When the humming of “Amazing Grace” began… then that voice continued the vocal prayer, it was a moment of magic. It rendered former President Clinton slack-jawed and received a standing ovation, led by Vice President Joe Biden. That’s my kind of church service, one that revels in song as well as scripture. “America the beautiful” by the choir followed, with the Obamas, Bidens and Clintons listening in side by side.
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Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori gave the closing prayer today at the National Cathedral. She’s the leader of the Episcopal church (in the video above), a tremendous speaker, someone I’ve had the honor of meeting, as well as hearing.
The service today reminded me of why I so love the church I’ve belonged to in L.A. The beautiful music that is part of every service in the Episcopal church inspires deep reverence. The choir at All Saint’s in Los Angeles is unparalleled. On Easter, people arrive hours ahead to get a seat. It’s a concert every Sunday. Today I was once again reminded of the beauty of song in service. Maybe I’ll find it again in Washington, D.C. It would be a tremendous addition to my daily meditation.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozF0YqyPXmE
To add… just got a statement from Robert Gibbs, his first as press secretary, on what else President Obama has been doing today:
“This morning, the President placed phone calls to four Middle Eastern leaders: President Mubarak of Egypt, Prime Minister Olmert of Israel, King Abdullah of Jordan, and President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority. He used this opportunity on his first day in office to communicate his commitment to active engagement in pursuit of Arab-Israeli peace from the beginning of his term, and to express his hope for their continued cooperation and leadership. In the aftermath of the Gaza conflict, he emphasized his determination to work to help consolidate the ceasefire by establishing an effective anti-smuggling regime to prevent Hamas from rearming, and facilitating in partnership with the Palestinian Authority a major reconstruction effort for Palestinians in Gaza. He pledged that the United States would do its part to make these efforts successful, working closely with the international community and these partners as they fulfill their responsibilities as well. The President appreciated the spirit of partnership and warm nature of these calls.”
For those who enjoyed the Amazing Grace song at the service today, I wanted to pass along this great movie produced last year about how the song came about.
I had always thought is was just a religious song, but it has a compelling story behind it.
The movie is about William Wilberforce, who, as a Member of Parliament, navigated the world of 18th Century backroom politics to end the slave trade in the British Empire. Albert Finney plays John Newton, a confidante of Wilberforce who inspires him to pursue a life of service to humanity. John Newton, after spending the early part of his life as a slave-ship captain, wrote the song Amazing Grace because of the anguish and redemption he felt. So the song became a rally cry for people trying to stop slavery in England.
It took Willberforce 15 years, but he got the Abolition Act passed in 1807, prohibiting British slave-ship. His health was failing, but he spent the rest of his life fighting to end slavery.
Here is a link to the movie website
http://www.amazinggracemovie.com/index.php
Thanks, AG. It’s a perfect day to share that! I enjoyed the movie very much.
What a voice.
I choked up when Amazing Grace was first hummed and then sung. It was sung by a friend at our sons funeral.
Thank you AG, I too thought it was a religious song. It just shows we learn something new every day.
The Obama’s, Biden’s and Clinton’s all in row. What a statement.
Life sure isn’t fair, Betsy. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, is the saying. I’ve held on to it along my own rough road.
Yes Taylor. And now the song has more meaning for me. I have to say that it is and always has been a favorite of mine. And you were so right about this morning. What a beautiful rendition of it. Does anyone know who the singer was.
Just posted a statement by Gibbs on Obama’s day so far. Should be uploaded in a second. He’s been busy.
By the way, is the movie already out? I saw at the end of the clip that it was going to be out in Feb. Was that this year or was it last year. If it was last year, I’m going to order the DVD.
last year, betsy.
Oops I reread AG’s post, it was last year so I will order it.
Obama has already begun working on the Middle East. See Gibbs’ statement.
OT, did anyone notice Michelle had on flats this morning? I know her feet were killing her last night. Hope Barack did not step on her toes while dancing, that is something my husband always does. LOL
She’s a very tall lady. I’m sure she said to herself that she wasn’t going to wear heels this a.m. But I’m wondering if she wore heels last night since no one could see her feet. What a beautiful dress she wore. Unfortunately the small train in back caused some problems while they were dancing.