Today's News

Today's news: cyclone in Myanmawr, tornadoes in the heartland, fires in Florida, and an earthquake in China. Did anyone else place all of this in context of last Sunday's (Pentecost) sending hymn? It was #400 and addresses "God of tempest, God of whirlwind. . .God of blazing. . .God of earthquake. . ." I'm not saying God was in these natural disasters. I know there are those who view natural disasters as God's punishment on individuals. (I think if God wants to take a person or a few people out, his aim could be a lot better than a cyclone that wipes out tens of thousands or a tornado that is a mile wide.)

You're probably asking, "Okay Tony, so does this hymn have anything to do with the natural disasters?" I think it does. Look at the last stanza. We often expect God to do something to help those in harm's way, but this hymn calls on God to "stir in US loves restlessness! Where the people cry in anguish (Myanmawr, Oklahoma, China), may we share your heart's distress. Rouse us from content with evil; claim us for your kingdom's work."

Let us pray for those who have been in the path of these disasters, and let us pray for those who now lead the efforts of rescue and relief. Even the non-Christians among them, though perhaps unwittingly, are doing the kingdom's work.

"God of Tempest, God of Whirlwind" is a text by Herman G. Steumpfle, b. 1923. The copyright is held by GIA Publications, Inc.

Scandinavian Vespers on May 4th at 6:00 p.m.

My Grandfather, Ellef Johannes Everson, was confirmed at Bad Axe Lutheran Church in Vernon County, Wisconsin in 1924 by the Reverend O.J. Nesheim (bottom photo). His father was John Everson and John's father was Jens Iverson (James Everson) who came to Wisconsin with his parents and sisters in the 1860's. They were one of the families that helped to build the church at Bad Axe. (The other picture is from my own confirmation at the same church, about 52 years later.) When Norwegians, Swedes, Danes, and Finns came to America they brought their musically-rich religious heritage with them. We'll be celebrating the music of these peoples as part of a vespers service. There will be Scandinavian hymns and handbell and choral music by Scandinavian and Scandinavian-American composers. A reception will follow. (I don't want to give away any surprises, but my krumkake griddle is warming up. . .) Musical selections will include Finlandia (Be Still, My Soul), Thy Holy Wings, and How Great Thou Art. I hope to see you there! By the way, Grandpa Ellef is in the middle row, third from the left.

Kingdom Choir Goes to Choristers Guild Festival

Last weekend our Kingdom Choir went to Lake Wales for the annual Choristers Guild Festival. We worked hard to learn and memorize several songs for this event. At the Festival, we learned under nationally-known childrens choir director Kathy Evans and performed in a concert with about 126 singers from across the state of Florida. We went down on Friday night, spent the night in a hotel, then spent nearly a full day learning about music. Other classes that were offered included Orff, Drumming, Drama, Puppets, and Dance.

The event was held at First Presbyterian Church in Lake Wales, which is just south of Orlando. You can expect to hear our festival pieces in church soon!

Top: Combined Choirs from across the state of Florida

Middle: Our families came too!

Bottom: back row-Amelia, Sarah; front row-Nolan, Becca, Jordan

Archiglas in Concert on April 18th at 7:00 p.m.

This is one concert you will not want to miss!

Last year Archiglas wowed us with their renderings of Russian sacred and folk music. There is no reason to think this year will be any different.

Dmitry Vorobjev is the music director. He and all of the other singers are professional musicians from St. Petersburg, Russia. They are traveling a long way to share their music with us.

Please invite friends and family. They will thank you for inviting them!

The concert is free and all are welcome. An offering will be taken to express appreciation to Archiglas. A reception will follow in Hart Hall.

Festival Choir Revised Schedule

Click on the schedule for a larger view.

Scandinavian Vespers on May 4th at 6:00 p.m.

St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church will be the site for a Lutheran Vespers service featuring music by Scandinavian and Scandinavian-American composers. When immigrants from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland began coming to America, they brought their musically-rich religious tradition with them. The service will feature Scandinavian hymns (sung in English!), choral music by composers such as Grieg and Christiansen, and handbell arrangements of music by Scandinavian composers.

If you have a bunad or national costume from either of these countries, we encourage you to wear it!

The service will be on May 4th at 6:00 p.m. and all are welcome! St. Mark's is located at 3976 Hendricks Avenue in Jacksonville. An offering will be taken and a reception will follow. For further information, contact Tony Cruz at 742-5136 or vespers@comcast.net.

Archiglas In Concert on April 18th at 7:00 p.m.

Archiglas, an a capella vocal ensemble under the direction of Dmitry Vorobjev, returns to St. Mark's on Friday, April 18th at 7:00 p.m. in another concert of Russian sacred and folk music. Last year's concert was a memorable event and we are looking forward to hearing them again.

The concert is free and all are welcome. An offering will be taken and a reception will follow. Invite your friends and family!