I am writing this after spending the evening with the choir. It was a wonderful night. We ate together and then everyone shared a little about their background with music and church choirs in particular. Erin McKibben gave us some insight into the Santa Barbara music community, which she called truly unique in its ability to draw exceptionally talented artists from around the world. It is because of our locale that we are blessed to have three remarkable musicians on staff–Tim Accurso, Erin McKibben and Natasha Kislenko–as well as a regular schedule of talented guest musicians.
Tonight, Rev. Janet Ewart, who joined in with our dinner, added that one of the joys of singing sacred music is that certain passages in the Bible start to come alive with song as your read them. I couldn’t agree with her more. My favorite weekly task is the selection of hymns, one of which always gets stuck in my head and informs my sermon writing. I am sure that many of you leave worship humming one of the tunes throughout your week, considering its message. Music is a central part of our worship and we are privileged to experience it in the ways that we do here at St. Andrews.
I am so excited for the choir this year. They are going to add an important dimension to our Sundays together as they deliver the Word of God such that it will follow us throughout our lives.
Blessings,
Pastor Jen