Compassion
This is the schedule for the month of October, with the theme of compassion:
Week 1: The Seed of Compassion
Prelude:
- Gabriel Fauré: “Sicilienne,” Op. 78. The piece’s flowing nature and gentle melody allude to the early sprouts of compassion.
Offertory:
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: “June (Barcarolle)” from The Seasons, Op. 37a. Symbolizing the ever-flowing nature of compassion and its cyclical return.
Communion:
- Hymn Transcription: “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” in a modern piano style, emphasizing the unity and bond of compassion among all.
Postlude:
- Gospel Transcription: Jazz rendition of “We Shall Overcome”, showcasing the strength that stems from compassion and unity.
Week 2: Compassion in Action
Prelude:
- Robert Schumann: “Foreign Lands and People” from Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15. A reminder of the shared humanity and the need for understanding.
Offertory:
- Edvard Grieg: “Notturno” from Lyric Pieces, Op. 54, No. 4. Representing the gentle embrace and understanding of compassion.
Communion:
- Hymn Transcription: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” in a modern style, celebrating the supreme form of compassion.
Postlude:
- Gospel Transcription: A vibrant jazz rendition of “Down By the Riverside”, invoking the spirit of peace and shared compassion.
Week 3: Ripples of Kindness
Prelude:
- Edward MacDowell: “To a Water Lily” from Woodland Sketches, Op. 51. An ode to nature’s simple acts of kindness and beauty.
Offertory:
- Felix Mendelssohn: “Venetian Boat Song No. 2” from Songs Without Words, Op. 30. The flowing rhythm and gentle melody resonate with the theme of kindness.
Communion:
- Hymn Transcription: “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” in a contemporary style, asserting the value of every soul.
Postlude:
- Gospel Transcription: A lively jazz version of “Lean on Me”, emphasizing the essence of support and shared compassion.
Week 4: Boundless Compassion
Prelude:
- George Frideric Handel: “Aria” from Suite in A Major, HWV 454. A gentle reminder of the universality of compassion.
Offertory:
- Jean-Philippe Rameau: “Le Rappel des Oiseaux” (The Call of the Birds). Symbolizing nature’s call to compassion and unity.
Communion:
- Hymn Transcription: “O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee” in a modern style, illustrating the path of compassion and understanding.
Postlude:
- Gospel Transcription: A spirited jazz-inflected version of “When the Saints Go Marching In”, celebrating the triumphant spirit of boundless compassion.