Notes from the Far Fringe

As I continue this practice (and actually find myself nearing the halfway point), I have become overall less critical of the Hymnal Commission that put together Singing the Living Tradition. I’ve grown to understand the reasons for decisions they were making at the time, even if we judge by different standards 25 years later. (You… Continue reading

I need to begin by noting with sadness that Jim Key, former moderator of the UUA Board of Trustees, who resigned his position a few weeks ago due to health issues, has passed away. I note it because what was going to be a righteous “we actually do rock” declaration now seems frivolous and less… Continue reading

This is a sweet little carol, which I have used for the children’s message at Christmas. It’s earthy, it’s sweet, it’s an old French carol set to an old French melody. It works. And for kids, it is a creative way to enter the story of the nativity, especially if you have a crèche with these… Continue reading

This is a beautiful hymn. The tune is just lovely, and I have heard dozens of lush arrangements. And sure, unless you grew up with this hymnal, this is not the version you know. But the good news is that according to Hymnary, pretty much every denomination has changed the words of Christina Rossetti’s poem,… Continue reading

What a beautiful, bittersweet song. And, as you’ll see, somewhat appropriate for today, Memorial Day. It is one of my go-to carols when I am feeling especially sad about the death of my own father, Richard, whose birthday was December 23 and who died on December 17, 1984. When it’s hard to remember the joy… Continue reading

So this is weird. I know a verse of this song so well that when I started singing this morning and saw it wasn’t there, I got annoyed. It’s the one that goes When I was a sinner, I prayed both night and day I asked the Lord to help me, and he showed me… Continue reading

Oh my goodness. It’s the morning of my ordination. Just think – tomorrow, you’ll be reading the words of The REVEREND Kimberley Debus… how about that? Anyway, on to today’s carol, which is a light little lyric set to a light little tune. I spoke about the tune back in February, where I found it… Continue reading