This past Sunday, September 29, St. Mark’s hosted a joint evensong observing the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels. Announcing the service that morning was our own Director of Music, Matthew Burt telling us about this, “one amazing service, with two Organists, three Conductors, four clergy, including our new Bishop. Austin Rios, and singers from five choirs of neighboring Episcopal churches including St. Mark’s, and six people (+) who volunteered at the Community Faire to host our hospitality.”
It was indeed a splendid service in our Anglican and Episcopal tradition of evensong. Around 40 singers and musicians held a combined rehearsal and led over 80 congregants in the evensong office. Our Interim Rector, The Rev. Nick Roosevelt, officiated and offered a homily, referencing the classic 1994 Disney movie, “Angels in the Outfield.” Bishop Austin addressed those gathered: “My heart really longs for collaboration such as this. I feel like it is one of the best things we can do in the church.”
Following the evensong, the congregation and singers held a festive reception in the labyrinth courtyard and had the opportunity to meet Bishop Austin and his wife, Maleah, while also connecting in fellowship with area Episcopalians and building new relationships together. Thank you to Matthew Burt and all of our members and team who made this possible. It is our hope to develop this gradually into a quarterly offering at traditional festal times throughout the year, rotating our location and collaborating even further in our region of the diocese.
If you were unable to attend the evensong, an amateur recording was made and has been published to our YouTube Page.
