So much is out of whack in our world right now. But, in one uplifting constant, as they have done for more than a decade now, the East Village faith communities recently came together once again, albeit virtually, for their 12th Annual Spiritual Sounds event.
More than a dozen local congregations participated, representing a wide range of religions, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hare Krishna and more.
In the face of these trying times of global pandemic, the religious leaders offered healing and inspirational words, followed by musical performances by their congregation members.
Performances ranged from a beautiful guitar duet by members of The Bhakti Center to stirring songs by the Town & Village Synagogue choir to, at the end, a soaring rendition of “Glory” by the Middle Collegiate Church gospel choir. The latter was actually recorded in 2015 but the time seemed right to hear it again. Doing this kind of gospel singing would be next-to impossible on Zoom.
Local resident Anthony Donovan has been champion of the East Village faith communities initiative and the annual Spiritual Sounds event.
“What a world,” he said. “Our Village continues to be greatly diminished, with loss of businesses and people and affordable housing, but one bright spot, as we continued this tradition.”
How wonderful of you, Village Sun, to post. You’ve been covering these events since our first Local Faith Communities walk around the neighborhood together in 2009. Deeply appreciate shining this great light of courageous faith leaders unafraid to reach out to the “other.”
More info is in the YouTube under “More,” including the documentary from 2010.
This is definitely a “We” event. We’d have open community presentations and discussion evenings. Had shared food events and several times when gathering our children together.
The actual person who came up with the idea of sharing our sounds was Fr. Arthur Wendel of the then Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. All agreed and Rev. Adrienne Thorne along with her Middle Collegiate Church hosted the event. We rotate sites each year.
A year later there was a documentary done on this bridge-building, this community example. Get to know those around us….
Blessings.
Again, thank you.
In today’s world, less labeling, stereotyping, name-calling …. and more dialogue, and sharing with each other.
The old adage to “separate the person from the problem, be hard on the problem, not the person”… will go a long way toward meeting our very real challenges ahead.
Gratitude,
Anthony
E 4th st.