Beatles Music To Shape Gathering At First Congregational Church In Concord Sunday

CONCORD, NH — First Congregational Church's Jazz Sanctuary will return Sunday, Nov. 15, with a Beatles-themed gathering built around the theme “Beauty Out of Woundedness.”

The event is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. in Hanna Hall at the church, 79 Clinton St., Concord.

The monthly gathering will feature 12 Beatles songs woven chronologically through the service. The music begins with “Ask Me Why,” first recorded in June 1962, and ends with “Come Together,” recorded in July 1969.

The program connects the music to the Beatles' early lives.

Three of the four members of the band grew up in working-class poverty in Liverpool, and drummer Ringo Starr experienced serious childhood illnesses and hardship. The church said the service will use music and conversation to explore how woundedness in people's lives can sometimes lead, years later, to unexpected beauty.

Jazz Sanctuary is described by the church as a monthly, music-centered gathering that combines live music, reflection and community. The event notice says people of all faiths and none are welcome.

“There's no expectation to believe or behave in any particular way — just come as you are.”

The service is one of the church's recurring community offerings and has become one of the year's most popular Jazz Sanctuary gatherings, according to the event announcement.

Nov. 15 also marks the beginning of Celtic Advent at First Congregational Church. According to the church, Celtic Advent will be observed at all First Congregational Church worship services through Christmas.

For Concord-area residents interested in attending, the gathering will be held at First Congregational Church, Hanna Hall, 79 Clinton St. More information is available at concordsfirstchurch.org/jazz-sanctuary/.