Dec 21: Solstice Service at St. Anne's

In Minnesota where the nights are long and the hours of daylight are short, it's good to mark the winter solstice.  To remember the dark nights are limited, will come to an end, and turn to give way to more light.  Slower than we'd like, perhaps, but it the amount of sunlight will increase. 

Not many Christian communities celebrate the winter solstice as the festivities of the Incarnation follow quickly after.  A sister community to my parish, St. Anne's, has held a simple but beautiful service for several years.  Last year I was fortunate to share some songs at this beautiful service.  They've invited me back this year and I hope you come.  There will be different but delicious prayers, poems, and stories reflecting on the darkness. 

What:  A liturgy honoring the nurturing quiet and growth found in the darkness, and celebrating the return of the Light.

A contemplative service of candles, music, candles, poetry, candles, silence, candles, Scripture, candles, chanting, candles, prayer - and candles! Stay after the liturgy for cookies, cocoa, and an celebratory outdoor bonfire to welcome the return of the light. Family friendly, all are welcome.

When:  Wednesday, December 21, 2016, 7 p.m.
Where:  St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 2035 Charlton Road, Sunfish Lake, MN 55118

For more info, go to the Facebook event.

Sing Solstice Songs!

Are you interested in singing some songs about darkness and light? 

I posted on facebook a few months ago this soundcloud track by my friend and sparklighter, Barbara McAfee, and some of my church-y friends got excited when they listened to it.  They offer a winter solstice service and are always on the lookout for fresh music.  I volunteered to teach it at the service. 

Fast forward a couple months.  We are planning the service and I realize there's a few other darkness-light songs floating in my head.  One is definitely not northern European, another is has a rich texture, another a dance.  All are beautiful.  Me thinks, I'd like to plant a few singers in strategic congregational spots to ensure their success. 

So!  Consider yourself invited to the service (yummy poetry will be featured in addition to candles, quiet, and singing!) and to as many song practices you wish to attend.  I'm offering 4 times: 

1. Mon, Dec 14, 5-6 p.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal, 1895 Laurel Ave, St. Paul - probably meeting in our new chapel space at the back of the sanctuary (beyond the altar)
2. Wed, Dec 16, 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal (same as above)
3. Sat, Dec 19, 10 a.m. at St. Anne's Episcopal, 2035 Charlton Rd, Sunfish Lake - we'll be in the sanctuary while pageant rehearsal is going on in the fellowship hall
4. Mon, Dec 21, 6 p.m. at St. Anne's Episcopal - probably meeting in the choir room; watch for signs.

The Solstice Service is at 7 p.m. at St. Anne's Episcopal (2035 Charlton Rd, Sunfish Lake, MN) 

A Liturgy of Darkness and Light: honor the nurturing quiet of God found in the darkness, and celebrate growth and the return of the Light. A contemplative service of candles, music, poetry, silence, Scripture, prayer. Stay after the liturgy for cookies, cocoa, and an celebratory outdoor bonfire to welcome the return of the light! Family friendly, all are welcome.  (From Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/events/481133388678627/)

What songs are we singing? 

• Light and darkness, a 3-word, 3-part round by a wonderful soul we'd love to acknowledge and thank
• To know dark, go dark, a fun 4-part layer song by Barbara McAfee adapting the words of Wendell Berry
• Jewels, a gorgeous 3-part layer song by Barbara.
• Turning towards the light, a Dance of Universal Peace I learned from fellow dance leader friend, Zahir. 
• and maybe Thy light is in all forms; Salaam aleikum/May peace be in our world; and other things that find their way to us...

I hope you join us!