Who needs delight and joy

A Saint Simon’s Catechism 



Question:

Who needs delight and joy when we’ve got jobs to do, mouths to feed, buildings to fix, people to care for, and a church to run? 

Answer:

Everyone needs delight and joy. Delight and joy are basic human needs. 

Dear Friends,

Seeking delight and joy can sometimes seem like a superfluous quest when our days are spent just trying to get by. Sometimes, though, perhaps if we’re retired or have more time for leisure, the delight of watching our grandchildren play outside on a spring day or the joy of hearing our favorite band play a set at the Sounds of Summer concert series can be more frequent occurrences.

Are joy and delight just extras or are they vitally necessary to a healthy and sustainable existence as a human being? 

In her December 2023 New York Times opinion piece "When the World Feels Dark, Seek Out Delight," author Catherine Price says:

“The concept of prioritizing delight may sound silly or almost irresponsible, given the heaviness of current events...But this is exactly why it is so important. Far from being a frivolous practice, making a point to notice and share things we find delightful can improve our moods, outlooks, relationships and even physical health.” 

There is a growing conviction at St. Simon’s that delight is a basic human need. In fact, we’ve discerned together that one of the reasons we exist is so that all might experience delight and joy. 

You don’t have to stay around St. Simon’s for more than a few minutes to hear someone talk about how we as a parish community delight in art and music. But how might the art and music that so delights us who gather in this place also connect us to our community (another reason we exist- so that all might be connected to community) and help us all be more connected across differences?

I’d like to invite you to a concert at St. Simon’s on Sunday, March 9 at 3pm, and then I’d like you to imagine with me how this concert might help both us and our neighbors be connected to community and experience delight together. 

Established in 2011, Lake Effect Clarinet Quartet (LECQ) is committed to the performance of high-quality chamber music - unbounded by style or instrumentation - that showcases the unique capabilities and versatility of the clarinet family. Comprised of voices similar to a string quartet, LECQ’s repertoire is focused on translating music originally written for other instrumentation into relevant listening experiences. 

Because the cost of having this ensemble play a concert here has been covered by generous St. Simons’ donors, we do not need to charge admission. This allows us to truly invite ALL from our community, especially those who might not have the financial resources to purchase a ticket to similar concert or arts events, to share with us in the delight that music brings. Imagine St. Simon’s members, people from our neighborhoods, people from Journeys: The Road Home, from the Viator House of Hospitality, asylum-seeking families, and more all enjoying soul-nourishing delight HERE, TOGETHER – experiencing delight in community and becoming connected ever more deeply. 

We’re beginning to have conversations about not just how we can invite a diversity of people from our communities here for concerts, but also how we can get them here. If you have a heart for this kind of thing, I welcome partners in this work of ministry. Please do reach out to me. 

In the meantime, though, please make plans to join us for this concert on March 9 at 3pm. We are in for an incredible afternoon of music and the more people who are able to delight in it, the better. 

In Gratitude, 

Beau Surratt 

Associate for Music and Community Connection