Friday, September 9, 2022

Jennifer McPherson

Channeling Love

Something Rob and I talk about often is how at St. John’s we want to use music to love people, not the other way around. To be clear, I am extremely proud of the incredible talent that makes up all aspects of the music program. Our youth and adult choirs are constantly challenging themselves, working as a team to enhance our congregation’s worship experience through song. The communal feeling of excitement after performing a hard piece is so gratifying. But the music itself is a very small part of the experience.

Folks around here like to tease me because I often say I don’t like to practice. I’m an organist! Organists are supposed to love long hours in a practice room all by ourselves! I basically have an entire orchestra at my fingertips. When it comes down to it, though, the real magic of music for me is when I get to create with others, rather than spending hours alone by myself learning notes on a page. The sense of camaraderie and kinship in all our musical ensembles is palpable. We support one another through good times and bad – don’t you feel a little better after singing something with others?

This year will be particularly exciting as we expand our Choir School, Wednesday afternoon, and Parish Choir programs. Our youth music leadership team is growing with the addition of Christina DeMaio (our Alto Choral Scholar for the Parish Choir). All hands are on deck as we prepare for the Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s visit (the goal is Easter “on steroids”….). We’re eager to prepare our special services of Evensong, Lessons and Carols, the Christmas pageant (!!), etc. etc. And we get to be together and have fun doing it.

We use music to worship God, celebrate moments in the life of our community, mourn our losses, and love each other. I feel so blessed to play a part in what promises to be another amazing program year at St. John’s. Thank you for being the church!

With love,

Jennifer