Solidarity Walk and Vigil

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Today, Tuesday, June 2, invites us to reflect and move toward change in response to the death of George Floyd, the pain of the black community, and the healing needed for our country. Two local events in Marblehead are offered to connect us further. First, Raymond Hawkins has postponed tonight's virtual organ recital celebrating Louis Vierne in solidarity with "Black Out Tuesday" organized by leading members of the music industry. Major recording labels and artists have signed on to issue no new releases or live streaming today to reflect on ways forward. Raymond has written more on this below. 

Second, the Marblehead Racial Justice Team has organized a walk and a vigil tonight in support of black victims of racial violence. All are invited. The walk begins at 5:00 at Clifton Lutheran Church, 150 Humphrey St., and moves to St. Stephen's Methodist Church, across from the Marblehead High School. Social Distancing requirements will be followed. A vigil takes place at St. Stephen's Methodist at 6:00 this evening. A flyer about the walk and vigil can be found on St. Michael's FaceBook page. One need not walk to attend the vigil, or vice versa.

I commend a reflection from Bishops Alan Gates and Gayle Harris [LINK HERE] echoing presiding Bishop Michael Curry, recent message in the Washington Post [LINK HERE], reminding us that violence is not the answer nor to be condoned, and calling to channel grief and anger into concrete steps for change and justice, grounded in the love of God in Jesus. 

Please pray for our country and our community, for healing, understanding and ways forward. 

Fr. Andrew, Rector

Concert Series Update:

"In response to the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless other Black citizens at the hands of police, #TheShowMustBePaused is an initiative created by two Black women in music in observance of the long-standing racism and inequality that exists from the boardroom to the boulevard. We will not continue to conduct business as usual without regard for Black lives."

In solidarity with this movement, tonight’s virtual organ concert is being postponed. I invite you to use this time instead to learn about and reflect on how we can each do our part to fight against racism and make the world a more just and safe place for everyone.

To quote Louis Vierne, the composer whose music we would have been celebrating tonight, “It would be absurd to try to impede progress by allowing ones self to be caught up in old habits, in a routine... I understand quite well that men must unite in self defense, for the protection of their own interests, and that they must make use of that power to bring justice and better harmony.”

May we not get caught up in old, insidious habits but make use of our power, both collective and individual, to bring justice and better harmony to our communities.

The concert is rescheduled for this Friday, June 5th, at 7:00 p.m.

Raymond Hawkins, Music Director