This Sunday we begin our Advent Series: “I Believe, Even When….” based on a poem scrawled on a wall during the Holocaust by an anonymous Jewish poet: “I believe in the sun, even when the sun is not shining.” Rev. Dr. Marcia McFee, creator of the series in Worship Design Studio, says that as humans we have a “penchant for annihilating fear by annihilating each other. The power of narrative and music will call us to a different response—transformation and reconciliation through hope, love, joy, and peace.” She encourages churches to fill Advent with music and light and affirm and act on reasons why we can still “believe, even when.” Click here to watch the trailer for the series
Music plays a big role in this series with the acknowledgment that we cannot gather and sing together or create music together during this pandemic. Instead of letting music go by the wayside we will make music front and center of all that we do during Advent. In particular we will learn about music as resistance. Each week we will sing a Christmas Carol that was used or written as a Carol of Resistance. During worship our Music Director, Mike Vasich, and our Section Leaders will share information about the Anthem and our Carol of Resistance. Our Handbell Choir, directed by Tanner VanderKrabben, will offer music through the wonders of video.
We also have the opportunity to learn even more about music as resistance by watching the following the films for ages 11 and up (which we will reference in our sermons) the week before each Sunday. I encourage you to watch these powerful films. Due to the subject matter and strong language in several of the films there is also a film list for children. The films are available on Amazon and one film is available on YouTube. Here is the list of films in order of watching:
- Defiant Requiem—more information at definantrequiem.org Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgimWmMqav4
- Girls On The Wall—Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9QsEj3KPAo This movie has strong language. Here is a behind the scenes look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wF6sDhKTKI
- Following The Ninth: In The Footsteps of Beethoven’s Final Symphony—Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_FWoRn4xrM The entire movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPWpV3BWLJs&t=5s
- Sweet Honey In The Rock: Raise Your Voice!—No trailer available.
- The Singing Revolution—Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4njksFKyycY
Films for Children:
- A Charlie Brown Christmas—Hope
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas (animated version) -Love
- Frosty the Snowman- Joy
- The Muppet Christmas Carol-Peace
- The Polar Express-Believe
Yes, Advent and Christmas will look different in so many ways this year. The good news is Advent and Christmas will still happen even in the midst of a global pandemic. We will gather online as we have for months and prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ anew in this world. I am excited to spend the weeks of Advent filled with music and light and remembering each week that we may be physically distanced from each other but we are forever bound together through the love of God we know through Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for each one of you. Much love and peace, Pastor Laurie
