Episcopal Tourist part II



This Sunday I attended Emmanuel Church. Several things brought me here. First they are unique in that they incorporate a Bach Cantata into their service, second they share space with a Jewish Congregation and their Rabbi preached the sermon today, third, they describe themselves as a Church that welcomes everyone and strives for justice and peace.

Instead of the snows of last week, it was a very bright sunny day. Only a strong wind kept it from feeling really balmy. So it was a long but pleasant walk for me over Beacon Hill and across the Public Garden.

I was greeted warmly at the door and ushered inside. This is a truly grand Gothic space with very high ceilings and beautiful stained glass including what looks like a Tiffany. The altar is huge with very elaborate stone carvings. The choir stalls are of intricately carved wood. I would estimate the congregation at 150 or more. There is room for many many more. The organist played Bach’s Praeludium in G minor

We began with announcements, followed by the opening hymn. In contrast to last week, this was definitely low church, though there was a nice procession with adult choir and guest children’s choir, crucifer, torchbearers and two priests, both women. After the collect for purity, came the lessons and a very nice unattributed plainsong Kyrie. In place of the psalm, the children’s choir sang a moving anthem Make me one with the darkness,with music by James Primosch and words by Wendell Barry

At night, make me one with the darkness
In the morning make me one with the light
When I rise up, let me rise joyful like a bird
When I fall, let me fall without regret like a leaf.
Let me wake in the night and hear it raining and go back to sleep

Rabbi Howard Berman’s sermon was riveting, expertly delivered, and very well constructed. He began by referring to the Genesis reading and reminding us that three faiths have arisen from Abraham. He spoke of the rise of monotheism and its novel concern for how we treat each other. He compared Noah and Abraham noting that Noah was not as righteous as the scriptures have him appear. Noah blindly obeys God. He does not question what will happen to the righteous during the flood. When God will destroy Soddam and Gomorrah, Abraham takes great risk by asking God what will happen to the righteous and the innocent when those cities are destroyed. Rabbi Berman reminded us that in Jewish tradition and increasingly in Christian tradition also, that the sins of Soddam and Gomorrah are not thought of as sexual sins, but those of lack of hospitality and violence to strangers. This was a powerful reminder of our duty to care for and respect the dignity of every person.

After the prayers and the peace, we celebrated Communion. The choir sang a short anthem by the acting Music Director John Harbison, a very distinguished composer and conductor.

It was now time for the Cantata. Many of you may remember hearing recordings from here on the late Robert J. Lurtsema’s Sunday morning NPR program. The musicians quickly set up. There were 2 recorders, 2 violas de gamba, portative organ and strings. This was # 106 Gottes Zeit ist die Allerbeste Zeit. God’s time is the best time. Also known as Actus Tragicus, this is one of Bach’s early masterpieces. Atypically, it is made up of a number of smaller segments rather a few large ones. It is intended for use at funerals. It begins with a Sonatina a gently weeping piece for recorders and gambas. Then follows the first chorus Gottes Zeit. The tenor arioso follows “Ach Herr, Lord teach us to consider that we must die so that we may become wise. The bass solo answers Bereite Dein Haus, Put your house in order for you will die. The soprano arioso answers Komm Herr Jesu Come Lord Jesus, and the chorus accompanies saying It is the ancient law, human, you must die. The instruments also play a chorale against all of this. It is the miracle of Bach that he can present this deeply gloomy text and still uplift the spirit. The alto sings In Deine Hande” Into your hands I commend my spirit. You have redeemed me Lord God. The bass answers with Heute Wirst du mit mir, Today you will be with me in paradise. Against this is juxtaposed the chorale With peace and joy I depart. The final chorus is a miracle of lightness and joy. Glory Praise, honor and majesty be prepared for You, God the Father and Son, for the Holy Spirit by name. The divine power makes us victorious through Jesus Christ, Amen.

We said the final prayers and sang the recessional. I went out to greet the tenor soloist, an old colleague.

There was much to ponder here with great texts and great music to illuminate the meaning. It is a beautiful sacred space with a fantastic music program. But what was missing for me in my experience today was a sense off community. Unfortunately no one spoke to me or welcomed me during or after the service. Now I did not hang around very long, but no one invited me to coffee hour or even shook my hand except during the peace.