"I would like to introduce Music at Saint Nicholas, the new umbrella organization responsible for both the musical outreach and inreach here in our parish.

"As part of the music series, there will be three services of Choral Evensong with Homily during the remainder of the season. Evensong will be held at 4:00 p.m. and will be followed by a one-half hour organ recital by different organists from the area. Following each Evensong, there will be a tea and sherry reception in the courtyard, weather permitting. Otherwise, we shall adjourn to the Parish Hall.

"The first of these Evensongs will be held on "Mothering Sunday," March 10. Music will include the Preces and Responses by Richard Ayleward, the Short Service of Thomas Tallis, and the anthem Lord, let me know mine end of Maurice Greene, a contemporary of Handel. I will play the first of the organ recitals which follow Evensong, and the program will contain works of Marcel Dupre, Frank Ferko and Johann Sebastian Bach.

"The dates for the remaining Evensongs are May 19 (Pentecost) and July 14. The program details for these Evensongs will be announced in a brochure we will be mailing next month. The Music at Saint Nicholas flyer will detail not only the Evensong programs, but also the Sunday morning choral program from Lent through Pentecost II. You will also be given the opportunity to support the Music at Saint Nicholas series through a financial gift. I hope that you will be willing to support the beginnings of a newly-focused music program and that together we can make Music at Saint Nicholas a flagship program of our ministry to the community here in the Valley. I think you in advance for your support, and watch your mail for the series flyer!

Erik Goldstrom