the glow of a candle

What is this power of a candle?

While the choir sang the anthem last Sunday, "In the seasons of our silence," people were invited to light a candle in memory of someone lost this year. It was our simple way to appropriate All Saints (Souls) Day. My back was turned to the memorial station. Was anyone taking advantage of the opportunity, I wondered?

All 18 candles were lit when I turned and looked after the choir was seated. We sang: " neither life nor death can part us..." and "for the silver thread that binds us to these lives we've touched and known."

"Tears," the pastor told me afterwards.

voting and valet

I walk into the church on a work day with a portable file case pulling down one arm and a lunch box in the other hand, a coffee carafe hitched somehow to a loose finger. Opening the door is always a challenge.

Today the door also served as a door to the local polling station. Someone opened it for me, as citizens came and went to vote. Nice valet-like service. Thanks.

snow the 28th

How far is it from Harleysville to Souderton. Well, it's as far as from rain to snow. This is the same weather that postponed the World Series game in Philadelphia last night. Rain on Sumneytown Pike. Half snow in Franconia. Snow in Souderton.

I don't believe this--two inches of snow! What's the meaning? Were the Phillies doing too well? Is this to give us the motivation to get on with our Christmas planning? Is this to say Mother Nature will do what Mother Nature will do? Is this to get us in the spirit of All Souls Sunday this Sunday?

Where are the clues? Let's see--Souderton spelled backwards is "not red uos." Hmmm...not red us? A neighbor has a lawn sign up--if you're seeing red, vote blue. Nah. Nature is not political.

sample the anthem

The previous post mentioned "Look at the world" by Rutter. Here's a decent youtube of a small choir in England (probably professional) singing it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-6_pIWPbgI

autumn worship

One of the great features of the Zion campus is the barn (see pic). This Sunday, Oct. 26, there will be some autumnal colors in the leaves around it.

Maybe its the agriculture in my family background, maybe it's Americana. I don't know for sure. But autumn draws me to barns and to anthems such as the one the choir is doing this Sunday, "Look at the world," by Rutter.