As the Meeting House Choir sung the introit, Justin Nguyen, a liturgical dancer, performed a series of deliberate, expansive movements to dramatize the presence of Spirit.  

His appearance was intended as a surprise, as was the Scripture reading that morning.   Sylvia Richards finished the passage from Acts 2 on Pentacost:  “…they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues . . .” Then suddenly: 

From the balcony, the passage was repeated in German.  From another part of the Meeting House, it was repeated again in Italian.  Then French. And Spanish.  And Xhosa.   Finally, all languages together, for a sense of what the apostles might have experienced in the Bible story. 

Those “speaking in tongues” were: Pat Murray, Beverly Carson, Mary Harper, Rachael Rodriguez and Les Switzer, who read the passage in Xhosa, a language from Southeastern Africa. 

Earlier in the month, the Activities Committee can be credited in part for surprises in Herman Park, at a performance of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel.  The opera offered floating angels, marvelous puppetry and a 15-foot witch.  Just as much fun for members of First Congregational in attendance was finding in the orchestra pit our favorite cellist. Steve Laven had moved to Boston a few years ago with wife Cindy Meyers and their two sons when Cindy landed a position with the Boston Symphony.   

Among those enjoying Hansel and Gretel in Herman Park:

(from left) Shirley Smalley, Mary Harper, Clare Dowdall.

We were hoping he would tell us that they hated Boston and would return, but, no, they are “putting down roots,” and Cindy now has tenure as piccolo with the Boston Symphony.  It was good seeing Steve, even if only for an intermission chat during his Houston visit.