Look To The Day: Sunday, April 23
On this Earth Day weekend, we are reminded of the beauty and majesty of God’s creation. As Psalm 19:1-6 proclaims, the heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament displays His handiwork. God has given us the gift of nature, and we are called to cherish and protect it for future generations. John Rutter’s song “Look to the Day” reminds us that we have a responsibility to care for our world, to be good stewards of all that God has given us. Let us take time to appreciate the beauty of the earth, and to consider how we can be better caretakers of this precious gift. May this weekend be a call to action, as we work to protect and preserve the natural world around us.
Special Music This Sunday: Earth Day – The Music of John Rutter
This Sunday we will be reflecting on the wonders of God’s gift of creation through the music of John Rutter. Probably the most oft-performed living composer and a favorite of mine, I’m excited about filling a worship service with his beautiful, heartfelt music. John Rutter was born in London and studied music at Clare College, Cambridge. He early on became known worldwide for his Christmas carol music, but since then has composed and recorded many church anthems and major works, music for the two most recent royal weddings and has become an ambassador for the choral art. John Rutter has a recording studio in the garden of his Cambridgeshire village home where he creates recordings with his Cambridge Singers, and he composes five miles away in an ‘idyllic’ little cottage (‘very sheep may safely graze’) found by his American wife, Joanne. No wonder many of Rutter’s compositions describe the beauty of God’s creation! You’ll be hearing our Chancel Choir and Quartet sing John Rutter’s compositions I Will Worship the Lord, For the Beauty of the Earth, A Gaelic Blessing, Look to the Day, and The Lord Bless You and Keep You. Come worship with us as you join together to praise and thank God for the gift of creation and renew our sense of responsibility to care for our incredible and glorious Earth.
– Julie Ramsey