Dear Pali Pres,
I am very much looking forward to this coming Sunday, which is Music Appreciation Sunday. Setting aside a special Sunday once a year to delight in the gift of music (and delight in the gifts of our Chancel Choir and Contemporary Music Band) is a tradition we began last year here at Pali Pres. As you may recall, the 2023 theme was “Make a Joyful Noise” (from Psalm 100) and was a wonderful worship service in celebration God’s gifts of joy and gladness.
This year, we have selected “Songs of Peace” as our theme. As Pierre, Anthony, Pastor Grace, and I began planning for this Sunday a few months ago we immediately settled on this theme as a way for our church to speak to the conflict and division we see throughout our broken world right now. As people of faith and followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to pursue peace in our individual lives, pray for peace in our world, and promote peace in any way we can. Our vision in preparing this Music Appreciation Sunday was to help gather us together in unity for the sake of peace, which God so desires for this world. While this Sunday may not be as “celebratory” in nature as last year’s service, I trust it will be a deeply touching and meaningful time of worship and reflection.
I do you hope you will join us as our choir, section leaders, and band (along with a string quartet) lead us in a variety of selections designed to reinforce our commitment to peace. We will also celebrate the sacrament of Communion together and a special offering will be taken up in support of our music ministry (you may give online by clicking HERE.)
Grace and peace,
Pastor Matt