HELLO!

The late monk and author Thomas Merton says of Psalm 46, “It tells us not just what we ought to be but the unbelievable thing we already are…we are at the same time in the desert and in the Promised Land.” Psalm 46 is an affirmation of trusting God in the most troublesome situations. God is with us, even when things seem to be falling apart. This Psalm tells its audience not to base its confidence on high, thick walls and expert archers at the barricades. Only God’s presence brings security.

Speaking of God’s enduring presence, I have a musical story to share. Jerry Jackson begins our story: “Wayne Haggett and I ran into each other three months ago. We were lamenting how we missed Christmas concerts at Woodlawn with the Salvation Army Band. Wayne mentioned his son Jonathan conducts a local brass band. I looked at Wayne and wondered if we could put together a Christmas concert this year with choir and band?

(Photo: Salvation Army Band and Woodlawn United Church Gospel Choir: Wayne Haggett, Keith Haggett, Dianne Hill, and Terry Hill)

Dianne Hill explains how God’s presence was expressed in this musical partnership: “Our first Christmas with Band and Choir was December 1987. Terry our organist, supported the choirs and congregational singing. In 1992 the Chancel Choir began with direction from Jim Farmer. Years later, The Girls Choir joined us with direction from the late Vivian Hill, accompanied by June Rigden. Jim suggested we end with The Hallelujah Chorus. The Gospel Choir 40 members, the Chancel Choir 30 members, the Girls Choir 19 members, and the band 32 members, with Terry at the organ. 90 voices full of Spirit! At the first concert the Rev’d Andrew Stirling strode through the sanctuary strumming his guitar and singing Mary’s Boy Child. 500 people attended. A free will offering netted $1200. For the next 25 years Dianne and Wayne organized the concert. Now it’s time for the next generation! God bless us everyone.

This reunion of brass and choirs will come together at Woodlawn United Church at 3 pm on Sunday December 14^th. Boardwalk Brass, Polyphony and the Woodlawn Choir, all reminding us of God’s presence in sound and song. There will be a free will offering to benefit young brass players and Woodlawn United’s Outreach programs. Mark your calendars now!

Throughout our lives there is a presence that sustains our spirit. As Psalm 46 reminds us, “Be still and know I am God”. Whether in stillness, in motion, in song, in melody with instruments, God is present. Peace, Kevin

PS A reminder there is a funeral service for the late Fran Wade at Woodlawn at 2 pm on Saturday, November 22^nd. Please keep her family in your prayers. https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/atlantic-dartmouth/obituaries/frances-willard-wade/150168.html