Draw the circle wide. Draw it wider still.
Let this be our song, no one stands alone,
Standing side by side, draw the circle wide.       
          - Gordon Light

The "eclectic" service format returns this Memorial Day weekend with vocalist Lucas Jackson and bassist Peter Strening leading you in songs of community from the chancel.

On this holiday weekend, we also remember those who fought for dignity and freedom for all of humanity and the hope that their sacrifice will continue to inspire a culture of decency and respect for all. 

During the Gathering Song, we offer George Harrison's "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)", a song calling for a deeper connection with the Divine in a broken world. In reference to his song from the 1973 album "Living in the Material World", Harrison explained, "This song is a prayer and personal statement between me, the Lord, and whoever likes it."

Give me love, give me love, give me peace on earth.
Give me light, give me life, keep me free from birth.
Give me hope, help me cope with this heavy load.
Trying to touch and reach You with heart and soul.
Oh, my Lord.

Singer/songwriter Jackson Browne's hit song "Doctor, My Eyes" from his 1972 self-titled debut album speaks to the loss of idealism. But as Browne states, the original motivation was much more literal: "My eye trouble was the initial inspiration for the song's lyrics. But as I wrote them, the eye issue became a metaphor for lost innocence and for having seen too much."      

Doctor, my eyes have seen the years and the slow parade of fears without crying.
Now I want to understand.
I have done all that I could to see the evil and the good without hiding.
You must help me if you can.

This Sunday we present a service in the "eclectic style" typically offered during the academic year at 9:00 a.m. Resident ukulelist Stuart Yoshida, bassist Peter Strening, violinist Harmony Tucker and I share selections inspired by the American and Celtic folk traditions. Come join us as we together sing songs of growth and life-giving stewardship.

We celebrate Plymouth's radical musical diversity, amazing volunteer musicians and friends this Consecration Sunday morning.

At 9:00 a.m., a reprise of last year's "Beatles Sunday" will be offered with a focus on the songwriting contributions of George Harrison, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney. Vocalist Lucas Jackson, guitarist Alan Skowron, bassist Peter Strening and percussionist Nick McCulloch join us to share a spiritual message from the Fab Four.

At 11:00 a.m., Plymouth's volunteer musicians take over the service music with the Chancel Choir, Plymouth Ringers, cellist Aaron Dunigan-AtLee, flutist Aaron McGrew, and violinist Harmony Tucker comprising our merry band in the chancel. A diverse range of works by Mark Miller, Hans-André Stamm, Tammy Waldrop, and Antonio Vivaldi will be offered on this festive Sunday morning.

We are Plymouth!

This Sunday morning we reprise the "eclectic" service typically offered at 9:00 a.m. during the academic year. The spiritual essence of music from the likes of Coldplay, David Bowie, and Genesis mingle freely with sounds from the Celtic tradition and more. Bassist Peter Strening, guitarist Alan Skowron, and vocalist/cellist Lucas Jackson join us for this diverse worshipful experience. We hope to see you then — in person or online.

A wildly eclectic musical offering on this Annual Meeting Sunday morning.

Libby Larsen's imaginative organ setting of the hymn tune "Blessed Be the Tie That Binds" opens worship on a fresh contemporary note. The tune weaves its way subtly through numerous swirling textures culminating in a wonderfully dissonant restating of this 19th century tune.

The Neo-Baroque stylings of Helmut Walcha are reinterpreted through a cello and organ arrangement of the German chorale "O Jesus Christ, Our True Light" during the Musical Offering. Cellist Lucas Jackson joins.

When confronted with unexpected circumstances, abundant imagination and perseverance is often the remedy. David Bowie speaks to this in his well-known song "Changes" from 1971's "Hunky Dory." Bassist Peter Strening joins vocalist Lucas Jackson and me for a vibrant reading of this still timely and relevant classic. This month also marks the 75th birthday (January 8) and six year anniversary (January 10) of the passing of this great artist.

A service of eclectic musical offerings at 9:00 with a jazzy take on the Gregorian Chant melody "Rorate caeli" (also referred to as the Advent Prose), a renaissance romp on "Psalm 42" from the Genevan psalter, and a dash of the Baroque from a Handel violin sonata. Violinist Harmony Tucker, bassist Peter Strening and cantor Blair Carpenter join us.

From the organ at 11:00, select variations from the chorale partita "Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele" (Rejoice Greatly, O My Soul) by German Baroque composer Georg Böhm will be offered. The tune (also called "Psalm 42" in Reformed traditions) is commonly associated with the Advent hymn "Comfort, Comfort Ye My People." Böhm was influential in the development of the chorale partita of which this work is a fine example.

Also at 11:00, the Chancel Choir offers the Advent carol "People Look East" in a delightful setting by notable American composer Craig Phillips.