Anyone who grew up in the 20th century has “interesting times” to think about, not to mention the number of interesting events that have taken place in these early years of the 21st century.
One of my own reasons for participating in a Unitarian Universalist congregation is to strengthen my inner resources so I can stay on a relatively even keel when another “interesting event” takes place. Music provides a ready response, especially if I’ve taken the time to develop a repertoire on which to draw.
Part of the worship service in our congregation is an invitation to come forward and drop a stone of community into a bowl of water. The ripples generated remind us of how our interactions in Beloved Community are an example of our support for one another in times of joy and of sorrow. We have learned to sing a number of hymns at the end of a period of meditation, and I bring those to the front of my mind whenever I need them.
Some people walk a labyrinth as a practice, and others focus on what’s here and now, slowing their breathing as they do so. Whether your musical preferences center on the sounds of instruments or voices, soloists or groups, traditional or modern, with dance or movement or stillness, the music you can call on will help remind you that we’re all in this together. The music that’s part of our worship services can form your own repertoire whenever you want to draw on it. I hope you can hear these examples. They’re some that our choir members sing regularly.
When I breathe in, I breathe in peace.
When I breathe out, I breathe out love. — Sara Dan Jones
Voice still and small, deep within all, I hear you call, singing.
In storm and rain, sorrow and pain, still we’ll remain, singing.
Calming my fears, quenching my tears, through all the years, singing. — John Corrado
May your life be as a song, resounding with the dawn to sing awake the night.
And softly serenade the stars, ever dancing circles in the night. — Jim Scott
Katherine Price
Music Director