Anthem Collaboration

Today in church, I had an experience I never ever expected to have in a million years.   Here is how that came to pass.

Back in April, I participated in an "arts festival"  by contributing and reading a couple of pieces of original poetry written for the occasion.  After that, the organizer of the event, who also happens to be the church organist, asked me if I wanted to collaborate on writing an anthem.   I said I had no idea how that could possibly be.  She said I should just pick a scripture that I liked, and use that as the basis for the text, and she would see if she could write the music.  And so, that is how it started.  We did meet once to make some minor adjustments,  but beyond that, it came together so seamlessly.

I actually chose a favorite scripture of mine, Revelation 21: verses 1-6, the new heaven and the new earth.  God speaks directly to prophet John,  saying, 'I am the beginning and the end' and thus, the title--Alpha and Omega.  They are words that call for great majesty and glory.

The organist worked her magic writing the music to go with the text I wrote.   The choir, an extremely talented bunch, sang their various parts,  sopranos, then tenors,  then all together.  The choir was also accompanied by the chimes. This anthem met its scriptural challenge and  really soared to the heights, lifting up the listeners!

Of course, I was moved deeply.  I cannot even explain how it felt to hear music performed, which originated with one's words (or at least, an arrangement of God's words).

 This experience involved a whole congregation, really---all those who made it happen, and all those who appreciated it.

Thanks Sue and the UPC Choir.  You are all talented beyond measure!   And thanks, Paulette.  You are awesomely gifted!  Thank you!  Thank you!

Nancy and Paulette

Sue and the UPC Choir