Gratitude
Week 1: Gratitude for Life
Prelude:
- Amy Beach: “By the Still Waters,” Op. 114
Description: A soothing and reflective piece that invites congregation members to take a moment to be grateful for the simple yet profound gift of life.
Offertory:
- Reinhold Glière: “Prelude in D Major,” Op. 43, No. 1
Description: A short, uplifting piece that exudes optimism and serves as a musical “thank you” for life’s blessings.
Communion:
- Hymn Transcription: “For the Beauty of the Earth” in a modern arrangement
Description: A fresh take on a classic hymn that praises the Earth’s beauty, inviting us to be thankful for our natural surroundings.
Postlude:
- Gospel Jazz: An energetic arrangement of “When The Saints Go Marching In”
Description: A lively, toe-tapping conclusion that leaves the congregation with a sense of joy and gratitude for community and spiritual fellowship.
Week 2: Gratitude for Loved Ones
Prelude:
- Edvard Grieg: “Lyric Pieces – Melody, Op. 47, No. 3” Description: The Grieg “Melody” is evocative and tender, with its flowing lines and warm harmonies creating an atmosphere of nostalgia and thankfulness for the presence of loved ones in our lives.
Offertory:
- Jean Sibelius: “Romance,” Op. 24, No. 9 Description: Sibelius’s “Romance” exudes warmth and affection, providing an ideal musical accompaniment for contemplation on the gifts of love and friendship we often take for granted.
Communion:
- Arrangement of “As Lately We Watched” Description: This hymn of gratitude for the beauty and love in our lives offers a perfect meditative piece during Communion, emphasizing our appreciation for God’s creation and the blessings of family and friends.
Postlude:
- Traditional Gospel Arrangement: “I’ve Got Peace Like a River” Description: An uplifting and comforting gospel tune, arranged with a lively rhythm that brings to mind the serene and abundant joy one finds through cherished relationships, encouraging a spirit of thanksgiving as the congregation departs.
Week 3: Gratitude for Peace
Prelude:
- Dvořák: “Humoresque” Op. 101, No. 7
Description: A playful and light-hearted piece, symbolizing the peace of mind that comes from a grateful heart.
Offertory:
- Carl Maria von Weber: “Country Dance” in C Major
Description: A buoyant piece that speaks to the simple joys and peaceful moments in life for which we can be thankful.
Communion:
- Hymn Transcription: “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” in a modern arrangement
Description: A powerful hymn rendered in a contemporary style, underscoring our gratitude for moments of peace and our role in fostering it.
Postlude:
- Gospel Jazz: A spirited rendition of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”
Description: A rousing send-off that reassures the congregation of the ever-present peace that comes from faith.
Week 4: Gratitude for Abundance
Prelude:
- Mendelssohn: “Venetian Boat Song,” Op. 30 No. 6
Description: A flowing, melodious piece that conjures images of abundance and plenty, urging us to be grateful for life’s many gifts.
Offertory:
- Poulenc: “Improvisation in A minor,” No. 13
Description: A piece that’s both reflective and uplifting, evoking feelings of gratitude for the abundance that life can offer, even in its simplest forms.
Communion:
- Hymn Transcription: “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” in a fresh, modern setting
Description: This arrangement breathes new life into a hymn centered on gratitude for abundance, particularly in spiritual terms.
Postlude:
- Gospel Jazz: A foot-tapping version of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”
Description: An exuberant ending that allows the congregation to leave on a high note, grateful for the spiritual and material abundance in their lives.