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COLORADO CELEBRATED AT SPECIAL SERVICE WASHINGTON – Keith Arnold listened intently as the members of the Jefferson Unitarian Church Choir projected their voices from behind the altar and across the soaring nave of Washington National Cathedral. Arnold, director of the choir from Golden, Colorado, jogged up the center aisle and took another sounding as 50 voices combined into a four-part harmony. “More bass, more bass,” he urged. “I hear a lot of soprano. Tenors, I hear a couple of individual voices. Be one voice.” When rehearsal was complete, Arnold offered final advice: “Let’s have a great time!” Shortly afterwards, choir members clad in blue and white vestments performed a rousing 25-minute prelude to a special Washington National Cathedral service celebrating Colorado and its citizens. Close to 800 worshipers, including 175 from Colorado, attended the Oct. 16 Colorado State Day service in the landmark cathedral, the sixth-largest in the world. The Right Rev. Robert J. O’Neill, Episcopal bishop of Colorado, presided while other pilgrims played key roles, including the Golden choir. The Very Rev. Samuel T. Lloyd III, dean of Washington National Cathedral, welcomed Colorado worshipers. He delivered the sermon from the historic Canterbury Pulpit, from where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his last Sunday sermon. Lloyd drew upon the Scripture reading in which God gave assurances to Moses on Mount Sinai, while refusing Moses’ request that He show himself clearly. Lloyd said it is frustrating that God’s intentions often are cloaked in mystery. But, he said, such a “permanently uneasy state” is actually a blessing. “We humans are unable to see God fully,” Lloyd said. “This is part of God’s gift to us. If God were utterly clear in all ways, our freedom would be gone. Certitude is a spiritual danger. We would limit God to the shape of our minds. God is beyond us.” People who profess to know God and his intentions can be dangerously misguided, Lloyd added, citing suicide bombers who claim they are doing His will and colonial rulers in South Africa whose policies of repression stemmed from religious interpretations. As part of its national ministry, Washington National Cathedral offers prayers for the people and leaders of each state annually. The cathedral elevates each state in celebration with a major observance once every four years. “We were delighted to have Coloradans of all ages gathered at the Cathedral,” said Vanessa Andrews, director of the National Cathedral Association. “Our volunteer leaders and friends from the state worked hard to make this day happen. What a wonderful sight to see these people together, the result of all their labor.” The Jefferson Unitarian Church Choir rehearsed since April for its cathedral performance that consisted of eight pieces. “Jubilant Song” was written by Timothy Snyder of Boulder, while “Deep Peace” was composed by Bill Douglas, also of Boulder. “Deep Peace” featured a flute solo by choir member Carol Ganow. Arnold said the choir members were well-prepared and confident during the performance. “I think people were surprised at the level we achieved here and they are going to be hungry for it again,” he said after the service. In further recognition of Colorado Day, a second invited choir, the St. Frances Cabrini Choir from a Roman Catholic parish of more than 13,000 in Littleton, offered their musical gifts in a choral prelude to the Cathedral’s Evensong service. Choir director Daniel Wyatt conducted the group in a musical offering of a cappella sacred music. St. Frances Cabrini’s pastor, Father Sean McGrath, beamed as he listened to the group sing pieces that ranged from Heinrich Isaac’s “O Food of Exiles” from the 15th century to Hall Johnson’s rousing 20th century gospel piece, “Ain’t Got Time to Die”, in which Wyatt was a soloist. Participants from Colorado played roles at the events at Washington National Cathedral, where the nation has celebrated presidential inaugurals, mourned the death of leaders at state funerals and marked tragedies like the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Sherry Brown of Monument, who is Colorado co-chairwoman of the National Cathedral Association, read Scripture at the 11 a.m. service. Co-chairwoman Marlene Evans of Estes Park, along with Lelanda Lee of Longmont, Warren Taylor of Henderson, Sheryl Bain of Henderson, Peggy Lilly of Monument and Karla Pavich of Lake Ridge, Va., delivered gifts to the altar as oblation bearers. Brandi Graham Pensoneau of Evergreen, president of the Colorado State Society of Washington, carried the Colorado flag. ATTN PRINT MEDIA: If you desire e-mail transmission of this account and/or photos sent as JPEG attachments please contact Elizabeth Mullen at the number above. Available on the web site are print-quality photos of Washington National Cathedral (“Photos for Print” under “News” at www.cathedral.org/cathedral). | |