PERSONAL PAGES A CELEBRATION OF GOD'S GRACE Poetry Amusement is the happiness of those that cannot think. The highest condition of art is artlessness. A person cannot have a good conscience who refuses apple dumplings. God made the world as an artist and that is why the world must learn from its artists. The significance of an individual is not in what is attained, but rather in what one longs to attain.--Kahlil Gibran In the long run all battles are lost, and so are all wars. Youth is happy because it has the ability to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old. There is a proverb, "As you have made your bed, so you must lie in it," which is simply a lie. If I have made my bed uncomfortable, please God, I will make it again. Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly. To believe in God for me is to feel that there is a God, not a dead one, or a stuffed one, but a living one, who with irresistible force urges us towards more loving. I never read a book before reviewing it. It prejudices one so! It has always seemed to me that the best symbol of common sense was a bridge. Once you have missed the first buttonhole you'll never manage to button up. Do not free a camel of the burden of his hump: you may be freeing him from being a camel. They have a right to censure, that have a heart to help: the rest is cruelty, not justice. Character is long-standing habit. A good things are cheap: all bad very dear. Art is the imposing of a pattern on experience, and our aesthetic enjoyment in recognition of the pattern. They pray well who are so absorbed with God that they do not know they are praying
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2005 Archives
Music Ministry submissions for worship bulletins
AC=Adult Choir; AR=Alleluia Ringers; CAc=Carol Choir; CR=Chancel Ringers; CC=Chapel Chimers; Ch=Cherubs; GNS=Good News Singers; HMR=Heavy Metal Ringers; JN=Joyful Noise; JR=Jubilation Ringers; O=Orchestra; SpS=SpiritSingers; V=Vocal Soloist(s); I=Instrumental Soloist(s)
January 2, 2005 A: Epiphany; Wesley Covenant Service; Communion
Prelude "Rhosymedre" (Ralph Vaughan Williams) LB
Introit (930) "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne" (Emily Elliot) AC
(1100) "Listen, My Friends" (Traditional Chinese, tr. Lucy Ding) GNS
Anthem "I'll Praise My Maker" (arr. Lloyd Pfautsch) AC
Offertory (815) "When Christ's Appearing Was Made Known" (Wilbur Held) RGM
(1100) "Star Carol" (Alfred Burt) V
Response "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne" (Emily Elliot) AC
Postlude "Intermezzo" (Hermann Schroeder) LB
Notes: The Magi journeyed to adore the babe of Bethlehem; we are on a spiritual journey to become more Christ-like, or to come closer to God. The journeys come together in the juxtaposition of Epiphany, the festival of Christ becoming known as Savior of the world, and New Year, our annual time of self-examination and re-direction. The ‘performed’ music this Sunday morning touches these themes.
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January 9, 2005 A: Baptism of the Lord
Prelude "Morning Has Broken" (arr. Don Wyrtzen) LB
Introit "Make a Joyful Noise" (Ann Ker) AC
Offertory "Halle, Halle, Halle" (arr. Marty Haugen) JN & AC
Response "Threefold Amen" (Ann Ker) AC
Postlude "Praise God in His Holy Temple" (Steven Scott) LB
Notes: The Bible is the principle written form of God’s Word. As such, it comforts, challenges and guides us as we make our way through the pilgrimage of life. For this blessing, we say and sing “Hallelujah” this Sunday.
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January 16, 2005 A: Epiphany 2
Prelude "Sheep May Safely Graze" (JS Bach/Jack Schrader) LB
Introit "O Come, Let Us Sing" (Ann Ker) AC
Anthem "Behold the Lamb of God" (GF Handel) AC
Offertory "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen" (arr. Jack C. Goode) LB
Response "Threefold Amen" (Ann Ker) AC
Postlude "We've a Story to Tell" (arr. Humphrey Turner) LB
Notes: When John identified Jesus as the Lamb of God, he saw two things. He likened Jesus to the innocent lamb that was offered as a sin offering, and he recognized the sufferer as the Messiah who would redeem the people to God. Isaiah had prophesied that the Messiah would be a beacon to the nations—in other words, God’s redemption was for the purpose of exemplifying life in God for others. Some theologians call it “cruciform living,” voluntarily taking on the suffering of others in order that their pain may be lessened. This Sunday, the Adult Choir sings of the Lamb of God.
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January 23, 2005 A: Epiphany 3
Prelude "Meditation on 'Hanover'" (arr. Terry Osman) LB
Introit "I Will Extol Thee" (James Rivers) AC
Anthem "Arise, Shine" (Daniel Moe) AC
Offertory (815) "The Summons" (John Bell) JN
(930 & 1100) "The People That Walked in Darkness" (GF Handel) RGM
Response "Threefold Amen" (Vincent Persichetti) AC
Postlude "Austrian Hymn" (arr. Don Hustad) LB
Notes: Throughout the Bible light is a metaphor for revealed truth. “Oh, I see,” is a way acknowledging a new understanding. Isaiah speaks of the coming Messiah as the end of gloom for those in anguish, and Matthew quotes the passage when he demonstrates that the ‘here-and-now’ Messiah is the fulfillment of prophecy, one who calls people to discipleship. The ‘performed’ music this Sunday is of these themes.
