In Celebration of Music
Wendy Dennis (lay-led)
UU Church of Wakefield MA
September 25, 2005

For a number of years, one Sunday service in the early fall included the Music Director’s “State of the Music Address,” during which the Music Director would discuss things such as the various aspects of our music program, reasons for our diverse choices of music, and the importance of music to our Sunday services. ---And, sometimes, they were a thinly disguised plea for more singers and instrumentalists--- <grin> 

It has since evolved into a lay-led service created by members of the choir that celebrates how music, and any creative process, enriches all of our lives. And, yes, for the second year in a row, Music Sunday has featured a short skit written by Jeff Workman, our versatile Music Director.  Last year’s skit featured the Music Director being “put on trial” because of his sometimes overenthusiastic desire to perform music, however beautiful or clever, that is more appropriate for a Broadway show, or a disco dance hall…or worse.  <another grin> A disclaimer, of sorts. 

This year, the skit was not about Music, per se. But, it certainly presented a very interesting take on how this thing called life is organized (and, as UU’s, we each have our unique perspectives!). And, personally, I loved the ending.  The skit may have poked fun at particular beliefs and expectations, but I think the ending presents a scenario that at least I would like to believe. It would give meaning to the seemingly absurdness of losing our friend Daniel.

Let me briefly explain, for those who didn’t know Daniel, or who didn’t know him well.  Daniel was a very active member of our congregation for a few, too short years, He was also a member of the choir for the latter part of his time with us.  He had, at one time, aspired to be a Minister, but it didn’t work out to be….But, he was an insightful man and a fine preacher. And he was growing into his lovely bass voice when he was struck by a sudden and unexplained illness last August and died last September.  He was 46 years old.

I know that many of us here today, and many beyond our congregation, miss him. But, what strikes me is just how much we in the choir miss Daniel.  It is not like we all hung out with him outside of church. But, we spent a lot of time making music together.  And talking, and, of course, laughing…

I’d like to recall, for a moment, the excerpt from Walt Whitman’s “Song of the Open Road” that Kelli read for us earlier in the service.  …

What beckonings of love you receive, you shall only answer with passionate kisses of parting,
You shall not allow the hold of those who spread their reach’d hands toward you."

This was, we were told, one of Daniel’s favorite poems, although we also learned that his very favorite poem was Jenny Joseph's "Warning" (aka" When I Grow Old, I Shall Wear Purple").  But, since he did not grow old, that did not seem an appropriate choice for a reading today. 

However, there is a connection between the two poems.  They both reflect passion for life in the moment.  They speak of just being who you are and being with what you feel without regard to past, present, future, -- or what anyone else thinks of you. 

Now, I never saw Daniel as a “spur of the moment” type of guy.  Although, he certainly had a quick wit and could, without missing a beat, make a wry comment that would have us all laughing at the absurdity or silliness of whatever we were chatting about in between practicing songs.  

But, I think that we have all learned, by singing together, that there really is such thing as “being in the moment.”  I know that, in previous talks, I have mentioned the amazing feeling we get when we are singing together and it all just CLICKS.  It is like we are all one voice.  It is being in the moment.  

And, even though we choir members interact in other church activities, and some of us socialize outside of church, I do believe that our singing together has created a special connection among us.  

Now, I realize that this is starting to sound suspiciously like a recruitment speech for new choir members.  **Join the choir and we promise that you too will have episodes of spiritual fulfillment! **

Well, yes – we do encourage anyone who even *thinks* that they may enjoy singing to come to a practice or two on Monday nights.  But, the choir, or singing, does not have exclusive rights to being “in the moment” and the special camaraderie that comes from working together in a creative process.

In his opening words, Jeff spoke of the congregation, both past and present – as being the “power behind the vibrancy” of our church community.

We are a vibrant community. And that vibrancy comes from working together creatively, whether we are singing in the choir or during a congregational hymn, organizing one of our many activities, or taking part in a committee that takes care of the day-to-day aspects of running our church.  And, don’t forget the development our yearly financial budget.  Now, THAT is a creative process! 

Don’t underestimate the spiritual value of creating the budget.  Actually, the more challenging a task, the more opportunity it can provide to totally forget yourself and be in the moment.  

Jeff also described today’s service as being a “celebration of the effect we have on each other, even if we don't know we're doing it.”

I was a bit puzzled by that statement at first.  But then I realized that he was pointing out that sometimes, we are not aware of how we deeply we may effect others as we work side by side.  And also, we may not be aware of how others affect us until they are no longer with us.  His words are, in part, a reminder not to take the friends and members of our community, and the strength, love, and laughter we gain from each other, for granted.

Of course, there are times when we may feel too aware of the way we affect each other.  We all have our disagreements at times as we work together to find the best way to approach the day-to-day tasks and overall management of our church.  Or, the best way to sing a song.

But, even the disagreements present ways we can learn from each other and come up with more creative ideas.  And, whether there is a bit of discord or not, our church community is a place where we also can learn more about ourselves.  

I am sure that many of us have discovered things that we are really good at because we were given an opportunity to take on a particular project or take part in a particular activity.  And, perhaps you have gained knowledge or more confidence in yourself from one or more individuals in our church community.  You may have, with or without knowing it, acted as a mentor to another person, or provided strength and hope to someone in need.  

Or, it could be that you were introduced to books that you would never otherwise think of reading by our book group selections.  Maybe you never knew you liked medieval music or jazz, but discovered your top tapping along during a church anthem or one of Alla’s sermon reflection pieces.  Or, perhaps the recipe for one of your family’s favorite meals came from another person’s offering to a pot luck church supper.  And, maybe you have developed wonderful, close friendships with people you have met here.

If you think about it, we are constantly having an effect on each other. 

This effect is not, of course, limited to interactions within our church community.  It happens constantly throughout our lives.  This interconnectedness is fundamental to our lives. 

But, I do think that our church community provides a unique place for those of us who may not feel comfortable in an organization that is based on a highly structured system of belief.  We offer a strong sense of community without imposing too many rules or demanding what, to some, would be a restrictive statement of faith.

I am thankful for the many opportunities we have to grow together, learn from each other, and share lots of laughter. We are indeed a vibrant, and creative community.  

For those of you who are new to this church, I highly recommend that you consider joining a church group or committee.  It is a great way to learn more about us, make new friends, and learn about more yourself.  In fact, the committee fair taking place after the service will give you a great opportunity to see what there is to do around here.  

And, to Daniel, we send our love to the “big committee in the sky.”

Amen