View the First Parish Calendar
Services are 10:30 a.m. at 50 School Street
Informal summer services start on June 26
Summer services begin at 9:30 a.m.
First Parish is a Welcoming Congregation and is Fully Accessible

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Stairway

Today we were treated to a thought-provoking sermon about the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-28), given by guest minister, Rev. Richard Trudeau. We learned to think about parables in general in a whole new way, and about some interesting implications for social justice of this particular parable .

Before his readings and sermon, however, First Parish organist Marika Grossman treated us to a moving rendition of Stairway to Heaven on our congregation's magnificent and historic pipe organ. Those who enjoyed the piece by Messrs. Page and Plant might also enjoy the 2012 performance by Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart. They performed it at the Kennedy Center, with President Obama and the surviving members of Led Zeppelin in attendance. They were backed by a full orchestra, a choir, and drummer Jason Bonham. Chris LeDrew explains why the presence of this young drummer helped to make this such a moving experience for Robert Plant -- and a spiritual experience for many viewers.


1 comment:

  1. When I consider how my light is spent
    Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
    And that one Talent which is death to hide
    Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
    To serve therewith my Maker, and present
    My true account, lest He returning chide,
    "Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"
    I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
    That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need
    Either man's work or his own gifts. Who best
    Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
    Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,
    And post o'er land and ocean without rest;
    They also serve who only stand and wait."

    - John Milton

    ReplyDelete