I was in near shock when finding our early morning temperature hovering around 48 degrees at 6 a.m., which was a first ever, and if not, likely in many decades. Yes, this global warming/climate change has got me wondering how extreme it’ll end up being in comparison to what we’ve considered regular weather patterns.
When I arrived at office, I made sure to get my Sunday morning contemplative session completed, and since it’s Christmas Eve, I spent more time praying and reflecting on the key issues which have been troubling me, but as we all know, in even our darkest hour, there’s always a glimmer of hope which comes from deep within as long as we look and then reach for it. Yes, this morning’s session ended up being exceptionally uplifting and soul-cleansing.
Since I made two plates of after Service treats for the members of St. Paul Lutheran, I stopped over early, just so I could get them delivered downstairs on their serving counter. Of course on Wednesday, I called to let them know I would be bringing it.
Upon return to office, I got myself loaded-up on the news feeds, and by the time I was finished, it was coming close to the hour for me to head over to St. Paul, so before driving in their direction, I stopped at Casey’s and grabbed a small cup of coffee, just so I’d be wired enough to play for them.
Once up in their choir loft, I spent a good half hour reviewing the music I was to play for both of their Services, just to make sure I had the correct number of verses they wanted played for each hymn, and after that was done, I fired up the ‘old girl’ and got a little practicing done on an organ I hadn’t played in months. Fortunately it had been recently tuned and given a good cleaning which in my mind, definitely showed in its tone.
Their entire Service went exceptionally well, and a bit proud of myself for being able to jump back and forth between their pipe organ and piano which became a good balance for those who prefer the organ over the piano and visa versa.
I couldn’t believe the number of cards and gifts I had waiting for me when I arrived, which to this day, still comes as a surprise because I rarely if ever got any sort of gifts or cards from a congregation I played for and sang at for decades. To this day, I still can’t get my brain wrapped around the lack of thanks all the many get for their freely donated talents. Oh well, it’s all on them.
Since I pay very close attention to St. Paul’s order of Service, today’s section which was captioned, “Confession and Forgiveness”, had some exceptionally touching lines which are as follows: God of life, you promise good news of great joy for all people, and call us to be messengers of your peace. We confess that too often we hoard our joy, our resources, and our security. We nurture conflict and build barriers. We neglect the needs of our neighbors and ignore the groaning of creation. Have mercy on us. Where we are self-centered, open our hearts. Where we are reluctant, give us courage. Where we are cynical, restore our trust. Renew us with your grace and give us again the hope of eternal life in you. Amen.
Once back at office, I changed into my work clothes and went over to my little/big project and worked for several hours until it was nearing the time for me to go back over to St. Paul Lutheran and play their Christmas Eve Service, which was a much-needed break from the keyboards.
I managed to get over to St. Paul early enough to run thru several Hymns, and since this was the first time I was to play a Christmas Service for them, I decided to take my camera along and snap a number of photos which I later created a slideshow for all of you to view, so if you click on the main photo, it will prompt the viewing of the additional ones took while there.
There was a number of pieces which I had to play, so we decided that I switch back and forth from the piano to organ, just so those who prefer the piano, would have an equal amount of piano playing as there were with their pipe organ. Unfortunately, I found that switching back and forth from those instruments, caused me to make a few mistakes this time, so going forward, that’ll be one more lesson I’ll have to learn, but not to worry, I’ll get used to it.
Without question, their Christmas Service of 2023 was one of the most impressive I’ve been a part of, so hopefully with the posting of these photos, there’ll be more people attending their Services, and especially having the opportunity to listen to Pastor Jane Harris’ inspiring sermons.
I happened to notice someone had sent a text to me, and when looking to see who’d set it, I discovered one of my old clients was here in town celebrating Christmas Eve with his family and was invited to stop over after I was finished playing, and so I did.
Gosh it was nice seeing that extended family who’ve been stellar clients and customers of mine over these many years, and even though there’s been big gaps of time between seeing them, we always seem to be able to pick up where we left off, and what I like the most, is their down-home hospitality where no one’s putting on airs. As much as I wanted to stay longer, I knew I had to get home and start winding down from my long day, so here’s wishing all of you a memorable holiday season, and a healthy and prosperous year ahead.
Tonight’s One-liner is: I do believe that if you haven’t learnt about sadness, you cannot appreciate happiness.
