Near the Cross

 February 24 2008

Dad opens the service with (Jesus Keep Me) Near the Cross -- announcing that it's a snowy day, glad for the numbers given the weather (paraphrased). He also mentions appreciating the CD from last week's service when he was finding out what it's like to be a shut in (see last blog/dad gone for illness). His enthusiasm is as warm and inviting as ever -- in a 3 meter the guitar and violin lead the congregation.

4'5 JL leads the announcements, sister helps explain the opening hymn and how the canon will work and that she and brother in law will lead the parts with Dad, among other announcements --- Prelude and Offertory are my nieces solo piece and an accompany piece (with a flutist) she performed at districts/state festival (I/II earned) 

At about 9'55" Niece's piano festival piece: modern rhythms/chords, starts dark and low, then brightens

16'03" new congregation hymn led by violin and flute (as explained above)

18"12 Mozart: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, 3rd Movement niece/brother in law

32'53" mom thanks the congregation for prayers for her brother in law the chemo went well/waiting 6-8 weeks for results on how it worked. 

36'32" sister asks for prayers for our family friend Mattie (Matthew) who, born with many physical challenges (in 2008 was a teenager) would be having another surgery in the upcoming week. 

JL gives the sermon/Queen Esther

Hello Readers,

I wanted to note that when I first heard my niece playing the Mozart piece I was uncertain what it was. I immediately thought Mozart but was a bit confused as they referred to it as a flute piece. Flute performers often play violin transcription especially classical and baroque era, but I didn't think this was a solo piece. As I listened I realized that I knew it from teaching not from performing. I also noted it was in 3 thus it was probably a third movement. My current elementary students love the activity video that uses the first movement: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - Percussion it is widely requested on game days (student request days). So wonderful to hear a different, lesser known, movement that is so well structured. I enjoy the repeating sections: the triumphant against the elegant dancelike part are well contrasted. Thankful to hear this played so well along with my niece's solo piece, impressive indeed!

Very meaningful to hear my mom's thankfulness regarding prayers for my uncle being heard, while also, sadly, lifted up were prayers for Mattie (RIP). As my sister, LABF, says in her prayer request he is (was) a joyous warrior and friend to all. I will remember him always, along with his older brother,  dancing at our sister HB's wedding (2002) with my daughter and my niece - so fun! 

To you my readers -- much joy and cheer in the New Year -- Happy 2026!

Thanks for reading,

AmyBH

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