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March 2020: Thuma Mina

2/20/2020

Thuma Mina

As we did in February, this month we're singing a song that comes to us from the strong and brave people of South Africa.

First, we will sing these original words in Zulu:

Thuma Mina (3x)
Somandla

which means

Send Me
Almighty God

These words remind us of a verse in the bible in which the Prophet Isaiah chooses to answer God's call:

‘And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”’ – Isaiah 6:8

After we sing the Zulu words, we will sing our own verses in English. We can adapt the words of the song to fit the prayers of our hearts. Just listen to the leader's "call" and you will automatically know your "response."

Call: Thuma mina
Response: Thuma mina (3x) somandla

Call: Send me Lord
Response: Send me Jesus (3x), Send me Lord

Call: Heal me Lord
Response: Heal me Jesus (3x), Heal me Lord

Call: Teach me Lord
Response: Teach me Jesus (3x), Teach me Lord

ETC.

Throughout March we'll sing this song in Children's Chapel, and as part of our weekly Lenten Wednesday night worship service (5:30-6:00PM in Stoney Chapel.)

What do you need most deeply today? How can Jesus meet your need? Make up your own verses to this song and sing your prayer to God.

Palm Sunday (April 5, 2020)

In addition to offering leadership for our "Song of the Month", we will be looking to St. Mark's children to provide significant support and leadership for the music and liturgy for our Palm Sunday service (Sunday, April 5th.)

Children and youth are needed to assist with

Procession of Palms (from Fish Garden into the Church) at the beginning of the service. Children will help support the procession with movement and songs, including the refrain for Psalm 118 (Hosanna in the Highest) and the hymn, "All Glory Laud and Honor."
Passion Gospel Tableaux. As we did last year, we will illustrate the Passion Gospel with a series of tableaux (human sculptures.) Between each sculpture, the congregation will sing the Taize refrain, "Stay with Me." People of all ages are welcome to be part of this "Passion Play." We will rehearse on Sunday, March 29th from Noon-2PM. Lunch will be provided. More information, including a link to the script, can be found here.

Taking time to help our children become familiar with these pieces of music will enable them to participate more fully in our Palm Sunday liturgy, and will help them enter more deeply into the Mystery of Holy Week .

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Song of the Month

In early 2019 I began serving as assisting priest at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Albuquerque. St. Mark's is home to a diverse and rapidly growing faith community as well as a Montessori Preschool that serves ~50 preschool children and their families.

One of my first areas of focus at St. Mark's will be to explore creative ways to support the spiritual growth of St. Mark's families, not only at church and school, but also at home throughout the week.

We'll begin our exploration with a "Song of the Month." Each month we'll offer a simple song as an "anchor" for spiritual reflection and growth throughout the month. Parents and other adults in the St. Mark's community are encouraged to learn the song and access further materials for reflection online. Children will practice the song each week in Children's Chapel. Children will be invited to share the song with the entire St. Mark's community during worship (as the offertory anthem) on the 4th Sunday of each month.

If you are the parent/caregiver of a very young child (age 0-2), your child will still benefit enormously from daily exposure to the "Song of the Month". Even though they aren't yet singing, you can be sure they are already listening to you and learning! Experiment with incorporating the song into any part of your daily routine--waking, sleeping, bathing, dressing, diaper change, etc. From an early age, you can help your child establish a pattern of life in which prayer, spiritual practice, and song are a natural part!

If you are the parent/caregiver of an older child (age 3+) try incorporating the song and one short, thematically linked reflection question, action, or prayer into your daily routine--maybe at mealtime, at bedtime, or even during your daily commute.

If you are a teenager or adult with no young children at home, find a way to work the song into your daily routine--perhaps while your showering, driving, or cooking. Discuss the theme or reflection question with a friend or partner--or set aside some time to journal, draw, paint, blog or reflect in some other creative way on your own.

Sunday School Teachers and Small Group Leaders: Consider incorporating the "Song of the Month" or one of the relevant reflection questions into your own sessions, classes, or meetings each month if appropriate.

Everybody: Have fun! Sing out! Experiment! And above all--share your experiences and insights with one another and with me!

March 2020: Thuma Mina

Thuma Mina

Palm Sunday (April 5, 2020)

Song of the Month

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