Missa Gaia Returns April 18

In celebration of Earth Day, the Emerson choir will present Paul Winter’s Missa Gaia — Earth Mass — April 18, 2009 at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary at 1900 Bering.  The performance is free and open to the public. For your convenience, childcare is provided from 7pm to 9:30pm and reservations are not required. An offering will be taken to benefit Emerson’s Ministry for Earth and KPFT 90.1, Radio for Peace.

This Earth Mass, a combination of jazz and world music, features several solo and large ensemble instrumental and vocal works. This year’s performance will also feature a multi-media presentation on the earth, including pictures and sounds of birds, wolves, seals and humpback whales.

The “Gaia Hypothesis” of scientists James Lovelock and Lyn Margulis proposes that the entire range of living matter on Earth, from whales to viruses, from oaks to algae, can be regarded as constituting a single living entity. This view of the Earth as a single living organism fits beautifully with the UU Seventh Principle: “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.”

Choir Practice on Wednesdays, 7:30 pm The Emerson Choir meets every Wednesday evening for an hour and a half to rehearse for Sunday's music and to learn songs for upcoming weeks. The choir, except for our four section leads, is composed of volunteers who like to sing and are ready for challenges -- but with a lot of laughs. New choir members are welcome in all voices; not audition is necessary. This year's music will include "Glad Tidings" at Vespers and, by popular demand, "Missa Gaia" during Earth Week in the spring.

Learn to Play the Piano or Organ For children or adults! Anita Butt, our excellent keyboard artist, has a few openings for lessons on Emerson’s fine instruments. Her current students rave about her teaching method. You could be playing well soon—maybe even at an Emerson event some time! Talk with Anita after worship for more details or reach her by calling the Emerson Office.