While we still have several weeks of dry(ish) weather to look forward to, the leaves on the trees are starting to turn, kids are getting ready for school, and we're getting ready for our program year to start here at St. Columba's.

In the fall, we'll begin learning some contemporary-style songs that work well with guitars and other instruments.  These will be printed in the bulletin and taken from the "Ancient & Modern" hymnal used by the Church of England. Some of these look a little different, as the custom of our Anglican cousins across the pond is to print the music on one page and the words on another. Look for this to happen in the bulletin on a few songs starting on September 11 and going forward. These will be from the hymnal called "Ancient & Modern" - give these new songs a try and let me know how they go for you. 

Speaking of September 11 - this is our fall kick-off Sunday! If you play an instrument or enjoy singing, the fall is a great time to get plugged into our burgeoning worship ensemble that we've had going at the 11 a.m. Eucharist on Sundays.

In addition to September 11, there are several Sunday celebrations that are coming up, and I'd love to have a full crew of instruments and singers at all of them:

- September 25 - St. Michael and All Angels Sunday

- October 2 - St. Francis Sunday (bring your pets to be blessed at both services!)

- November 6 - All Saints Sunday

If you want to join us for music-making, email me at music@stcolumbakent.org so we can get you on board. 

Finally, I've been grateful for all of the musicians that have played or sung this summer, as we've had many Sundays of lovely and even energetic music. David Brand and Al Francisco have been anchors of our worship ensemble since Easter. Joey Taylor has played soprano and alto saxophone on several Sundays also, as has Jean Balough on flute. Katelyn Cowell and Hester Mallonee have been regular singers in the summer. And - a special thanks to James Wyatt, Alana Hammer, and Paula Mayfield who filled in on vacation Sundays when I was away. And I think the biggest thank-you of all goes to David Brand who filled in unexpectedly for me when I was getting over a COVID infection. 

I appreciate all of the talents that our musicians offer and hope that our Sunday worship ensemble will continue to grow and thrive. Come and join us - whether as part of that group or singing with joy and love from the congregation. 

Martin