Sightings & Soundings • November 2023

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NOVEMBER 2023

CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Stewarding the Sacred

T

his year, All Saints' worship begins with Howard Helvey's stirring setting of this beautiful Isaac Watts text: Give us the wings of faith to rise within the veil, and see the saints above, how great their joys, how bright their glories be. They marked the footsteps that he trod, his zeal inspired their quest, and, following their incarnate God, possess the promised rest.

While this annual Sunday of remembrance typically trains our sight on things beyond and things other-worldly, perhaps Watts' reference to our “incarnate God” suggests that the very path to heavenly sainthood is an unflinching commitment to the presence of God in the present. How often do we miss God's presence among us? Later this month, on Stewardship Sunday, the Chancel Choir sings two anthems - Stopford's Locus iste and Parry's I Was Glad - that triumphantly call us to revel in the sacred nature of the here and now. That which the saints have grasped fully, we also can glimpse and glean. So, as we remember our dearly departed and enter the season of stewardship, how might we go about stewarding the sacred? How can we use all of our gifts to empower our brothers and sisters to enter into the beating heart of God? During this time of renewal and recommitment to the church, join me in giving thanks for the ways in which music and art become a conduit through which the sacred is known. Join me in giving thanks for the ways in which our ministry equips us with "wings of faith to rise." - Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries


NOVEMBER 2023

CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

SPOTLIGHT:

Worship at a Glance November 5

Many musicians have fond memories of an event, group, or teacher that provided a spark – an awakening – of their musical spirit. Maybe it was the first time they heard a world-class performance. Perhaps it was a dynamic guest conductor who transformed an ordinary piece into something spectacular. Sometimes it’s their first performance with a large choir or orchestra, or that fun road trip with their musical friends. My own experiences included singing with our 200-member HS chorus, the NC Honors Chorus, and America Sings! in Washington, D.C. Looking back, though, church youth choir is where I really learned how to sing. We sang in church twice a month, performed in theme parks, and joined with other groups for special performances. We didn’t just learn how to sing, but also about the value of music in worship as well as how to lead. Most of these experiences result from thoughtful, creative planning by strong leaders investing time. Introducing youth to special experiences lays the foundation for that spark. We are blessed with a tremendous adult choir at Centenary – certainly one of the finest in Forsyth County. Unfortunately, it is more difficult in today’s world to establish a successful youth choir. There are several reasons for this, not the least of which being how busy families are these days. As Jonathan Emmons and I discussed these things, we thought about the youth at Centenary and other area churches who love to sing but do not have a chance to be part of a dynamic youth choir. Ultimately, that discussion helped lead to creation of the new Youth Choir Collective (YCC).

All Saints’ Sunday 9:00 & 11:00 AM

November 19 Stewardship Sunday Children in Worship Brass in Worship 11:00 AM

Housed at Centenary but open to all local middle and high school singers, YCC is off to a great start with 18 singers! Want an example of the spark? Their first performance was part of a concert with a Grammyaward winning choral group! Exciting plans ahead include Lessons & Carols participation, a weekend retreat, and a choral festival. The passion and talent of Michael Martinez, Jonathan Emmons, Susan Orgain, and Virginia Sheffield leading YCC is second to none. Parents, spread the word and encourage your youth to join YCC and bring their friends from the greater community! You may be thinking, “We can’t do it all!” Here’s the good news – it’s one hour-long rehearsal every Thursday evening. What a small commitment to make for a spark that can last a lifetime!

Let’s build from this solid foundation and watch the sparks fly!

- Reid Gilliam, YCC Parent

Register via the QR Code!

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NOVEMBER 2023

CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

OCTOBER IN REVIEW

J OIN US EVERY W EDNESDAY ! Centenary's Creative Arts Experience immerses young people in a wide-ranging program which includes singing, ringing, Orff, Kindermusik (ages 2-Kindergarten), drumming, visual arts, drama, and more! This diverse model engages children with various levels of musical and artistic interests, all while cultivating more regular, more varied worship leadership opportunities for Centenary's youngest!

Register your child here:

“Sounds of the Season” Holiday Concert December 2 at 3:00 PM Centenary United Methodist Church

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Contribute by emailing Virginia Sheffield, vsheffield@centenary-ws.org

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