Dearest Alums,  

As so many of you know, Ms. Page has returned home this week to hospice.  I know she remains in all of your prayers. As we approach this advent season, we lift up deep thanks for her and for her work and prayers for God’s continued presence in her life.   So many of you have asked what you could do.  You asked whether you could make a recording or send things.  

I spent time in my backyard with Ms. Page on her birthday in June.  We prayed together while a jazz recording by Charlie Haden’s “Church songs” played on my Beatbox.  She has always had such a heart for teaching you the songs of the church. So many of you have learned these hymns of the church together with her.  You know her well enough to know that the best gift you could offer at this time is your voice on Christmas Eve.  

Cantorei has been preparing the pieces below for that service, and I wanted to send them to you this week in hopes that in some of those post-turkey moments you might take a look. (Click on the links to download PDFs of the music.)
The trickiest one at first might be the “Betelehemu”, but it is definitely the most fun. Here is a  YouTube clip of a choir at USC singing it which I think is pretty good.  The repeats they take will be ours.  In fact, there are some improvised solos at the end that  we will probably do.  

Of course, you will sing “Thou Shalt Know Him.” I did not include that here, because I thought most of you could just sight read it. Many thanks for all the prayers and love so many of you have sent. I am so looking forward to seeing all of you!  

Much love,

Mrs. Thel (Miss Patty, and to a  couple of you “Mom”)

If you have not already let us know that you will be singing with us on Christmas Eve this year, please click the link and fill out the Sign Up Genius form.