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January 30, 2005 A: Epiphany 4
Prelude "Sweet Hour of Prayer" (William Bolcom) GB
Introit "This Is the Day" (Allen Pote) SpS
Anthem "Forgive Us" (Allen Pote) SpS
Offertory (815) The Lone Wild Bird" (PROSPECT) JN
(930 & 1100) "Galilee Man" (Allen Pote) SpS
Response "Threefold Amen" (Danish) SpS
Postlude "Prelude, Fugue, and Chaconne" (Dietrich Buxtehude) GB
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February 6, 2005 A: Transfiguration; Communion
Prelude "Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus" (arr. Helen Lemmel) LB
Introit "Hine Ma Tov" (Allen Kaplan) GNS
Anthem "Sanctus" (Gabriel Fauré) AC
Offertory "Christ upon the Mountain Peak" (Peter Cutts) AC
Response "Amen" (Gabriel Fauré) AC
Postlude "Passacaglia on a Danish Threefold Amen" (Martin Setchell) LB
Notes: The picture of Jesus painted by the Gospel writers is of someone both “fully divine and fully human” (a.k.a. the Chalcedonian formula, since it was formally formulated by the General Council at Chalcedonia in the 3rd century). The story of the Transfiguration is one of the passages that depict this paradox—the man Jesus being revealed by God as equal in stature, time and space with Moses and Elijah, the iconic beings of Judaism. The choral music this Sunday deals with this story and with the divinity of Christ.
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February 9, 2005 A: Ash Wednesday
Prelude "Meditation on 'Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence'" (Edward Beals) LB
Introit "Lenten Proclamation" (James Chepponis) AC
Anthem "Wondrous Love" (arr. Paul Christiansen) AC
Offertory "I Call to You, Lord Jesus Christ" (JS Bach) LB
Response "Threefold Amen" (Danish) AC
Postlude "Meditation for Ash Wednesday" (Jane Nixon) LB
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February 13, 2005 A: Lent 1
Prelude "O Sacred Head Sore Wounded/What Wondrous Love"
(arr. Lynette Maynard) LB
Introit (930) "O Worship God's Name" (LYONS) AC
(1100) More Love to Thee, O Christ" (MORE LOVE TO THEE) CC
Anthem "Since by Man Came Death" (GF Handel) AC
Offertory "Lonesome Valley" (Traditional) LB
Response "Twofold Amen" (Vincent Persichetti) AC
Postlude "Siciliano" (Gaetano Valeri) LB
Notes: In the recent movie “Luther” starring Joseph Fiennes, the Abbot asks Luther what he really wants to do. Luther answered, “I really want to serve God,” to which the Abbot replied, “Then that’s where your temptation will come.” So it was with Jesus, and so it is with us. At whatever point we really want to do good, the subtle substitution of self becomes most attractive. It is a valley we can only travel alone, but it is a valley already traveled by Jesus who made it possible to live and die for others.
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February 20, 2005 A: Lent 2
Prelude "My Heart Is Ever Yearning" (Johannes Brahms) LB
Introit "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name" (GROSSER GOTT) AC
Anthem "God So Loved the World" (John Stainer) AC
Offertory "Herzliebster Jesu" (Johannes Brahms) LB
Response "Holy Father, Holy Son" (GROSSER GOTT) AC
Postlude "Elegy" (Richard Lloyd) LB
Notes: God sent Abraham away from his homeland to an undisclosed foreign country. It was God’s way of testing whether or not Abraham had enough faith to believe God’s promise, “I will make of you a great nation….and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Abraham did believe, and went where God directed him. Centuries later, his witness of faith was completed by Jesus who told Nicodemus of God’s great love for the whole world. The Adult Choir sings of that love this Sunday.
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February 27, 2005 A: Lent 3
Prelude "O Man, Lament Your Great Sin" (JS Bach) LB
Introit (930) "I Was Glad" (Ann Ker) AC
(1100) Kum Ba Yah (arr. Judith Treisback) HMR
Anthem "O Breath of Life" (David Ashley White) AC
Offertory (815) "Loving Spirit" (V. Earle Copes) JN
(930 & 1100) Praie and Reflection (Mary Kay Parrish) JR
Response "Tenfold Amen" (Ann Ker) AC
Postlude "Eden (Betty Roe) LB
Notes: Jesus told the woman at the Samaritan well that God should be worshipped in spirit and in truth. He said that in the context of her concern about the holy times and places that had divided the people of the Holy Land. They had the same ancestors and worshipped the same God, but “details” had caused bitter enmity between Jews and Samaritans. How familiar that sounds to anyone aware of the many bitter splits between Christians today. The choral music this Sunday focuses on the Spirit who is to be worshipped in spirit and in truth.
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March 6, 2005 A: Lent 4; Communion
Prelude "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" (arr. Dale Wood) LB
Introit (930) "I Was Glad" (Ann Ker) AC
(1100) "The Lord Is My Shepherd" (Traditional) CaC
Anthem "I Believe This Is Jesus" (arr. Loonis McGlohon) Ensemble
Offertory "Wade in the Water" (arr. Carl Hayward) JN & AC
Response "The Lord Bless You" (Ann Ker) AC
Postlude "Solo for Organ" (Justin Heinrich Knecht) LB
Notes: Spirituals are multi-layered music in terms of their history and meaning. As a slave song, “Wade in the Water” was an announcement to the slave community that someone was leaving on the underground railroad—God would roil the water to cover the tracks of the escapee. The waters also refer to the sacrament of baptism when there is both healing and escape from the penalty of sin. And finally the waters refer to Bethsaida (John 5:2-9) where the roiled waters have healing properties. The choral music this Sunday rejoices in the healing that Jesus provides.
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March 13, 2005 A: Lent 5
Prelude "Agnus Dei" (Samuel Barber) LB
Introit (930) "I will Extol Thee" (James Rivers) AC
(1100) "This Is My Father's World" (Kathryn Bonner Schultz)
Anthem "Psalm 130" (John Ferguson) AC
Offertory "Out of the Depths" (Robert Batastini) AC
Response "Fivefold Amen" (Ann Ker) AC
Postlude "Ubi Caritas" (Colin Mawby) LB
Notes: Lent, the season in the cycle of the church year for introspection and repentance, is epitomized by Psalm 130, “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.” We prefer not to dwell on it since it is so uncomfortable, but who has not felt abandonment and desolation of spirit? Who has not cried out for help? The choral music this Sunday explores these emotions in the art of song.
