Steve Jobs once noted that in developing his technology empire he did not think primarily in terms of goals. Rather, to serve his desire for innovation, he would just try something new and look behind him at the progress made thus far to determine the next steps. When I read this, I could not help but think of our present circumstances and the often ambiguous path ahead. And also, how this mindset can inform our decisions going forward.

When the pandemic hit last March, we began streaming worship services within days of the shutdown. There was no tutorial or experienced live stream team to take the reins at first. We just did it and learned as we went.

Members of the Chancel Choir have begun making videos utilizing the Acapella app for inclusion in our worship services. It was a process of glitch after glitch and we're still a work in progress. But into the thick of it we went! And soon, we'll test the waters with a brand new concept introduced in a recent New York Times article....drive-in choir! Choristers park around the director/accompanist and sing into wireless microphones using their car's FM radio as monitors. Do not be surprised to see videos of this quirky yet promising venture in the near future. As John Lennon once sang, "Strange days indeed!"

With the new pattern of pre-recording services once per month, we can now think in terms of production: an opportunity that did not exist before. Christmas Eve will be quite special with a plethora of instrumentalists and singers participating that would never be able to inhabit the chancel together in real time. The benefits of the virtual realm.

With the organ now up and running (yay!), musical presentations both live and pre-recorded will follow. There will be an Advent concert on Sunday, December 13 featuring the organ and guests. An "Organ Encounter" (a chance to see and hear what makes this wonderful machine tick!) will be coming in the new year. Other musical collaborations will no doubt follow. We shall see, again, where the muse leads!

Despite growing up on the shores of Lake Erie, I don't swim. Embarrassing, in a way. Nevertheless, it is necessary for all of us to take that deep dive. So far, so good.

Mark Heiskanen
Dir. of Music

Foremost on my mind during these challenging times is gratitude. Thankful for our local leaders, both in government and at Plymouth, for their reasoned approach to the pandemic. Grateful to live in a region of the country that values science and truth, at least more than others. I have experienced cultures where this is not the case and it is disturbing. In this time of pandemic, it would be frightening. It is the age old question of how we respond to change, isn't it?

In the coming months, the Chancel Choir will transform into a virtual choir as we see this pandemic through. The Plymouth Ringers may return in some form too as restrictions are sensibly lifted over time. And our streamed Sunday morning and Wednesday evening Vespers services will continue to be offered with familiar faces playing instruments and singing through your two-dimensional screen. A truly strange experience by the way to be in the near empty sanctuary with our energies focused on the little red "all-seeing-eye" of the live stream camera! But we have all gotten used to it. And amazing that we can even do any of this at all.

We will be together again when reason will allow it. Until then, Zoom on and be safe. 

Mark Heiskanen
Director of Music