Music Notes

While I had some time off, I got a chance to go to the new musical “Come From Away.” I am not a

big fan of musicals, I find they are often too “sappy” and silly for my tastes, but this turned into a deeply moving and uplifting experience for me.

 The musical is based on the people of Gander, Newfoundland and the airplane travelers who were diverted to this small town on 9/11. On a shocking and traumatic day for the world, the people of Gander welcomed 6,900 foreigners (the “Come From Away”). They found these fearful and sometimes angry people, housing, food, clothing, phones and computers so they could contact their families. The Gander people were respectful of the traveler’s customs, religions, and fears. The stories are based on real people, what they did and how they felt.

While the musical was entertaining, funny, and lively, there were two scenes I found deeply moving. One scene takes place as a busload of the travelers pulled up to the Salvation Army Camp where they were going to be lodged. They were greeted by the Salvation Army in full uniform . One African man refused to get off the bus, and looked terrified. The Gander bus driver noticed he was clutching a bible, and although it was in a different language, he knew the Scripture passages numbers would match those he knew. He calmed the African man by finding the passage which said “Be anxious for nothing.”

Another moving scene occurs when Kevin Tuerff, a real person, recalls and begins singing “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace.” In the musical, this is then layered over a Hebrew hymn, and Muslim prayer. Kevin later wrote the book Channel of Peace, Stranded in Gander on 9/11. He started in his own company a Commemoration Day of Giving Back on 9/11. He gives his employees the day off and $100 and sends them out to do a random act of kindness.

The people of Gander were not “heroes” a word tossed about thoughtlessly today. They were Imperfect but GOOD people who did right on a very wrong day, and for days after. I have a dystopian view of the world, not from lack of faith in God, but an awareness of the seemingly growing selfishness and foolishness of mankind. This story, this musical, reminded me that God is at work in the world in the patience and kindness of people who do what is right in difficult situations. And I believe God was at work in the composers and producers who created this musical. God can speak to us from anywhere if we are listening! If you get a chance, go to this musical!

Chancel Choir Rehearsals Restarted on Wed. Aug 28 at 7 pm in the Music Room. High School Students through Adults are welcome! First Sunday to sing in worship will be Sept 8.

Marsha Medley