitted himself to capital punishment by crucifixion, revealing the depraved injustice of Rome’s renowned justice system.

Many say “be careful tangling church and politics!” I agree we should be careful.

But “careful” does not mean keeping the church a place of personal spirituality and silenced on broader issues of human welfare.

When Jesus, the Son of God – a politically loaded emperor’s title, btw – offered us examples for how we should be, he pointed directly, time and time again, to how we treat the foreigner and the stranger. Herding groups of them into detention centers to keep them apart from us is antithetical to His gospel.

Won’t you be careful tangling church and politics with me and Rev. Judy and consider coming on Friday night at 7pm to the steps of the State House to hold vigil for an end to our country’s detention camps? We’ll be joined by thousands and thousands of others across our country all calling for the same thing. Email me if you are interested and for more information see www.lightsforliberty.org

Jesus – We are the First Congregational Church in Winchester

Music Notes for Lent

Pastor’s Reflection: “Call to Vigil”

“Call to Vigil” Rev. Will Burhans

July 11, 2019

“Call to Vigil”
Rev. Will Burhans