In anticipation of Thanksgiving, the choir will sing “Simple Gifts.” The tune is an old Shaker melody written and composed in 1848, generally attributed to Elder Joseph Brackett from Alfred Shaker Village. It became widely known and loved when Aaron Copland utilized the melody for the score of Martha Graham’s ballet Appalachian Spring, which premiered in 1944. The arrangement you’ll hear today was written by Aaron Copland and David Brunner.

The beautiful and poignant song “Awake My Soul,” by British band Mumford and Sons, was chosen for today’s service by Rev. Patierno and arranged for choir by Chris Eastburn. The lyrics weave together themes of longing, vulnerability, mortality, and transformation in just a few choice verses.

—Chris