Music Notes from Robin – December 2021
Music Notes from Robin – December 2021
December, one of my favorite months of the year, has arrived; and music will be filling the church during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Beautiful anthems and special selections will be presented at each morning worship service.
The Annual Service of Lessons and Carols will be presented on Sunday, December 19, at 7:00 p.m.— featuring The Sarah Allen Handbell Choir, The Charles Wesley Choir, guest singers, and guest instrumentalists. Immediately following the service, the United Methodist Women will host a reception in Asbury Hall.
The Annual Service of Lessons and Carols will feature a cantata by Joseph M. Martin and Heather Sorenson entitled “Christmas Dreams”.
Throughout time, God has spoken to His people in dreams and visions. In the peacefulness of sleep and the serenity of contemplation, God speaks hope into longing hearts. Through the ancient prophets and devoted visionaries, He reveals the great
designs of His creative purpose.
In the words of Joseph Martin, “It is good and right that, in this wondrous season, we gather to remember, to reflect, and to renew.”
“Let us quiet our hearts and listen. Let us clear our minds and learn. Let us calm our spirits and live. In the still, sacred places of our worship—and in the fragile yearnings of our broken dreams, may we seek and discover the grace that changes everything.”
The Christmas Story is told with a fresh perspective in this collaborative cantata from Joseph Martin and Heather Sorenson. “Christmas Dreams” visits moments in scripture and connects the experiences of ancient times with Christians’ modern journey of faith, pointing to Christ—in whose birth the hopes, yearnings, and dreams of all the world are fulfilled. Using traditional carols, newly composed seasonal selections, and thoughtful narration, this rich work delivers a tapestry of sound and emotion. Hopefully, the musicians and the congregation will rediscover God’s graceful touch in all our lives.
Musical selections include:
“Advent Dreams” “The Promise and the Prayer”
“A New Morning of Promise” “Zechariah’s Song”
“Mary’s Dream” “All Through the Night”
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” “The Magi’s Epiphany”
“Christmas Dream” “A Gentle Christmas Blessing”
“Silent Night”
Gerry Berry and Glen Gourley will serve as the narrators. The Sarah Allen Handbell Choir will begin the service with the Prelude selections arranged by Lloyd Larson and Michael Helman of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Silent Night”.
Special musical selections will also be presented at the Annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Please make plans now to experience this most wonderful time of the year at these Christmas services at Main Street United Methodist Church.
Merry Christmas!
Robin
Gloria! A Masterworks Christmas featuring the music of John Ritter
You are invited to join the Masterworks Choir for their annual Christmas concert. There is no admission fee, so bring your family and friends and enjoy.
Saturday, December 11, 2021 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 12, 2021 4:00 p.m.
Robin, Shaw, and Jackson Stone will all be singing in these concerts at Central United Methodist Church—167 South Irby Street—Florence, SC.