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March 20, 2005 A: Passion/Palm Sunday
Prelude "Prelude on Lord of the Dance" (Kiyo Watanabe) LB
Introit "Filled with Excitement" (HOSANNA) AC
Anthem "Lift Up Your Heads" (GF Handel) AC
Offertory (815) "Holy Redeemer" (JH Schein) RGM
(930 & 1100) "All We Like Sheep" (GF Handel) AC
Response "Threefold Amen" (Danish) AC
Postlude (815 & 930) "Affetuoso from Brandenburg Concerto #5" (JS Bach) I
(1100) Prelude and Fugue in E minor (JS Bach) LB
Notes: For centuries the passion of Jesus has provided composers inspiration to write music of great poignancy. The Adult Choir sings two familiar beloved pieces from Handel’s Messiah this Sunday both to express the theme of the services and in hopes you will return at 3:00 pm to hear the rest of the oratorio. The chamber music being performed at 8:15 is an unfamiliar, but lovely, reflection on the cross as a means of our personal salvation.
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March 24, 2005 A: Holy Thursday
Prelude "Remembrance" (Andrew Gant) LB
Introit "The Lord Is in His Holy Temple" (Ann Ker) AC
Anthem "Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs" (GF Handel) AC
March 25, 2005 A: Good Friday
Prelude "Jésus Accepte la Souffrance" (Olivier Messiaen) GB
Introit "A Passiontide Carol" (Richard Purvis) AC
Anthem "Never Saw Such a Man" (arr. Loonis McGlohon) V
Anthem "Why Has God Forsaken Me?" (arr. Jane Marshall) AC
Anthem "Pie Jesu" (Andrew Lloyd Webber) AC
March 27, 2005 A: Easter; Communion
Prelude "Easter Morn" (Camil Van Hulse) LB & GB
Introit "This Joyful Eastertide" (arr. Charles Wood) AC
Anthem "Worthy Is the Lamb" (GF Handel) AC
Offertory "I Know that My Redeemer Liveth (GF Handel) V
Communion Music "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" (arr. Cathy Moklebust) JR
"Jesus Christ Is Risen Today (arr. Barbara Baltzer Kinyon) JR
Response "Hallelujah" (GF Handel) AC
Postlude "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" (arr. Smith and Hustad) LB & GB
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April 3, 2005 A: Easter 2; Missioners
April 10, 2005 A: Easter 3
Prelude "Easter Alleluias" (Martin Setchell) LB
Introit "This Is the Day That the Lord Hath Made (TWENTY-FOURTH) AC
Offertory (815) Walk with Me (John S. Rice) JN
(930 & 1100) Stay with Us (Walter Pelz) AC
Response "Halle, Halle, Halle" (arr. Marty Haugen) AC
Postlude "Allegro in G Minor" (GF Handel) LB
Notes: Three days after Christ’s resurrection a couple were walking on the road to Emmaus when a stranger joined them and explained the scripture to them in such a way that they understood what had happened during their time in Jerusalem; he made clear to them the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and that all things had been prophesied in scripture. The choral music this Sunday relates to this wonderful story from Luke’s gospel.
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April 17, 2005 A: Easter 4; Music Ministry Appreciation Sunday
Prelude "This Joyful Eastertide" (arr. David Cherwien) LB
Introit (930) "How Firm a Foundation" (arr. David Burroughs) CR
(1100) "Come Feel the Joy" GNS
Anthem "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need" (arr. Mack Wilberg) AC
Offertory (815) The One Lost Sheep (Peter B. Allen) RGM
(930) Gaudio Exsultans (Valerie W. Stephenson) JR
(1100) The Lord Is My Shepherd (arr. Martha Lynn Thompson) AR
Response "Dorian Dance" (Michael Joy) AR
Postlude "Christ Lay in Death's Bonds...He Rose Again (JS Bach) LB
Notes: Psalm 23 has inspired thousands of musical settings, in as many styles as there are musical genres. This Sunday the Adult Choir sings this beloved text to an early American tune set by the Associate Conductor and Composer-in-Residence of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Mack Wilberg. Loved by high school honors choirs for his rousing settings of folk songs, Wilberg writes simple, accessible music that uses several layers of texture for its aural appeal.
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April 24, 2005 A: Easter 5
Introit (930) "Ye Servants of God" (William Croft) AC
(1100)"When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Lowell Mason) CC
Anthem "Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation" (arr. Hal Hopson) AC
Offertory (815) "The Servant Song" (Richard Gilliard) JN
(930) "Home in-a dat Rock"(arr. Marvin Curtis) AC
(1100) "I Believe in the Sun" (Margaret R. Tucker) SpS
Response "Alleluia" (Henry Purcell) AC
Notes: John’s Gospel tells us that there are many rooms in God’s house, that Jesus went to prepare a place for each and every believer. I Peter reminds us that our spiritual home is built on the sure foundation of Jesus, that we are to proclaim the mighty acts of the one who called us to faith. The choirs this Sunday sing of the church’s foundation on which we base our service to others.
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May 1, 2005 A: Easter 6; Communion
Prelude "Just As I Am (William Bradbury) LB
Introit "Ameni" (South Africa) AC
Processional on 'Forest Green' HMR
Anthem "If Ye Love Me"
Response "Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name" (ELLERS) AC
Postlude "The Heavens Declare" (Benedetto Marcello) LB
Notes: One of the hardest things for American Christians to do is to be obedient. Yet, Jesus said in John’s Gospel, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” And Jesus promised to send an Advocate to stand beside those who are faithful in whatever circumstances their obedience would create. God’s faithfulness then would be evident in God’s willingness to answer the prayers of those who stand firm. The vocal music for reflection this Sunday has these themes.
