Dear St. Paul’s Community,
Hot forecasts, children screaming with laughter, pool time, corn dogs, the smell of suntan lotion —isn’t it all great? Summer is here!
Whether you have plans to travel or are staying in Walnut Creek these next few months, I hope you make time for fun and relaxation, those qualities which tend to characterize this season more than others. I’ll be trying to get as much sun as I can in Santa Cruz, if anyone would like to join me.
But as we’re surrounded by upbeat Target commercials advertising grilling deals, the headaches of heavy traffic, and stressful changes to flight itineraries, I’m going to try to stay grounded in the beauty of this liturgical season as well (simultaneous to the outdoor fun, not as a replacement of it!). Looking ahead, the Gospel passages from Luke’s narrative contain some of Jesus’s most awe-inspiring teachings; the music in this season, in turn, will aim to be simple, contemplative, —and beautiful. I would encourage that as you learn a new setting of the Gloria in your Sunday pew, try to get a feel for its meditative quality, and use it as a form of prayerful meditation in your own worship experience. See if you can identify how our hymns and anthems might accompany a message from the day’s readings, or even better, how the lyrics might be relevant to your life in living out homiletic guidance.
I would also invite you to prayerfully consider trying out the “pick-up” St. Paul’s Choir on any given Sunday this summer! Throughout July and August, anyone and everyone is invited to practice an offertory hymn or anthem with—well, whoever else shows up at 8:45 am that day, and sing in the 9:30 am service as part of our amazing choir. This tradition has had to be put on hold for three years, so I’m especially excited that we are able to offer it again.
I hope to see you throughout these balmy summer days and will be praying for our beautiful community as we journey together through the season!
Peace,
Eric
