February 2023

You are the light of the world. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 

For those of us using the Revised Common Lectionary, this lesson comes up in the readings for this coming Sunday, the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany. I don’t know about you, but this time of year, with its seeming endless gray days, makes me yearn for light. On those rare days where the sun is out for part, or most of the day, I often feel like I need to shield my eyes from its brilliance, because I am so accustomed to the muted light. I think that can be a metaphor for our work as well. We can get so used our daily routine that we begin to feel weighed down by its repetitiveness. A malaise begins to overwhelm, and our “light” begins to mute and fade. 

One of the benefits of an organization like the AGO is that we can share our light and support and recharge each other. Listening to each other play, sharing our experiences with our colleagues, and taking advantage of our chapter’s educational offerings, all help us renew our spirits and revitalize our commitments so that we are able to shine in our various vocations and fill our surroundings with our light. 

This coming week, February 7, 2023, is our Members’ Recital. Several of our colleagues have offered to play and share their light with us. I hope that you will come support them, hear a new piece, a new interpretation, a new sound that might renew your passion and inspire you.

You also have a vital role to play in the success of our chapter.  At the dinner before the recital, we are asking you to share your thoughts and ideas about programming which will help you be fully charged for the next year. The Executive Committee and Program Committee want to hear from you.

There will also be the chance to talk with your colleagues, renew acquaintances, and meet members you may not know. I look forward to seeing and talking with you there.

Peace,

Bert

The February 2023 issue of the Pipe and Pedal is now available.