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May 5, 2005 National Day of Prayer
Prelude "Priere a Notre-Dame" (Leon Boellman) LB
Anthem "I Hear a Voice a-Prayin' Lord (Houston Bright) AC
Postlude "The Heavenward Prayer (Franklin Ritter) LB
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May 8, 2005 A: Ascension Sunday; Mother's Day
Prelude "Christ Triumphant" (John Marsh) LB
Introit "Hail, Thou Once-Despised Jesus" (IN BABILONE) AC
Anthem "God Has Gone Up with a Merry Shout (Eugene Butler) AC
Offertory (815) "Hail, Thou Once-Despised Jesus (IN BABILONE) JN
Response "Worship, Honor, Power, and Blessing (IN BABILONE) AC
Postlude "Hymn of Praise" (Johannes Brahms) LB
Notes: While there is ample scientific evidence that heaven is not “up,” and that God is not “up there” somewhere, the Biblical image of Christ’s ascension is still useful. It reminds us that Christ rules over all of life, that good ultimately will triumph over evil, and that life in Christ is far better that life without Christ. The one who was executed in a criminal’s death has triumphed over the forces that killed him. The choral music this Sunday focuses on the Ascension of the Lord.
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May 15, 2005 A: Pentecost; Confirmation
Prelude "On Eagle's Wings (Michael Joncas) LB
Introit "Ameni" (South Africa) AC
Anthem (930) "Spirit Divine" (Noel Goemanne) AC
(1100) You Have Called Us (Bernadette Farrell) SpS
Offertory (815) Holy Spirit, Light Divine (Kevin Hildebrand) JN
(930) Joy Burst (Bill Ingram) JR
(1100) "Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service" (Cathy Moklebust) AR & CR
Response "Threefold Amen" (Dresden) AC
Postlude "Come, Holy Spirit (Colin Mawby) LB
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May 22, 2005 A: Trinity Sunday
Prelude "Reflection on 'Adoro Te Devoto'" (Andrew Moore) LB
Introit "Santo, Santo, Santo" (ARGENTINE FOLK SONG) AC
Anthem "Bless the Lord, O My Soul" (Timothy Kimbrough) AC
Offertory (815) "Praise and Thanksgiving Be to God" (CHRISTE SANCTORUM) JN
(930 & 1100) "Holy, Holy, Holy" (arr. Gerre Hancock) LB
Response "Santo, Santo, Santo" (ARGENTINE FOLK SONG) AC
Postlude "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken" (FJ Haydn) LB
Notes: Trinity Sunday is the annual festival of the nature of God’s being. “One being in three co-eternal persons” is one way of describing the mystery we cannot understand. Whatever the reality may be, God is love—and that we can experience and respond to in thanksgiving. The choral music this Sunday is one way of responding to God.
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May 29, 2005 A: Pentecost 2; Memorial Day
Prelude "Fanfare for the Common Man" (Aaron Copland) I
Introit "Our Fathers' God to Thee" (AMERICA) AC
Anthem "God Is Our Refuge" (Allen Pote) AC
Offertory (815) "Gather Us In" (Marty Haugen) JN
(930 & 1100) "'Largo' from 'New World Symphony'" (Antonin Dvorak) I
Response "Threefold Amen" (Danish) AC
Postlude "Voluntary on the Doxology" (Henry Purcell) I
One of the great songs of our faith is Psalm 46, a poem that finds comfort in the fact that God is our only security in all circumstances, including the worst ones we can imagine. If the strongest earthquake ever recorded strikes with its tsunami, or Mt. St. Helens erupts, or riots break out in the cities, or wars are provoked, we can count on God to bring peace in God’s own time. The Psalmist encourages us to be calm, and count on the Almighty. This morning’s choral music deals with such confidence in God.
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June 5, 2005 A: Pentecost 3; Communion
Prelude "Sing Out Earth and Skies" (Mary Beth Bennett) LB
Introit "Stand Up and Bless the Lord (ST. MICHAEL) AC
Anthem "When In our Music God Is Glorified" (Judy Hunnicutt) AC
Offertory "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" (arr. Undine Moore) LB
Response "Alleluia, Amen" (Carl Wiltse) AC
Postlude "Ode to Spring" (Edvard Grieg) LB
Notes: Psalm 33 lists lots of reasons to praise God with music: God’s love of righteousness and justice; God’s creation of the world and eventual reign over all nations. So therefore, the Psalmist says, make music in praise to the Lord. The choral music this Sunday does just that.
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June 12, 2005 A: Pentecost 4
Prelude "Blessed Jesu, at Thy Word" (JS Bach) LB
Introit "This Is the Day the Lord Hath Made" (TWENTY-FOURTH) AC
Anthem "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" (arr. Gilbert Martin) AC
Offertory (815) "In the Singing" (Carlton Young) JN
(930 & 1100) Praise Be to Thee, Lord Jesus Christ" (Johann Butstedt) LB
Response "Alleluia, Amen" (Roger Miller) AC
Postlude "Te Deum Laudamus" (Dietrich Buxtehude) LB
Notes: While we were yet sinners, God sent the Son to die for us so that we might be justified through faith in Christ. The symbols of that divine action on our behalf are the cross and the communion, both of which call us into union with Christ so that we may live as he did—sacrificially for others. The choral music this Sunday expresses these themes.
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June 19, 2005 A: Pentecost 5
Prelude "It Is Well with My Soul" (Philip Bliss) LB
Introit "O Come, Let Us Sing" (James Rivers) AC
Anthem "Are You Not Aware?" (Mary Van Houten) AC
Offertory "Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service" (arr. Wilbur Held) LB
Response "Peace" (James Rivers) AC
Postlude "Vater Unser im Himmelriech" (JS Bach) LB
Notes: Paul’s digest of his thoughts about baptism in Romans 6 is a dense text that requires time and energy to begin to understand. The musical setting of it sung by the Adult Choir this morning illuminates the text and makes it come to life. You are invited to follow the text in the pew Bibles (Romans 6:3-11).
