“Blessing in the Leaving,” composed by Susan LaBarr, performed by the Parish Choir on 6 November 2022 at St. John’s Church.

Simeon was at the temple when Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to be presented to God as her firstborn. Recognizing the baby as the promised Savior, Simeon took Jesus in his arms and prayed the Nunc Dimittis.

The Magnificat is the Song of Mary, which she sings when visiting her pregnant cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth is carrying John the Baptist; Mary is carrying Jesus. When Mary greeted Elizabeth, the baby leaped in Elizabeth’s womb — an early anticipation of John’s role as Christ’s forerunner and prophet.

Psalm 103 from the Evensong service on 10/2, chanted by the Parish Choir. Evensong is an ancient service sung near sunset to close the day in a quiet, peaceful manner. At its heart it's an opportunity to reflect on the day that has been, to offer up anything that is unresolved to God, to look forward with hope to the day to come, and to be surrounded by the beautiful music the tradition has inspired.

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, arranged by Jochen Rieger. Featuring: Bob Stibler, trumpet, Olin Johannessen, piano, John Hunter, bass.

A New Commandment. Written by Thomas Tallis. Performed by The Parish Choir on 18 September 2022.

Jubilate Deo (Be Joyful in the Lord). Written by Gordon Young. Performed by The Parish Choir on 11 September 2022. Jennifer McPherson, director. Technical production by Olin Johannessen.