Summer will arrive in Oysterville in five more days! It will be here at precisely three o’clock on the afternoon of Sunday, June 24th. I know that because it’s the date and time
that our summer season of vesper services begins at the church.
In Oysterville we don’t put much stock in the calendar to tell us when seasons begin and end. Nor do we get many clues from the weather. June is often gray and rainy and some years that pesky equinox comes on the 20th and other years on the 21st. Who knows what to count on in those departments?
But for thirty-five years we’ve celebrated summer here with Sunday afternoon vespers programs and this year will be no exception. Yesterday I set out our bright, new sign – all refurbished by master sign-painter John Downer. “Music Vespers, Sundays, 3 p.m.” it says.
Toward the end of the week, our faithful church cleaner, Dianne Wickre, will sweep and shine all the corners. On Sunday morning Bradley Huson will put vases of flowers on piano and organ and will place the hymnals on the pews. That afternoon, the Presbyterian Bell Choir will gather, Minister Dean Mead and organist Jeanne Bellinger will arrive, and it will be Ready, Set, Vespers!!
There is something about those services every year that really put me in touch with the way it used to be – not only in Oysterville, but in any little country church where people came together each week to take a break from the cares of daily life and to gather together in fellowship.
A big part, of course, is the nostalgic feeling of the lovely old church, itself. Another key ingredient is singing those old-fashioned hymns to the accompaniment of the squeaky, creaky pump organ. There is always a message to savor and a musical presentation to delight. And perhaps the best part is seeing familiar faces and reconnecting with old friends – people that we don’t see all that often but who are always ‘there’ enriching the fabric of our lives.
Yes! If it’s vespers in Oysterville, it must be summer! Bring it on!
I am excited that vespers will begin my first Summer weekend at the beach. I am looking forward to coming often!