An Introspective Lenten Evensong

Dear Friends,

Our Spring Series of Choral Evensong resumes this Sunday at 4:00 p.m. The Bethesda Choir will lead us through a 45-minute service of Evening Prayer. In addition to music the choir will sing by Purcell and Brahms, the congregation will join in some seasonal favorite hymns (“When I survey the wondrous cross” and “Abide with me”). The organ postlude will be a soothing impressionistic piece by Karg-Elert.

As a special treat this month, the pre-Evensong recital at 3:30 p.m. will be sung by the Palm Beach Atlantic University Concert Choir, conducted by Sonia Santiago and accompanied on our beautiful Steinway B piano by Loni White. Please invite people to the recital, Evensong, and the reception afterwards so we can help all these undergraduates feel welcome on our campus and appreciated during their visit.

Our music takes a distinctively more introspective feel during Lent. Many composers have taken texts from our Lessons—or texts that dwell on themes such as “patiently trusting in God”—and turned them into a warmly embracing reminder of God’s love for each one of us. Our service music this season is the setting by Healey Willan, made popular in the Hymnal 1940, which adds to the comfort of the season. Contrast this with the drama of Holy Week, just four weeks away, and we will be truly prepared for the greatest gift of all at Easter.

My recurring theme in this column is to remind you to invite someone to join you on this journey. They might be attracted to the stunning campus, the enlightening sermons, the ethereal music, the welcoming community; and they might find a whole lot more once they get here. What better gift could you offer to someone important to you?

Warmly,

Stuart.