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June 26, 2005 A: Pentecost 6
Prelude "Morning Prayer-Lark's Praise" (P.I. Tchaikovsky) LB
Introit "O Sing unto the Lord" (Ann Ker) AC
Anthem (930 & 11) "By Gracious Powers" (John Ferguson) AC
Offertory (815) "Together We Serve" (Daniel Damon) JN
(930 & 11) "Te Ofrecemos" (Jeffrey Honore) LB
Benediction Response "Threefold Amen" (Danish) AC
Postlude "Passacaglia on a Danish Threefold Amen" (Martin Setchell) LB
Notes: German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s great text on the Christian’s confidence in God’s presence and support in times of trouble is the subject of this morning’s Adult Choir anthem. Set to a lyrical new tune by fellow Lutheran, John Ferguson, the hymn provides comfort to both mind and ear. You are invited to follow the text at Hymn 517.
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July 3, 2005 A: Pentecost 7; Fourth of July; Communion
Prelude "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen" (arr. Jack Goode) LB
Organ Meditation "O Perfect Love" (arr. Don Hustad) LB
Anthem (930 & 11) "The Last Words of David" (Randall Thompson) AC
Offertory "At the River" (arr. Aaron Copland) V
Postlude "Variations on 'America'" (Charles Ives) LB
Notes: The organ and choral music this morning is by American composers. The Adult Choir sings David’s deathbed words to Solomon on the character traits needed by those who rule over others—traits that still are needed. The composer, Randall Thompson, remains very highly regarded even twenty years after his death.
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July 10, 2005 A: Pentecost 8
Prelude "Give Me Jesus" (arr. Richard Billingham) LB
Organ Meditation "Give Me Jesus" (arr. Joe Utterback) LB
Anthem (930 & 11) "Be Thou My Vision" (arr. Alice Parker) AC
Offertory (815) Seek Ye First the Kingdom of Heaven (Karen Lafferty) JN
(930 & 11) "An Honest and Good Heart" (Peter Allen) RGM
Postlude "How Firm a Foundation" (arr. Don Wyrtzen) LB
Notes: Over the centuries, Jesus’ parable of the Sower has been interpreted to mean either, “be good seeds,” or “tell the good news of Jesus and let God bring forth the results.” The Joyful Noise anthem and the solo this Sunday lean toward the first interpretation. The Adult Choir sings a prayer that God’s Word made flesh in Jesus will have such life-giving words for us as the parable of the Sower.
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July 17, 2005 A: Pentecost 9
Prelude "Christe Eleison" I Was Sinking Deep in Sin" (Sam Batt Owens) LB
Organ Meditation "Blessed Assurance" (arr. Gerre Hancock) LB
Anthem "O Lord, Thou Hast Searched Me and Known Me" (Eugene Butler) AC
Offertory (815) "Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive" (arr. Wilbur Held) LB
(930 & 1100) "Gigue" (JS Bach) I
Postlude "Amazing Grace" (arr. David Cherwien) LB
Notes: Psalm 139 asserts that God’s knowledge is so complete that we are known in every detail before we are even conceived. In the overall message of the Bible, we discover that we are also loved by God from beginning to end, and that praise is due the Creator because God’s works are so wonderful that we could not escape them even if we wanted to. Such knowledge – human and divine – brings us to an appropriate balance between accountability and grace as we make our way through life. Psalm 139 is the subject of the Adult Choir music this Sunday.
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July 24, 2005 A: Pentecost 10
Prelude "Pastorale on a Tune from Southern Harmony" (William B. Cooper) LB
Organ Meditation "Fairest Lord Jesus" (arr. Lynette Maynard) LB
Anthem "And Can It Be" (arr. Carlton Young) AC
Offertory (815) "Jesus, Priceless Treasure" (JS Bach) JN
(930 & 1100) "The Pearl of Great Price" (Peter Allen) RGM
Postlude "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho" (arr. Mark Hayes) LB
Notes: “The kingdom of heaven is like….” Jesus told a series of parables describing heaven on earth, our foretaste of eternal bliss, and how precious the reign of God is, and will be. For the Christian, it is centered in the person of Jesus. The 17th-century chorale, “Jesus, Priceless Treasure,” captures the emotion well. “…yea, whate’er we here must bear, still in thee lies purest pleasure, Jesus, priceless treasure!” This is the focus of the choral music this Sunday.
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July 31, 2005 A: Pentecost 11
Prelude "Here, O Lord, Your Servants Gather" (arr. Philip Jones) LB
Postlude "Summer Nocturne" (Greg Bloy) LB
Notes: This Sunday we welcome the Youth music makers from First United Methodist Church, Gastonia, NC. They are on tour, combining singing with volunteer work and touring. Their volunteer work is at the Lamb Center and Rising Hope UMC; they are singing at Messiah and Aldersgate, Greenspring and the Hermitage. The singers in LightShine and the ringers in Resound! are part of a comprehensive, graded music ministry under the leadership of Saxon Scarborough, Roger Miller’s successor at the Gastonia Church. The groups’ accompanist is Jay Oden, FUMC’s organist. Welcome!
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August 7, 2005 A: Pentecost 12
Prelude "Ave Maris Stella" (arr. Andrew Moore) LB
Introit "This Is the Day the Lord Hath Made" (TWENTY-FOURTH) AC
Anthem "Wade in the Water" (arr. Philip Hayden) AC
Offertory (815) God, Who Made the Earth and Heaven (arr. Kevin Hildebrand) LB
(930 & 1100) "Alleluia" (WA Mozart) I
Response "Twofold Amen" (Dresden) AC
Postlude "Prelude and Fugue in C Major" (JS Bach) LB
Notes: Haven’t we all at some time or other felt pretty good about what we were doing and suddenly had the bottom drop out from under us? Peter stepped out of the boat and went toward Jesus, who was walking on the water. Suddenly he realized what he was doing and began to sink into the deep water. He cried out for help and Jesus gave him all that was necessary for his need. God be praised! Likewise, JS Bach sensed God’s presence as he wrote the music needed for the services at Thomaskircke, Leipzig, so at the end of each manuscript he wrote “Sola Deo Gloria – to God alone be the glory!” The choral and organ music this Sunday has this element of dependence on God.
