This Sunday, April 21 in Worship
Special Music: Earth Day The Music of John Rutter

This Sunday we will be reflecting on the wonders of God’s gift of creation through the music of John Rutter.  Probably the most oftperformed living composer and a favorite of mine, I’m excited about filling a worship service with his beautiful, heartfelt music.  John Rutter was born in London and studied music at Clare College, Cambridge.  He early on became known worldwide for his Christmas carol music, but since then has composed and recorded many church anthems and major works, music for the two most recent royal weddings and has become an ambassador for the choral art.  John Rutter has a recording studio in the garden of his Cambridgeshire village home where he creates recordings with his Cambridge Singers, and he composes five miles away in an ‘idyllic’ little cottage (‘very sheep may safely graze’) found by his American wife, Joanne.  No wonder many of Rutter’s compositions describe the beauty of God’s creation!  You’ll be hearing our Chancel Choir and Quartet sing John Rutter’s compositions I Will Worship the Lord, For the Beauty of the Earth, God Be In My Head, Look at the World, and Go Forth Into the World in Peace. Come worship with us as you join together to praise and thank God for the gift of creation and renew our sense of responsibility to care for our incredible and glorious Earth.  – Julie Ramsey

Earth Day Sermon: "Listen to the Land"

Listen to the land, and deep lessons it will hand. This Earth Day weekend, we turn to the wisdom found in Job 12:712, reminding us of our duty as stewards of God's creation. The passage invites us to learn from the animals, the birds, and the very earth itself, each offering unique insights into how we can live in harmony with the world around us. We are called not to dominate but to coexist, to find resources and sacred connections to cherish and protect in nature. As we reflect on our place within God's creation, let us commit to actions that respect the balance of the natural world, ensuring a sustainable future for all living beings.