In the Name of All Our Children
For all of the glorious music making I've been privileged to experience—in concert halls, opera stages, jam sessions, and recording studios across the globe—it all began around 1996 in the McGinness Room. Of course, I was the beneficiary of my mom's Mozartian wisdom (and elementary piano lessons) from birth; but my very first collaborative musical experience was right here at MLUC about a year before I first picked up a violin. Under the baton of our brand-new music director, Vincent Craig, my cousins, siblings, and I together comprised about a quarter of the robust MLUC Children's Choir. Our membership benefited from a 100-child-strong RE program; we all showed up on weekday evenings to rehearse, performed a few times a year for both our 9 and our 11 a.m. Sunday services, and I was routinely disciplined for obstreperous behavior. Fast-forward to 2025, and only one of these practices remains. As Dawn Star reminds me often, "Things have changed a lot since you were growing up here in the '90s!"
Indeed, the whole world is changing rapidly. Our entire country is on the precipice of change next week—tragically coinciding with the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—the likes of which most of us would not have dared imagine even three months ago. To what kind of world have today's children been subjected in the throes of climate disaster, billionaire tax cuts, civil rights atrocities, rampant gun violence, White Christian Nationalism, and the public validation of humanity's worst, most hateful instincts? Kaitlyn and I talk about having kids soon, but I wonder: Would it be fair? But then I reflect on my privilege that is the MLUC community. If any child of mine could grow up here—experiencing even a fraction of the love, support, and philosophical nurturement that I received as a child—they would have a fighting chance in our turbulent world. Practically in tandem as our country becomes more dangerous, MLUC rises as a beacon to protect more people. To connect more of our values to meaningful action in the world at large. To become a safe and fulfilling religious community for our children.
Accordingly, this Sunday marks the return of our MLUC Children's Choir. As we celebrate "Justice Sunday" and MLK Day—in defiance of national hate—we will hear from the voices for which we persevere. About 10 MLUC children, ages 4–13, have been rehearsing together with Jodie and me after Sunday services the past few weeks, and they are a delight. Sally Rogers's "In the Name of All Our Children" will open our service, followed by Jill Jackson-Miller's popular "Let There Be Peace On Earth" as our Offertory, concluding—fittingly—with "Give Light" by Kim and Reggie Harris. Together, we will sing hymns #1024: "When the Spirit Says Do," and #210: "Wade in the Water."
As the song goes, "Give light . . . teach peace . . . stand together . . . give love . . . and people will find the way." Remember the words of our children on Monday and in the years to come.
See you Sunday!
David
Indeed, the whole world is changing rapidly. Our entire country is on the precipice of change next week—tragically coinciding with the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—the likes of which most of us would not have dared imagine even three months ago. To what kind of world have today's children been subjected in the throes of climate disaster, billionaire tax cuts, civil rights atrocities, rampant gun violence, White Christian Nationalism, and the public validation of humanity's worst, most hateful instincts? Kaitlyn and I talk about having kids soon, but I wonder: Would it be fair? But then I reflect on my privilege that is the MLUC community. If any child of mine could grow up here—experiencing even a fraction of the love, support, and philosophical nurturement that I received as a child—they would have a fighting chance in our turbulent world. Practically in tandem as our country becomes more dangerous, MLUC rises as a beacon to protect more people. To connect more of our values to meaningful action in the world at large. To become a safe and fulfilling religious community for our children.
Accordingly, this Sunday marks the return of our MLUC Children's Choir. As we celebrate "Justice Sunday" and MLK Day—in defiance of national hate—we will hear from the voices for which we persevere. About 10 MLUC children, ages 4–13, have been rehearsing together with Jodie and me after Sunday services the past few weeks, and they are a delight. Sally Rogers's "In the Name of All Our Children" will open our service, followed by Jill Jackson-Miller's popular "Let There Be Peace On Earth" as our Offertory, concluding—fittingly—with "Give Light" by Kim and Reggie Harris. Together, we will sing hymns #1024: "When the Spirit Says Do," and #210: "Wade in the Water."
As the song goes, "Give light . . . teach peace . . . stand together . . . give love . . . and people will find the way." Remember the words of our children on Monday and in the years to come.
See you Sunday!
David
Posted in Music Notes