the musicians of mayflower thank you

Many Molto grazie or "many thanks” to all Mayflowerites for the overwhelming support exhibited at Mayflower Music Program's Annual Chili Luncheon fundraiser. This year's event garnered an amazing $3,749.74 -- the best yet! Funds collected go to the Music Board's off-budget account which is used for special projects. Past projects include the purchase of the original CD-burner, used to record our weekly services for broadcast, new equipment for the choir room, and additional funding for special concerts and events. Many volunteers, under the über-organized leadership of event chair, Yale Scurlock, added to our success, but it is truly the generous support of Mayflower members which made this event so special. 

ash wednesday through easter: the music of lent
Beginning Sun., Feb. 25, the church enters the annual observance of Lent, a penitential season commemorating Christ's 40 days in the desert, ending with His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and ultimately, His death, burial and resurrection. It is no small coincidence this period parallels Israel's wilderness wanderings. We are compelled to examine the secrets of our hearts.  

Appropriately the music of Lent hopes to convey the somberness and gravity of the season, culminating in the brilliant, exuberant joy of the resurrection. In the next several weeks much of the service music will reflect this tone through the use of minor keys, harmonic dissonances, and a generally subdued nature. Much of the music offered by the Chancel Choir will be performed without organ or piano accompaniment. We will also enjoy instrumental music by flutist Natalie Syring and our own Rolan Decker playing the cello. The Mayflower Ringers Hand-bell Choir will participate in some services as well.  

I learned from a musician friend that, in the tradition of making a personal sacrifice during the season of Lent, his church opted not to use their wonderful pipe organ for the whole five – six weeks!  Their congregation and choir sang all of the worship music without any instrumental assistance. The effect was the re-introduction of the organ on Easter made their music glorious beyond belief! While Mayflower may not yet be prepared to make such a sacrifice, I must admit it is food for thought. So watch the worship bulletin from week to week -- there may be some interior stanzas of hymns which will be performed by the Chancel Choir and congregation without organ.

                     
                                    -  Richard A. Jobe, music director & organist

Chancel Choir Music Schedule