Start the week in the best possible way

Dear Friends,

One of my favorite ways to start the week has long been Choral Evensong. For me, a 45-minute service of prayer and readings, with lots of choral music and hymns, hints at the sublime. Traveling wouldn’t be the same without it. But we also have it right here at Bethesda.

At 4:00 p.m. this Sunday—and on the first Sunday of March, April, and May—the Bethesda Choir will lead this time-honored jewel of Anglican liturgy. We will sing a set of responses by Richard Shephard, canticles by Charles Wood, and an anthem reflecting the day’s Gospel about the Presentation of the child Jesus in the temple.

This date in the calendar, February 2, is sometimes known as Candlemas, which is the traditional day for blessing all of the candles to be used in church for the coming year. So we will begin with candlelight and an introit by Australian composer-turned-organist-at-Westminster Abbey, William McKie. 

And, if you need a little more, we always precede our Evensongs at Bethesda with a 25-minute recital, starting at 3:30 p.m. This month’s recital will feature the Gee-Mackey duo, with David Gee playing cello and Lynne Mackey playing our Steinway Model B piano. After the service, there is always a beautiful reception; so it is an ideal time to invite someone to join you for a refreshing afternoon at Bethesda to experience our worship, our community, and our hospitality. Who are you inviting?

Stuart.