This past week, a prominent member of our congregation and our local community, Tim Myrick, passed away after battling cancer. Tim, in the midst of his fight, planned for his own memorial service. And I, in my role as Temporary Music Director, got the great honor and privilege to carry out his wishes. I can't tell you how deeply moved I am to be given this task in my final days serving ORUUC. I am also really proud of our musicians, who have stepped in to learn new music to prepare for the memorial service today.
This was probably the most meaningful thing I've ever done in my life. To honor someone of such character with music he wanted his family and friends to hear in his memory. To bring his beloved wife closer to him in that moment. I feel such pride and honor to have been able to serve in this way. I am reconnected with my calling in such a deeply powerful way.
Music helps us remember. Music heals. Music comforts an aching heart.
A few weeks ago, I made the comment to Michael Raymond (don't shoot me, Music Directors) that I didn't really understand why the holidays are so stressful for Music Directors. I felt like we were well coordinated and pretty solid going into the holidays. For ORUUC, this includes a solstice service (12/21), solstice concert (12/23), and Christmas Eve (12/24).
Within a few days of making this comment, I had a group drop out of our solstice concert (dropping us down by two songs) and received word that Tim's passing was on the horizon. Unexpected events. Things I hadn't planned for. Because, well... God is a River.
So, as Peter Mayer so eloquently put it:
So I’m going with the flow now, these relentless twists and bends
Acclimating to the motion, and a sense of being led
And this river’s like my body now, it carries me along
Through the ever-changing scenes and by the rocks that sing this song
Oh, the "ever-changing scenes" I've experienced this week. Lots of rehearsals for the memorial service and upcoming holiday events, including my final Wednesday night choir rehearsal directing the choir. I went from the memorial service this afternoon directly to back-to-back KSO Holiday Concerts. I registered for classes in January and bought my books, one of which has already been delivered. I lit the menorah with my family. I've been grumpy. I've been ecstatic. I've been overjoyed. I've been sad. I've been worried. I've been proud. Above all, I've been confident that this calling is deeply connected to my soul.
I'm looking forward to Solstice Concert and Christmas Eve services this week. Then, I'm looking forward to a nap.
I have certainly been enjoying these blogs as much as the fine music Anne and our other church musicians are making these days! It makes sense that Anne would quote Peter Mayer. In addition to his being a noted Unitarian Universalist singer-songwriter, he will soon be performing at ORUUC-- 8PM on February 21, 2015. The official ticket price for the general audience is $24, with seniors (those of us 60 and above) or students with a valid ID paying $22. HOWEVER, as encouragement for as many to attend as possible we are offering tickets for a limited time at almost a 20% discount--just $20 general and $18 senior/student. You can buy them online at http://www.oruuc.org/events for a modest 50 cent administrative charge, or you can buy them in person after our Sunday services or by visiting the office. We are open from 9 AM until 3 PM Monday-Friday, starting January 2. I suggest calling ahead (865-483-6761) to be sure the busy staff are not in a meeting or out on errands. We are now in our new church building. The address is 809 Oak Ridge Turnpike (In Oak Ridge TN for those readers in other locations).
ReplyDeleteIf you are not familiar with Peter, he has written the lyrics for the popular hymn Blue Boat Home, as well as both the lyrics and music for Holy Now. You can find out more about him at http://www.petermayer.net/news/.
Don’t delay! Save money on a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift, and avoid the disappointment of not being able to get a ticket at the door because it has sold out. We have only about 250 seats in our beautiful new sanctuary, which has excellent acoustics and visibility.