Jazzed Up...

So, jazz!

This past Sunday, the remarkable and incredible Dallas Jazz Quartet joined us in worship and we tried something new. We rearranged the service, surprised most folks with a doxology that *gasp* was not listed in the bulletin, we heard two anthems, and swung some classic hymns. We swung, folks, and we were free. It was awesome. Thank you for coming, thank you for asking about it, thank you for rolling along the bumps--just, thank you.

If you missed the service, and you'd like to catch it again, good news! This Sunday we're doing a reprise of sorts. Different scripture, different sermon, but the same general flow of things. This is when we launch officially, and we'll be doing this on the last Sunday of August and September, and then hopefully through the end of the year.  We hope that by the end of the year that the vespers service becomes self-sustaining--if you'd like to help us see that happen, please drop me a line at your convenience.  Please.

I want to take a moment right now to put in writing this, however: as awesome as this jazz project is, this is not an effort to replace, set loose or otherwise phase out the current music ministry at Midway Hills. I have been counting down the Sundays until the choir returns from its summer break, and though (I pretend to be) loathe to admit it, I've missed Greg as he's been on a recharging sabbatical of sorts for about a month. Greg is back Wednesday, by the way, and he will be in worship this coming Sunday. For a few months we have heard a wide variety of great solos and special music from a staggering variety of our members, and have had talented guest accompanists--the traditional style is staying put, as well. We might see about bringing the jazz group back in for Sunday mornings occasionally--you guys did so great with it!--but this is expansion into a brave new world, not the conquering of an old one.

I hope you will keep a little swing in your step as we gather to worship this Sunday--just in case you were worried things would be too back to normal (as if that's a thing at Midway Hills), we will be led by the youth this coming Sunday. They'll be sharing their summer mission experience and you do not want to miss it.  I will see you then!

Shalom y'all,

Arthur