GOD IS STILL THERE
God hasn't been totally evicted from the school system. Last night we went to the Stanislaus County High School Music Festival (Betsy was in the honor band) sponsored by the county office of education. Student musicians from 14 high schools participated. It opened with the Gloria from Schubert's Mass in G sung by the honor choir. They also sang Agnus Dei by Ron Kean. At the end of the concert the band played O Magnum Mysterium by Morten Lauridsen and the John Philip Sousa march Power and Glory -- which includes Onward Christian Soldiers.

The irony is that if it were not for the schools most of these students would never be exposed to this music. Even the few churches which still have choirs are not doing the Gloria -- from anyone's mass -- let alone Schubert. But it is powerful worship music.