Thanksgiving and All That Jazz

Anyone who has stopped by the church on a given Tuesday evening has been treated to beautiful sounds of music emanating from our sanctuary: lively horns blending with saxophones and drums.  Not long after its founding in 2005, the Peachtree Band of Jazz has been rehearsing at Amazing Grace. To show their appreciation for the use of church space, the Peachtree Band will be offering a benefit concert on Saturday, November 17^th after the dinner.   A free-will offering will be taken to benefit the Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry.

The concert will be part of our annual Thanksgiving feast. We have a longstanding tradition of hosting a potluck on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Over the years we’ve done various activities after the meal: a talent show, a radio drama, a kids vs. adults Bible quiz bowl. This year we will be treated with these fine musicians sharing their music with us, an event suitable for bringing friends, family, and neighbors too as guests.

Jazz and Thanksgiving have more in common that one might think. Both are uniquely American enterprises that celebrate a blending of gifts.  The Pilgrims celebrated their survival in the new land with Native Americans in a feast. Both groups shared the food of their cultures. The pilgrims gave thanks to God for his providence.

Jazz is a blending of European and African musical traditions. Originating in the South in the early 20^th century, Jazz has many styles that reflect the blending of American cultures. There’s Latin-Jazz, Afro-Cuban Jazz, West Coast Jazz, Kansas City Jazz and Chicago Jazz.  Many Americans particularly enjoy Big Band Jazz, finding it comforting and nostalgic, hearkening back to times of our parents and grandparents during the 1940’s.

Jazz and Thanksgiving go well together. We’ll be treated to some familiar songs and hymns as well as a few Christmas tunes in Jazz. If you are one who is not a big Jazz fan, you will be pleasantly surprised by how many songs you’ll know and enjoy.

This event is an example of what Thanksgiving is all about. Sharing gifts and realizing how blessed we are to have one another.  I hope you can join us on November 17^th.

Warm Regards,
Pastor Jason Talsness