First Sundays at St. Anne’s: Bach and Prayer
First Sundays at St. Anne’s: Bach and Prayer, Sunday, October 4 at 12:30 p.m.
This fall, St. Anne’s invites parishioners and neighbors to gather for First Sundays at St. Anne’s, a new series of music and prayer offered on the first Sundays in October, November, and December. Brief prayers and psalms will frame inspiring cantatas performed by guest artists and the Bach+ Ensemble.
Through prayer, we acknowledge God, the giver of every good gift. We are grateful to the guest artists and members of the Bach+ Ensemble who are sharing their talents in this free, 30-minute offering of music and reflection.
On Sunday, October 4, at 12:30 p.m., the series begins with Bach’s joyful Cantata No. 51, Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen (“Praise God in Every Land”). Performed from the chancel of Historic St. Anne’s, the program features guest artists Susan Rider, trumpet, and Amy Cofield, soprano, with members of the Bach+ Ensemble, Larry Molinaro and J. Ernest Green.
Reflecting on this cantata, soprano Maria Keohane spoke of its message of shared joy and peace. Her observations beautifully capture the spirit of this music and are paraphrased below:
Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen … Especially that: “in all lands.” The fact that we rejoice together, that there is a longing for peace, and that we share the same joy of being together on this earth.
There’s another word… a fantastic word: Herzensgrund — the bottom of our hearts. If we were all to realize that we must rid ourselves of notions like achieving, longing, and greed, and if we were truly able to act from the bottom of our hearts, we would be much happier, and we could make other people happier.
— Maria Keohane
A Call to Welcome
God gives us the gift of music to lift our hearts and draw us closer to one another and to Him. Through music, we can connect in ways that words alone often cannot. St. Anne’s invites parishioners to stay after worship on First Sundays, experience this new offering, and help extend a warm welcome to visitors from the wider community who may be entering our church for the first time. Together, we can share the gift of music, prayer, and hospitality with all who come through our doors.
