The Rev. Leyla King, who closed her Week Four chaplaincy Friday morning, delivers her first sermon last Sunday in the Amphitheater.
There are times during the Chautauqua season when we pause and remember those who used to walk these grounds.
During the first morning worship of the season, after the opening Three Taps of the Gavel, there is a time for “Chautauqua Milestones,” those Chautauquans who have died since the opening of the previous season. On Old First Night, the Drooping of the Lilies — the raising and lowering of white handkerchiefs — honors the memories of past presidents, board of trustee members and staff leaders.
At 8 p.m. Sunday in the Amphitheater, the Sacred Song Service will offer a Service of Remembrance, time for all who mourn to be comforted, and to remember anyone who has died, or is suffering from Alzheimers or dementia.
On the front apron of the stage will be Books of Remembrance and a time in the service to come and write in them. These books are kept year to year in the denominational houses. They are non-denominational, in that remembrances may be left in any of the books.
“This service is designed to be interfaith,” said Joshua Stafford, director of sacred music and the Jared Jacobsen Chair for the Organist, who develops each week’s Sacred Song Service. “We hope all those who want to remember someone or ones who were and are special in their lives will feel free to attend.”
Readings and prayers will come from the Mishkan T’filah, the Book of Common Worship, Celtic Daily Prayer, and Hebrew and Christian scriptures. One special prayer will be for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and those who love them and care for them.
The service will begin with the song “Day is Dying in the West,” and end with “Now the Day is Over,” and the playing of “Largo,” from George Fredrich Handel’s opera Xerxes. In between the readings are hymns and anthems that will provide additional times for reflection.
