From Pastor Ingrid Wengert
For some time, I’ve known that Saint Matthew’s mid – December Advent Concert is something special. Each year, I tell Dave Harp what a wonderful gift he has for pulling together scripture, music, poems, and themes. After the concert, a number of people expressed this, too, so I thought I’d ask Dave to share his thoughts on the concert:
“The goal, from my perspective is to provide a worship service in song for the congregation, to give them a time to pause amid all the chaos of the Christmas season and take a breath, spend some time reflecting on the wonderful texts of the songs we sing and the stories we share at this time of year and, hopefully remember the importance of what we’re celebrating. (But, remember, I’m also a good German and a good Lutheran and that means I can’t forget about the cross so, amid the anticipation and joy, I always try to point us in some way to what is to come… and then circle back to our joy at this birth. But the cross is never far away.)
The inspiration can come from a variety of sources: sometimes it’s a line of text in an anthem or hymn, sometimes it’s a poem, sometimes it’s scripture, sometimes it may even be something I hear in a sermon. And sometimes, I try to create a theme to reflect/comment on what’s happening in the world.
For me, the best part of the concert is that moment when people “get it.” When they see what I intended when the concert was put together. When they understand why the texts were chosen and ordered in a particular way. Earlier this week, I was speaking to Dallas and he said, “Thank you for that Sermon last Sunday afternoon.” That meant a lot to me, because I knew it was more than just an enjoyable afternoon of singing carols for him. It had purpose and he understood that.”
The Rev. Ray Elberson emailed Dave after the concert:
“ I thought the Advent service of hymns and carols and lessons was nothing less than marvelous. It was thoughtfully planned, and super well executed. Your sensitivity to and knowledge of Lutheran tradition and your vast musical acumen combined to make the Advent service a very moving event for me. The dedication and talent of your choir was plainly evident. Thanks for the Advent service, thank you for your Sunday services, and for all that you do for us at St. Matthew’s.”
The Rev. Dr. Tim Wengert remarked:
“ In the midst of the hustle and bustle of what we call the Christmas season, Christians stop and consider Advent — the four week celebration of Christ’s coming before Christmas. Perhaps the best spiritual preparation for Advent and Christmas came this year in the form of the readings and songs that St. Matthew’s music program, especially its cantor, Dave Harp, presented. The 160+ people gathered to hear readings, choirs (young and old), and bells and to sing along, as we were led from the darkness of the times to the light in the manger. It put all the rest of our preparations in proper perspective. Whoever worries that Christ is not the center of Christmas should come next year.”
I hope this may pique the interest of those who haven’t experienced the concert. Do come in 2015