Jazz Vespers for Advent II

On December 10th, St. Stephen’s West Vancouver, had the honour of the presence of Bishop Melissa Skelton at the monthly 4pm service of Jazz Vespers. The 19 piece Mighty Fraser Big Band rose beautifully to the occasion and dazzled the congregation with a varied and satisfying menu of jazz standards. The welcoming music, appropriate to the season, was The Little Drummer Boy featuring Dan Morrison on drums.

The Bishop opened the service with a greeting outlining the meaning and the importance of Advent. A scripture reading by St. Stephen’s rector, Canon Jonathan LLoyd followed leading into You Make Me Feel So Young, the 1946 Myrow and Young standard made famous by Frank Sinatra and Nelson Riddle. 

Bishop Melissa continued the quiet Advent theme sharing stories from her past that supported the recognition of the season. A performance of What Child is This?, punctuated the homily perfectly.

Pianist and music educator Peter Vanderhorst is the St. Stephen’s parishioner responsible for coordinating the Jazz Vespers services. He took a few minutes to describe the history of the Jazz Vespers movement in Christian churches which led very aptly into the prayer “In darkness and in Light, in trouble and in Joy help us heavenly Father...”  

Many of the numbers were enhanced by vocals from John Cronin and Katherine Grefner, all under the leadership of Music Director Christian Morrison.  

A rousing ending of the worship service involved Peter Vanderhorst leading the entire congregation in the singing of This Little Light of Mine.  

The next scheduled Worship and All that Jazz event at St. Stephen's, WV will be 4pm, Sunday, January 28, 2018, with the Company B Band.

IMAGES

• Vocalists, Katherine Grefner and John Cronin and Mighty Fraser Big Band Director of Music, Christian Morrison out in front of the 19 piece band.
• Canon Jonathan LLoyd reads from scripture
• A homily from the Bishop
• A view from the audience
• The congregation gets into This Little Light of Mine

PHOTOS: Wayne Chose

More photos available at Anglican Conversation the Facebook page of the Diocese of New Westminster.