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August 14, 2005 A: Pentecost 13
Prelude "The King of Love My Shepherd Is" (arr. Don Freudenburg) LB
Introit "Jesus, We Want to Meet" (NIGERIA) AC
Anthem "Make Me a Channel of Your Peace" (Sebastian Temple) AC
Offertory (815) "Make Me a Channel of Your Peace" (Sebastian Temple) JN
(930 & 1100) "Listen, Lord" (John Bell) AC
Response "Twofold Amen" (Vincent Persichetti) AC
Postlude "Sonata in D Major" (Allegro con brio) (FJ Haydn) LB
Notes: Joseph’s brothers, who had sold him into slavery instead of killing him out of their jealousy, showed up in Egypt asking for food. His forgiveness of their evil actions had taken place sometime in the intervening years, and he was very glad to see them. Instead of exacting revenge or demanding some dear price for the food he controlled and they needed, he embraced them, made them welcome, and met their needs. This kind of behavior is the subject of this Sunday’s choral music.
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August 21, 2005 A: Pentecost 14
Prelude "Holy Manna" (arr. Dale Wood) LB
Introit "This Is the Day" (Les Garrett) AC
Anthem "God of Many Names" (William Rowan) AC
Offertory "Offering to God (for Harmonium) (Henri Mulet) LB
Response "Alleluia, Amen" (Carl Wiltse) AC
Postlude "Elegy" (Richard Lloyd) LB
Notes: One of the interesting things about church history is the large variety of ways that God is experienced by God’s people. As a result of those experiences, theologies emerge and churches (denominations) grow. Then “for the sake of order” some ways of experiencing God are given priority and others are minimized, or even proscribed. It is easy to forget that our preferred way is not the only valid way. The choir this Sunday sings of the varied facets of God.
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August 28, 2005 A: Pentecost 15
Prelude "We Walk Together" (arr. Don Wyrtzen) LB
Introit "Stand Up and Bless the Lord" (ST MICHAEL) AC
Anthem "Near the Cross" (arr. Michael Ward) AC
Offertory (815) "Near the Cross" (arr. Michael Ward) AC
(930 & 1100) "Heaven Is Singing" (Pablo Sosa) V
Response "Go Now in Peace" (Natalie Sleeth) AC
Postlude "And the Trumpets Shall Sound" (M. Bibou) LB
Notes: On the way to Jerusalem for his crucifixion Jesus told his disciples, “If you want to be my disciple, take up your cross and follow me.” The gospel song writer, Fannie Crosby, linked his cross to the one we must carry, and it is this song the choirs sing this Sunday.
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September 4, 2005 A: Pentecost 16
Prelude "O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright" (arr. Kevin Hildebrand) LB
Introit "Come, We That Love the Lord" (ST THOMAS) AC
Anthem "Come, Let Us Eat" (arr. Craig Callahan) AC
Offertory "How Great Thou Art" (arr. Michael Ward) V
Response "Let Us Now Depart in Thy Peace" (A LA PUERTA) AC
Postlude "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" (Johann Pachelbel) LB
Notes: Billema Kwillia is a Liberian convert to Christianity and a literacy teacher-evangelist in that country. Her hymn (#625 in our Hymnal) was in the Loma language, and is based on 1 Cor. 5:7b-8, “For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”This style of African music is essentially a unison call-and-response song. Our choir sings an arrangement of it this Sunday.
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September 11, 2005 A: Pentecost 17
Prelude "Adoration" (Alex Guilmant) LB
Introit "As the Sun Doth Daily Rise" (INNOCENTS) AC
Anthem "Clap Your Hands" (Nancy Roberts) AC
Offertory (815) "We Are Marching in the Light of God" (SIYAHAMBA) JN
(930 & 1100) "The Church's One Foundation" (arr. Jay Althouse)
Response "God Be with You Till We Meet Again" (Ralph Vaughan Williams) AC
Postlude "Un Sospiro (The Heavens)" (Franz Liszt) LB
Notes: The celebration of Messiah Day reminds us of our fundamental participation in the church of Jesus Christ. Homecoming Sunday is a great time to recall that our community has its roots in God’s Messiah. The joy of the day echoes the joy of God’s people over God’s creation and mighty acts of salvation—then and now and to the end of time.
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September 18, 2005 A: Pentecost 18
Prelude "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" (arr. John Barr) LB
Introit "Jesus, We Are Here" (Patrick Matsikenyiri) AC
Anthem "Beautiful Savior" (arr. F. Melius Christiansen) AC
Offertory (815) "Simple Gifts" (arr. Wilbur Held) LB
(930 & 1100) "I Believe in God" (Robert Ray)
Response "Ameni" (trad. South African) AC
Postlude "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" (arr. Don Hustad) LB
Notes: Spirituality is a current buzz word for a variety of activities that foster inward growth, or healing, such as meditation, silence, reading certain types of literature, and prayer. Types of spirituality include New Age, Buddhist, Jewish, Hundu, and many others. For it to be Christian, spirituality must always relate to the person of Jesus Christ and the faith of the church. We may borrow practices from others, but without the communal connection it is easy to lose our focus. This Sunday, in preparation for our 40 Days of spiritual growth, the Adult Choir sings of adoring Christ and the ancient words of the Nicene Creed.
