Two Decorah Congregations to Premiere Newly Commissioned Good Friday Cantata

It's your town. Your lives. Your stories. Make sure someone's telling them—donate to Decorah News now. DECORAH — First Lutheran Church and Decorah Lutheran Church will present the world premiere of "Still Reaching," a newly commissioned cantata by composer Kyle Pederson, on Good Friday, April 3, at 7 p.m. at Decorah Lutheran Church. The service of music and worship is open to the public, and admission is free. The Good Friday cantata is partially supported by Thrivent Choice donations. Thrivent members can designate Choice Dollars through March 31 at thrivent.com/thriventchoice. Earlier that day, First Lutheran Church will hold a noon worship service at its sanctuary, 604 W. Broadway, focusing on the Passion of Jesus Christ according to St. Matthew and featuring the church's bidding prayers. The two congregations have partnered for several years on Holy Week worship. This year's collaboration features an original cantata performed by combined choirs and guest musicians under the direction of Mark Potvin, music director at First Lutheran Church and a Luther College faculty member. "Still Reaching" weaves together scripture, hymns and original music in a meditation on the final days of Jesus' life, exploring themes of love, service, grief, betrayal and grace. "Each spring, it is a privilege to mark our congregations' common Good Friday remembrance through extended musical reflection," Potvin said. "I am pleased to once again welcome the community to Decorah Lutheran Church for such a holy night," said the Rev. Peter Kowitz, senior pastor at Decorah Lutheran Church. Pederson is a Minneapolis-based composer whose work has been commissioned and performed by choirs around the world. Get the inside scoop! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and receive local news, expert analysis, and stories that matter most—straight to your inbox.