Between Heaven + Earth: Bernie Wulff

Our sanctuary is filled with beauty, not only with the profusion of poinsettias, the lighted Christmas tree, and Laurie Hewitt’s advent banner, but also the magic of music. I’m thinking in particular of the early service that Louise and I attended on Sunday, December 11. Grace Oh played the organ with great gusto and the bell choir was at its very best in contributing sounds for the season. The voice of Jill Woodward led the congregation in an enthusiastic singing of the final hymn, embellished by an inspiring, impromptu interlude by Grace before all joined in on the final verse.

That same afternoon we watched the semi-final World Cup soccer match between Croatia and Argentina. Before the game began, both teams paraded into the stadium, each player holding the hand of a child. Then, with enormous flags for both countries nearly covering the playing field, fans and players joined in singing each country’s national anthem—a solemn, emotional high that, for me, conveyed something important about a shared sense of pride and well-being with people in other parts of the world. I sensed the irony of a highly competitive sport being, in part, a promoter for peace and respect for others.

Later in the week I logged into the reading of individual chapters of the gospel of Mark by members of our congregation posted on the Spotify website, each preceded with a thoughtful introduction by Mihee. Included in each recording is a sprinkling of music and sounds that add richness and meaning to the words that are spoken.

What would life be like without music? Fortunately, we will never know.