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September 25, 2005 A: Pentecost 19
Prelude "Here I Am, Lord" (arr. Janet Linker) LB
Introit "Praise the Lord" (Ann Ker) AC
Anthem "Day by Day" (arr. Sonja Poorman) AC
Offertory (815) "Day by Day" (arr. Sonja Poorman) LB
(930 & 1100) "Nia (Purpose)" (Glenn Burleigh) AC
Response "Twofold Amen" (Greek) AC
Postlude "Holy, Holy, Holy" (arr. Piet Post) LB
Notes: In the Hebrew scriptures, the principal commandment was to love God with our whole being. Jesus affirmed this, calling it the great commandment. His second commandment was equal in weight to the first, “Love each other as I have loved you.” These are the themes of the choral music this Sunday.
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October 2, 2005 A: Pentecost 20
Prelude "Praise Our God Above (Chinese melody)" (arr. Philip Jones) LB & GB
Introit "This Is the Day" (James Rivers) AC
Anthem "Oh, How I Love Jesus" (arr. Paul Martin) AC
Offertory (815) "We Sing of Your Glory" (RIO DE LA PLATA)
(930 & 1100) "Hope for Resolution" (Paul Caldwell & Sean Ivory) AC, SpS & GNS
Response "Amen" (Louis Bourgeoise) AC
Postlude "Meditation on 'Picardy'" (Edward Beals) LB
Notes: Sometimes artists’ creations done for specific occasions find a life in unrelated circumstances. “Hope for Resolution” was written to celebrate the end of apartheid in South Africa. The composers combined a Gregorian chant (symbolic of the white Dutch Reformed governing class) with a Zulu freedom song (symbolic of the black oppressed minority) as a means of expressing their essential human unity. We celebrate this unity on World Communion as we remember that we worship (our “40 Days theme”) one God with sisters and brothers around the world.
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October 9, 2005 A: Pentecost 21
Prelude "What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine" (Sam Batt Owens) LB
Introit "I Was Glad" (Ann Ker) AC
Anthem "Children of the Heavenly Father" (arr. Robert Boyd) AC
Offertory (815) "Heirs Together of God's Grace" (VAN HAMERSVELD) JN
(930 & 1100) "Heirs Together of God's Grace" (VAN HAMERSVELD) V
Postlude "Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing!" (Healey Willan) LB
Notes: Hymn writer AnnaMae Meyer Bush wrote this beautiful summary of the self-awareness and humility needed for fellowship in the household of God, “Heirs together of God’s grace, sons and daughters, dearly loved, chosen not for gender, race, achievements, or ability, we marvel at our honored place in God’s adopted family.” This is the spirit of the choral music this Sunday.
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October 16, 2005 A: Pentecost 22
Prelude "I Surrender All" (arr. Windield S. Weeden) LB
Introit "I Will Extol Thee" (James Rivers) AC
Anthem "The Potter's Hand" (arr. Lloyd Larson) AC
Offertory (815) "The Potter's Hand" (arr. Lloyd Larson) V
(930 & 1100) "Jesus Calls Us" (Joy Patterson) AD, V, I
Response "Fourfold Amen" (Ken Barker)
Postlude "When In Our Music God Is Glorified" (arr. Richard Proulx) LB
Notes: The bridal formula begins “Something old, something new.” This Sunday, the Adult Choir sings an old text to a new tune with vocal and instrumental improvisation. That can be seen as a metaphor for Christian discipleship. The times we live in have never before been experienced; the challenge is to live out faithfully our response to the old, old story of God’s love for us. Although life often feels like an improvisation, we remain confident that we were formed by the potter’s hand for the life to which God has called us.
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October 23, 2005 A: Pentecost 23
Prelude "Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service" (arr. Wilbur Held) LB
Introit (930)"A Joyful Ring" (Barbara Kinyon) CR
(1100) "Kum Ba Yah" (arr. Martha Lynn Thompson) HMR
Anthem "Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service" (René Clausen) AC
Offertory (815) "Sent Out in Jesus' Name" (arr. Carmen Peña) JN
(930) "Mountain Streams" (Sondra Tucker) AR
(1100) "A Festive Chime" (Kevin McChesney) JR
Response "Fourfold Amen" (John Stainer)
Postlude "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" (arr. Teresa Wilhelm) LB
Notes: We learn from the Letter of James that “faith without works is dead.” Just as Jesus modeled sacrificial love through serving those in need, so we are challenged to live out our faith on this ministry Sunday with an outpouring of time, energy, and substance for the benefit of others. This is the theme of the choral music this Sunday.
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November 6, 2005 A: Pentecost 24
Prelude - Heartline Band
Anthem "Praise Ye" (Abraham Kaplan) AC
Offertory "Festival Alleluia" (Allen Pote) GNS
Postlude "I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me" (I'M GONNA LIVE) LB
Notes: When a person discerns her God-given purpose in life, there is no more appropriate response than to praise God with singing and dancing. Festive praise is the focus of the choral music this Sunday.
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November 13, 2005 A: All Saints Sunday
Prelude "Aria on 'For All the Saints'" (arr. David Cherwien) LB
Introit (930)"Father, We Praise Thee" (CHRISTE SANCTORUM) CR
(1100) "Faith of Our Fathers" (arr. Frances Callahan) HMR
Anthem "Draw Us in the Spirit's Tether" (Harold Friedell) AC
Offertory (815) "This Is the Feast of Victory" (FESTIVAL CANTICLE) JN
(930) "It Is Well with My Soul" (Cathy Moklebust) JR
(1100) "For the Bread Which You Have Broken" (BENG-LI) CR
Response "Amen" (John Rutter)
Postlude "Fanfare - For All the Saints" (arr. Kevin Hildebrand) LB
Notes: All Saints Sunday is the church’s festival remembering not only those who have died in the faith, but the whole procession of faithful Christians throughout the ages, including those living today. One of the traditional themes of Communion is that it is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet that we will enjoy in the eternal presence of Christ. These are the themes lifted up by the choral music this Sunday.
