SSPC Weekly Update : January 27, 2021

January 27, 2021

This Sunday, January 31 is our annual Kirkin O’ The Tartan worship service. Although certain aspects of this year’s Kirkin will be slightly different on account of COVID19, we are so excited to still be able to gather as a church family for this fun and festive occasion. Both the online and outdoor worship services will feature pipers and plaid this Sunday, so whether you join us on a screen or in a lawn chair we look forward to seeing you there!

Please take a few minutes to peruse this week’s newsletter. There are a variety of upcoming fellowship, learning, and service opportunities. I want to draw particular attention to the upcoming Season of Service opportunity happening next Saturday, February 6 at MAP International. This event is open to all ages, however, there are a limited number of spots available – be sure to sign up today if you would like to participate!

See you Sunday. Invite a friend. Plaid is always welcome.

Peace,

Rev. Alan Dyer

Pastor

Upcoming Events

Sunday Worship

January 24, 2021

Musical Notes

Three Days of Excitement!

Sunday, January 31 - The Kirkin’ of the Tartan Service 2020 was such an exciting event. It gathered people from across the community to attend church at Epworth-by-the-sea. Looking back, I have great memories of seeing so many smiles and hearing the sounds of drums and pipes. We won’t have that kind of crowd, but the smiles around the eyes and the sounds of drums and pipes will be there. For the first time, we will have a small band playing with the pipers of First Coast Highlanders. If you have been to any Scottish Games, you might have seen marching bands playing with the pipers. It’s quite the experience to hear both. Our Chancel Ensemble will be featured playing an arrangement of How Firm a Foundation for the anthem. Art Tenney, the manager (and a piper as well) for the group, will play French Horn with us. We will sing Amazing Grace for our hymn and the traditional processional and recessional will be the same – Highland Cathedral and Scotland the Brave. Make sure to wear your tartan or a favorite plaid scarf or piece of clothing. Banners will not be carried this year- only the pipers and drummers will process in at the beginning. Stick around to hear more pipe tunes after the 10:30 service.

Monday, February 1 - The organ builders will arrive on this day to unpack the organ and begin installation. Arthur Schleuter, Jr. is the head of the Schleuter Pipe Organ Company in Lithonia, Georgia. He will be bringing his RV to our campus to serve as accommodations for himself and to have an office while working on his many projects in addition to ours. Here's an article about the recent restoration of the Fox Theatre organ, "Mighty Mo” which was finished at Christmas 2020.

https://www.ajc.com/entertainment/music/the-fox-gets-organ-transplant/7yXEmvEVepBPmKprbO46II/

In addition, here's a video about the Air Force Organ, which is his next big project.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S-OZ3tyiF0

Exciting stuff!

Tuesday, February 2 - February Festival last year was different in that it was all in the Social Hall due to renovation. The crowds were great as usual and we were able to experience different formations for the seating which enabled more people to see more of the performers. This year is also very different – but I am thrilled that we are still able to present Island Concert Programs. Each Tuesday evening beginning on February 2 at 7:00 pm, a video will be released on the website. I have previewed the concerts as my husband has been producing them for our series and they are wonderful. After each week in February, the videos for each week will remain on the website for you to watch again or watch all at once (binge). Our agent, Reggie Bahl, has chosen artists that are familiar with how to use technology for their concertizing and the result is amazing. Tune into http://www.islandconcertassociation.org on February 2 at 7:00 pm and feel free to share this information with your friends and neighbors. Performers for this week are Daniel Kurgano, Violinist and Constantine Finehouse, Pianist. Go to the website mentioned above for program and biographical information. If you feel so led, membership is a great way to keep this annual festival going. The website contains information about joining and there are brochures in the church office area for you to pick up. We hope to offer very special groups for the 75th church anniversary year in 2022. Thanks for all the support for this virtual performance year!

Love & Gratitude,

Rhonda