On Friday April 18 Jazz Sanctuary will present "The Jazz of Vigil" utilizing biblical readings and liturgy suggested by author Cynthia Bourgeault in her book, "The Meaning of Mary Magdalene - Discovering the Woman at the Heart of Christianity." The service will take place in the chapel at 79 Clinton Street (Enter the main church doors and the entrance to the chapel will be immediately on your left).
The discovery of previously unknown early Christian "Gospels" and other texts in the mid-twentieth century at Qumran brought to light the remarkable diversity of beliefs and practices in Christianity's first three centuries. As part of this, the figure of Mary Magdalene emerged as a central figure in many early Christian communities - an enlightened figure co-equal with Jesus and able to pass on his teachings in a unique way.
Part of these traditions was also the speculation that she and Jesus had a powerful, special relationship characterized by the Greek word "koinonos" - companion or spouse. This deep connection was evident in a story of Mary Magdalene keeping vigil at Jesus' tomb from Good Friday through Easter Sunday morning when she was the first person to see him according to this tradition.
Music will be drawn from jazz standard ballads of love and loss sung by Vocalists/Pastors Emilia Halstead and Renee Rouse, accompanied by the Jazz Sanctuary House Band - Joey Placenti on saxes and flute, Ed Raczka on drums, Jock Irvine on bass, and Tim Wildman on keyboard.
There is a remarkable way in which this particular music conveys both the profound sense of loss of Good Friday and the uniquely powerful connection of love that ultimately leads to a triumph over death on Easter Sunday.
Please join us - as always there is no admission fee and all are welcome wherever you are and because of who you are on you life's journey.