Musical Notes – March 2016
Music Notes from Robin – March 2016:
2016 is now entering its third month! March is going to be a musical month at Main Street with Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Easter services…all featuring special music. Please make plans now to be a part of these worship services.
A highlight will be Main Street’s annual Passion Festival to be held on Palm Sunday, March 20, at 7:00 p.m. A reception, hosted by the United Methodist Women, will follow the service in Asbury Hall.
The Sarah Allen Handbell Choir will begin the service with a prelude piece by Lloyd Larson based on the hymn tune “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?”
The Charles Wesley Choir, joined by guest instrumentalists and singers, will then present Joseph M. Martin’s newest cantata—”A Journey to Hope”—which has been inspired by spirituals. Included in the work are “Wade In The Water”, “I Want Jesus To Walk With Me”, “I Have Decided To Follow Jesus”, “Give Me Jesus”, “We Shall Walk Through The Valley In Peace”, “There Is A Balm In Gilead”, “Ride On King Jesus”, “I’m Gonna Sit At The Welcome Table”, “Let Us Break Bread Together”, Calvary”, “He Never Said A Mumblin’ Word”, “Great Day”, and “My Lord What A Morning”.
In the words of the composer…
“The journey begins.
“One step of devotion, and the waters clap their hands in worship, splashing joy on the hearts of the faithful.
“Another step, and Christ calls His disciples to service and ministry.
“A little further now, and Jesus calls to the sick, weary and burdened. Together they begin a parade of life, marching across the dusty landscape of Galilee.
“The road delivers the pilgrims to the walled city of Jerusalem, filled with palms and psalms and shouts of “Hosanna!”
“Just beyond the city walls, the winding path finds an upper room. The road-weary warriors of peace realize a moment to rest, refresh and reflect. In the hushed and mysterious chant of the ancient rituals of Passover, they learn of a new Way; a thoroughfare paved with grace and mercy that leads through the wilderness and to the Promised Land.
“The road will not be easy for the Savior, for it rises to a walled garden where despair meets conviction. The inner battle won, the cup gripped and drained, He rises to walk another weary trail.
“Walking, falling, stumbling, and bleeding, the Savior takes the Way of Sorrows, and the journey ends in gasps of forgiveness.
“The path to a borrowed tomb is thought to be the final destination. But joy breaks free with the morning sun, and it is greeted with rolling stones and rising hopes—as Jesus walks again—in the garden with His creation.
“Alleluia! Alleluia!
“Christ is the journey, and He is the journey’s end.
“Amen!”
Joseph M. Martin
Please come and enjoy this moving, powerful work celebrating the Christian Journey at Salvation and Resurrection.
Happy Easter!
Robin
MASTERWORKS CHOIR CONCERT
The Masterworks Choir, under the direction of Dr. Will Carswell, will present a concert entitled “A Mighty Wind” – featuring works for the 80-voice choir and organ—on Sunday, March 6, at 5:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Central United Methodist Church. This church is located at the corner of Irby and Cheves Streets in Florence.
There is no admission charge, but an offering will be taken. Annie De Young, Rebecca, Robin, and Shaw Thompson are all members of Masterworks.
MASTERWORKS CHOIR CONCERT
