I didn't get home until Tuesday night this week. And first thing Wednesday morning, I sat down at the piano. It is where I've stayed for much of the last two days. I received a call as I was leaving to go babysit last weekend to see if I would possibly play for the morning worship service on (this) Sunday. I have no doubt that the pastor had called every possible person she could think of before she called me.
Our most excellent organist has been out for weeks now, battling a serious illness. The substitutes have been almost as good as our regular organist. But not one of them was available for this Sunday. Not one single person.
I have played piano since I was a child. I have even played at church, but usually for smaller things like Sunday School classes, or meetings. I have never played for an entire service. Music for the entire service is a stretch for me. But with some dedicated work and choosing music that is reasonable for me, it will happen. It will be simpler. But maybe simpler music will lead to more reflection.
The bonus part of this is that Mommy and Big Sister are singing, too. They will be here for Memorial Day, so I recruited them to help. I love hearing them sing together. Little Sister volunteered to sing, also. "I can help! I'll sing Let It Go!" We appreciate her spirit, but I don't think our church is quite ready for music from Frozen yet!
I will continue practicing until the last minute. I may not be the most skilled pianist, but I do know quite a bit about good practice techniques. (Knowledge gained while teaching guitar for years.) I will be using all of those techniques for the next 48 hours.
All I kept thinking as I worked was that in the Parable of the Talents, the servant who was given one talent was expected to use it, just as those had received more were to use theirs. The master didn't say, "Well, you don't have much anyway, so we just won't bother with you."
Say a big thank you to your church musician this week. Appreciate them for their talent, for their time, for their dedication, and for their service. I surely have a heightened awareness of what they do now.
If you are a pianist, you might enjoy checking out some of the free arrangements from Greg Howlett. If you are a little rusty, some of these beautiful but quite simple arrangements might help get you back to the piano.
What a beautiful post about all your behind-the-scenes work to prepare the music for the service. I'm sure those who play regularly appreciate there is someon to call. I never had someone to call. Twelve years, three services every week.....plus funerals and weddings. I'm sure you will be thanked, but let me thank you too. Thank you for practice time and for helping out! You'll be fine.....I could see the pastor/minister taking Little Sister up on her offer. Let's see...a sermon on hate: "Let it go." A sermon on greed: "Let it go." A sermon on jealosy: "Let it go." Little Sister may be on to something!
ReplyDeleteI had the same thoughts about "letting it go." You're right. Many sermons could start there.
DeleteMy hardest part is the fact that I don't play regularly. If I did it more, I think I would be more comfortable.
Bless you for all your years of playing.
I'll think of you on Sunday.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barb. I survived and it went okay. My daughter and granddaughter sang beautifully.
DeleteI was wondering - good job!
DeleteI love Gram's comment. So much we can let go. We have fabulous music and not a service goes by without my thanks. Time to write a thank you note and let our cantor know how much I appreciate his efforts.
ReplyDeleteGood for you. I think for many, music is just a given. It doesn't matter how musically gifted you are, there is still significant preparation required. I know your thanks are appreciated.
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