A VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS:
A New Kind of Advent Lessons and Carols

On December 8, 2024 at 4:00pm, the Episcopal Church of St. Martin in Davis will present a new kind of Advent Lessons and Carols Service, “A Voice in the Wilderness.” We will be joined by the Barefoot All-Stars Viol Collective (a viola da gamba consort) and by counter-tenor Andrew Hudson on Orlando Gibbons’ verse anthem “This is the Record of John,” and on Jeffrey Jubenville’s “Morning Song” (text by Mary Oliver). The Sanctuary Choir will also present several settings of poems by e.e. cummings, Gaia Willis-Owen, and Wendell Berry, while the congregation will sing familiar Advent hymns and carols.

This unique service will feature traditional Advent Scripture lessons paired with selections from the writings of John Muir, an early conservationist influential in the establishment of our National Park system. A deeply spiritual person, Muir’s writings reflect a sacred connection with the natural world, which he saw as both a place of learning about God (“nature’s Bible”) and a place of worship (“God’s first temples”).

In these days of climate change and charged public discourse, it is good to remember that, whatever our diverse opinions, we literally stand upon a common ground. “A Voice in the Wilderness” reminds us of that. The service is not offered merely as an exploration of Advent through the lens of creation care, but as a way to see Creation itself—through the themes of Advent—as a direct expression of Emmanuel, “God is with us.”

St. Martin’s welcomes all to join this free event at 640 Hawthorn Lane, Davis CA 95616.