From Jesse Ratcliffe: A new rhythm for a musical fall
Jesse Ratcliffe
BY JESSE RATCLIFFE“O for a closer walk with God, a calm and heavenly frame,
a light to shine upon the road that leads me to the Lamb!
So shall my walk be close with God, calm and serene my frame;
so purer light shall mark the road that leads me to the lamb.”
— Hymn 684: “O For a Closer Walk with God” by William Cowper
The music ministry of Saint James’ is excited for the upcoming season of worship and music. During the summer, our parish musicians were able to take a centering breath while continuing to enrich our worship in a variety of ways. Members of the choir guided congregational songs each Sunday, the Saint James’ Church Band led music on second and fifth Sundays, our section leaders shared solos, and we celebrated our patron saint with choral Evensong and a choir of singers representing eight different churches.
As we begin to settle into a new rhythm, I hope you will find the music at Saint James’ both a blessing and a spiritual guide. On Sunday, Oct. 11, the Church Band and Adult Choir will join together to lead a Celtic liturgy as we celebrate St. Francis. Our observance of All Saints’ Day on Sunday, Nov. 1 will feature a festive Eucharist with contemporary American music rung and sung by the Adult Choir and Saint James’ Ringers. On the first Sunday of Advent, the Church Band and choir will offer music ranging from ancient chants to Taizé, helping us enter the quiet expectation of the season.
Continuing the pattern we began last year, children in Children’s Church will explore how they can use their own voices to express their faith. In addition to learning seasonally appropriate music, they will join the Adult Choir for a memorable anthem on Sunday, Oct. 18 and will sing again as part of the Christmas Eve pageant.
The door to the music ministry is always open, and there is a place for anyone interested in making music at Saint James’. The Adult Choir rehearses Thursdays from 7:30 to 9 p.m. and Sundays at 9:15 a.m. The only requirements are an open heart and a willingness to try new things. Music literacy is helpful, but not required.
The Saint James’ Ringers rehearse Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Music-reading skills are needed for this ensemble, but interested non-readers are welcome to speak with me about lessons to develop those skills.
The Saint James’ Church Band rehearses on second Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. and gathers at 9 a.m. on the Sundays it leads worship. The band offers music on every second and fifth Sunday and welcomes musicians interested in sharing their gifts in a different musical setting.
If you are curious about any of these ensembles, please let me know. Whether you have been making music for decades or are considering joining an ensemble for the first time, I would be delighted to help you find a place in the music ministry.
As always, my inbox and office door are open for questions, ideas, or simply a conversation about music at Saint James’.
Musically yours,
Jesse Ratcliffe
Jesse Ratcliffe is the music director and organist. Contact him at music@saintjameswarrenton.org.
