For the month of September, we continue to get to learn more about the people involved in creating the Sunday Service. This month we learn about Marcia Christenson, part of the Homilist/Storyteller team who also does special music and is cantor at times for the service. So, without further ado, here’s Marcia….
Name: Marcia Christenson
Position/s for Sunday Services: Currently, I participate in all things musical related to the Sunday services. About to get one Homily under my belt. I’m still exploring what other activities I can participate in.
What do you most like about your position/s: I love connecting people through music, either by making hymns accessible as a cantor to encourage everyone to join together in singing [with gusto!] or by bringing a special piece of music to share that will hopefully engage people collectively in a transformational community experience. I love to sing in choir also for both of those reasons. Check back about the Homily experience – though I am grateful for the opportunity.
What is one thing you would change: Everyone would have a home.
What is your idea of perfect happiness: Those moments of full and peaceful presence with all living things around me. They are rare and highly sought after.
What is your greatest achievement: To date, the people to people connections I have been able to facilitate. I’ve had many wonderful musical ensemble opportunities and on-the-day-job moments where disputes resolved, I’ve been thanked and granted awards. Everything pales in comparison to those magic moments of human connection in music or mediation or family bonding. Therefore, I hope to continue to reach for more and greater opportunities to make these connections.
What do you regard as the lowest depths of despair: There have been times when all joy seemed lost, anything I had worked toward seemed failed, and the most precious relationships seemed to be broken. In those moments, despair was palpable and hope for any life beyond could not be seen. Thankfully, these times change. At those times, I am grateful for impermanence.
What is your greatest extravagance: Taylor guitars.
Who or what is the greatest love of your life: My children and grandchildren are my greatest loves, with music a very close second [just a wee bit behind]
Who are your heroes in fiction: I am not sure I have a fictional hero.
Who are your heroes in real life: Brother Roger of the Taize community,Thich Nhat Hahn, Pete Seeger
What is a meaningful piece of music for you: Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughn Williams. I feel at one with that Lark as she flits up and down throughout this gorgeous piece of music. Also, the Concierto de Aranjuez by Joaquin Rodrigo because it is so achingly beautiful and I cannot move while listening, so transported am I. Oh, and the 6th movement, the Bogoroditse Devo from Rachmaninoff Vespers, which I consider to be the most gorgeous piece of choral music ever ever composed, addressing the Blessed Mother. Seriously, only one?!?
Where do you like to go in nature to revive: The beach. I grew up literally on the beach in the SF Bay Area and Carmel CA. The sound of the surf, the salty air, the fog, the breezes, the birds, the sand and rocks. I love it all – it revives my spirit. I love anything to do with ships as well and can spend hours watching them in Astoria and Seattle.