Creating Connections

Susan Snow, Music Director at Brighton First

On May 1, Confirmation Sunday, music director Susan Snow chose a specific piece of piano music to play while the confirmands served Holy Communion to the congregation. She played "Clair de Lune" by Claude Debussy. The composition is from the third movement of Debussy's "Suite Bergamasque".

On Monday, following the worship service, she received a compliment for the music she played. Susan explained, "For Confirmation, I chose 'Clair de Lune' because I wanted the confirmands to hear music that they will hear in other places. It may remind them of their confirmation when they hear it."

Susan certainly picked a popular piece of music. Through the years it has been part of several musical scores for movies, advertisements and television shows. Could it be that when the strains of "Clair de Lune" play, a new memory has been attached?

It's interesting to think about the memories that we carry from our experiences of church. For me, I carry sensory memories from the church of my childhood. I remember the smell of the furniture polish in the sanctuary, the light coming through the stained glass, the smell of the Sunday school classroom and the taste of the watered-down Kool-aid served after church.

I have been thinking this week about the possible sensory memories the children will carry from Brighton First. Will they remember the songs that Susan plays as they come forward for the children's message? Will they remember the taste of crackers, cookies, fruit or cakes they find on the coffee hour table? Will they remember the smell of glue and markers from craft projects in Sunday school or Vacation Bible School?

I learned a long time ago that one of the most important things that a community of faith can do is let children know that they are welcomed and appreciated. This remembered sense of belonging may be why a young adult will choose to join in the ministry of a church.

The development of committed disciples for Jesus Christ begins in Christian community that is loving, supportive and welcoming. 

I am grateful for Susan Snow's thoughtful contribution to the memories of our confirmands. And I give thanks to God for the care and support that the congregation of Brighton First offers to its youngest members of this community of faith.