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November 20, 2005 A: The Reign of Christ
Prelude "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise" (arr. Lynette Maynard) LB
Introit (930) "Praise the Lord" (Ann Ker) AC
(1100) Enter His Gates (Philip R. Dietterich) CaC & CC
Offertory (815) "Psalm 100" (Michael Guimont) V
(930 & 1100) "O Be Joyful" (Benjamin Britten) AC
Response "Threefold Amen" (Ann Ker)
Postlude "Crown Him with Many Crowns" (arr. Jeffrey Blersch) LB
Notes: When the Son of Man comes in his glory… ,” all who gather before him will sing an eternal song of praise. The choral music this Sunday is a song of praise from the Psalms, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.”
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November 23, 2005 A: Thanksgiving Eve
Prelude "Harvest Praise and Thanksgiving" (Betty Roe) LB
Introit "All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night" (Thomas Tallis) AC
Anthem "For the Fruits of This Creation" (Francis Jackson) AC
Offertory "Now Thank We All Our God" (arr. T. Tertius Noble) LB
Response "The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended" (ST. CLEMENT)
Postlude "Thanksgiving Flourish" (Edward Broughton) LB
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November 27, 2005 B: Advent 1
Prelude "My Lord, What a Morning" (arr. Richard Billingham) LB
Introit "Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying" (WACHET AUF) AC
Offertory (815) "I Want to Be Ready" (arr. William Farley Smith) JN
(930 & 1100) "All Earth Is Waiting" (TAULE) AC
Response "Rejoice, Rejoice" (VENI EMMANUEL) AC
Postlude "The King Shall Come" (arr. David Johnson) LB
Notes: The earliest Christian mantra we know of is “Maranatha” (“Come, Lord Jesus”). One can only imagine the fervor of its utterance during the persecutions of the first two-and-a-half centuries of the Church’s existence. Today we long for the fulfillment of Christ’s promised return and the establishment of his reign over all creation, God’s perfect justice and peace. Waiting for the Second Coming of the Lord is the theme of the choral music this Sunday.
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December 4, 2005 B: Advent 2
Prelude "Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah" (Wayne Wold) LB
Introit (930) "Prepare the Way of the Lord" (Jacques Berthier) AC
(1100) Come, Come Emmanuel (Bailey & Mayo) CaC & GNS
Anthem "The Advent Herald" (Rory Cooney) AC
Offertory (815 & 930) "Once He Came in Blessing" (John Leavitt) LB
(1100) "People, Look East" (arr. Vincent Ryan) SpS
Response "Go Now in Peace" (Natalie Sleeth) AC
Postlude "Advent Reflections" (Rosalie Bonighton) LB
Notes: The next time you are in Los Angeles, be sure to go to the Cathedral and see the Peaceable Kingdom garden in their courtyard. Isaiah’s vision of peace in all creation is what we look forward to when we join John the Baptist in proclaiming “Prepare the way of the Lord.” The announcement of God’s radical peace is the theme of this Sunday’s choral music.
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December 11, 2005 B: Advent 3
Prelude "In Dulci Jubilo" (Marcel Dupré & Friedrich Wilhelm Zachau) LB
Introit "Prepare the Way of the Lord" (Jacques Berthier) AC
Anthem "Carol of the Advent" (arr. Philip Dietterich) AC
Offertory (815) "People, Look East" (harm. Martin Shaw) JN
(930) "Mary, Did You Know?" (Buddy Greene) V
(1100) "Tyrolese Carol" (arr. Sondra Tucker) AR
Response "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" (FRENCH CAROL) AC
Postlude "Acclamation" (June Nixon) LB
Notes: The Messiah has many names in the Bible. Some, like Emmanuel, are in ancient tongues, and some, like Love, are in more familiar language. Some names describe his nature and some his work. The choral music this Sunday uses several names for the one before whom shepherds and Magi and we kneel and worship.
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December 18, 2005 B: Advent 4
Prelude "Come Thou, Jesu, from Heaven to Earth" (JS Bach) LB
Introit "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" (arr. Arnold Sherman) AC
Offertory "Mary's Magnificat" (Andrew Carter) AC
Anthems "A Maiden Most Gentle" (arr. Andrew Carter) AC
"Still, Still, Still" (arr. Philip Ledger) AC
"Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance Flowing?" (arr. David Willcocks) AC
"Good King Wenceslas" (arr. David Willcocks) AC
Response "Ding, Dong, Merrily on High" (arr. Charles Wood) AC
Postlude "How Brightly Shines the Morning Star" (Max Reger) LB
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December 24, 2005 B: Christmas Eve
Prelude "Away in a Manger" (arr. Mark Hayes) LB
700p Introit "" ()
Offertory "Manger Medley" (arr. Frances Callahan) AR
Anthems "Three Carols" (Clare Grundman) SpS
"Westminster Carol" (arr. Carol Nygard) SpS
"Rock That Cradle" (arr. Larry White) SpS
"Noel, Noel, A Boy Is Born" (Natalie Sleeth) SpS & AR
900p & 1100p Introit "All My Heart This Night Rejoices" (Johann Georg Ebeling) AC
Anthem "A Child Is Born in Bethlehem" (arr. Robert Batastini) AC & JR
Offertory "O Holy One Sweet" (JS Bach) AC
Communion Music "O Holy Night" (arr. Chip Davis) I
(900p) Good King Wenceslas (arr. Hart Morris) CR
(1100p) Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine" (arr. Sharon Elery Rogers) JR
Postlude "Now Let All the Heavens Adore You" (Wayne Wold) LB
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December 25, 2005 B: Christmas Day
Prelude "Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella" (arr. Chip Davis) I
"Wexford Carol" (arr. Ray Kelley) I
Introit "Mary, Did You Know?" (arr. Mark Lowry) I
Offertory "Carol Medley" (arr. Robert Sterling) I
Anthem "Cold December Fled Away" (arr. Richard Monaco) AC
Response "Ding, Dong, Merrily on High" (arr. Charles Wood) AC
Postlude "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" (arr. Chip Davis) I
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