By indyhaiders on February 18, 2026

Jazz Sunday, 2026

Jazz Sunday musicians and CEUMC Music Director Faith York with a picture of Stephen Bither, who first organized this celebration in 2009.

Our church’s Jazz Sunday — the Mardi Gras-style celebration before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent — took on a different reverence on February 15, the first one since the passing of Stephen Bither, who first organized this event in 2009.

“What would Stephen do? ” Music Director Faith York asked the congregation. The response from many was all about the joy this Sunday brings to individuals, but as Lay Leader Steve Hill added, “the joy it brings to the church as a whole”.

And joy it was!

Faith gathered most of the musicians Stephen had called upon year after year and, along with the church choir, delivered the type of rousing celebration that had members of the church and community standing and clapping throughout the service.

During a message to the congregation, Faith explained in great detail her fist visit to New Orleans in the 1980s and then when she was hired as a pianist at NOLA’s Pat O’Brien’s bar in 1991. She said she was exposed to things she had never before seen or heard of and the experience gave her a new sense of how people celebrate and enjoy life.

That experience was very much a part of Jazz Sunday at the Cape Elizabeth United Methodist Church.

And as Faith explained, “Stephen’s legacy for joy lives on here!”

Faith York delivering her message about experiencing life in New Orleans

Faith led the jazz musicians on the piano — Stephen’s previous role — and was joined by Barry Daniels on clarinet, Peter Dunphy on banjo and vocals, David Ellis on drums, Peter Lord on saxophone and vocals, Tom Wilbur on tuba, and Tyler Rodenberger on organ.

Following the service, a wide-ranging meal was served in Fellowship Hall, referred to by Steve Hill as the “best buffet north of Boston”. The beautiful buffet was organized by Dotty Frey with help from many others.

Dotty and Rod Frey also created centerpieces for all the tables from which colorful hearts were attached with messages of Love. Dotty told everyone to take a heart home and give one to someone who was in need of special care and love.