So, it looks like I may start a blog on some various religious and spiritual thoughts of mine. The trouble is, right now when I start writing, nothing is coming up to write! Well, it's Easter Season and I am sure something will eventually come to me.
A friend of mine, Joe Everett, is a minister at a small Baptist church in Kennebunkport. I was fortunate enough to be invited to be a guest musician at his Easter service. It was a little different from the Catholic services I had been part of for the three previous nights; very simple with a lot of participation from the congregation.
Lent/Easter is a beautiful and busy time for musicians in the Catholic church. On Holy Week (the week before Easter) there are services on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. The music at the services on Thursday and Friday is supposed to be simple. It is Lent so cut back on the fancy stuff and guitar. (I use lots of minor ninth chords and keep it dark). But on Saturday night it is Easter and so let it rip! Bang on the guitar, hit that tambourine (Judy) and get em all singing! The choir was outstanding with full four part harmony and piano, guitar and flute accompaniment.
The Saturday night Easter vigil is one of my favorite services. It is an ancient ritual complete with chanting and incense and it lasts for about 2 hours (1 hour 45 minutes this year.) It is wonderful and inspiring. Love it.
But I also loved the simplicity of the Baptist service; the way the congregation interacted with one another, the way the minister asked the congregation who to pray for (and they responded) and then put together a prayer from all the requests, the way they listened attentively to a solo guitarist play (of course I'd like that...), the beautiful piano and organ accompaniment, the way everyone in the congregation sang the hymns. And the sermon my friend gave on the meaning of Easter. It was really beautiful.
Joe's sermon is still with me. It was uplifting. It was happy. It was, well, not to be too mushy - glorious. His theme - Easter is the most important day in human history because that is the day Jesus rose from the dead and because of Him, we are all going to Heaven. So we should act like it! Isn't that a nice connection? We are going to Heaven. So let's Act like it. Rejoice! Celebrate!!! Share His love.
Love it.
He is Risen - Alleluia! Alleluia!
Rock on, my friends...
Peace,
Paul