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PERSONAL PAGES     Home Page     Biography     Reading List     Favorites     Travels     Saints & Seasons       Advent       Christmas       Epiphany       Lent       Easter       Pentecost       Ordinary Time PROFESSIONAL PAGES     Resumé     Philosophy     Archives     Repertoire Lists      Larger Works      Adult Repertoire      Youth Repertoire      Childrens Repertoire      Handbell Reperoire A CELEBRATION OF GOD'S GRACE Nobody can become perfect by merely ceasing to act. --Bhagavad-Gita Tsze-Kung asked what constituted a superior person. The Master said, "One who acts before speaking, and afterwards speaks according to one's actions." --Confucius What a good thing Adam had -- when he said a good thing, he knew nobody had said it before. --Mark Twain It is the greatest of all advantages to enjoy no advantage at all. --Henry David Thoreau The only thing to do with good advice is to pass it on. It is never of any use to oneself. --Oscar Wilde "The trouble is, Sancho," said Don Quixote, "you are so afraid that you cannot see or hear properly; for one of the effects of fear is to disturb the senses and cause things to appear other than what they are." --Miguel Cervantes "Of course you are quite irreligious?" "Oh, by no means. The fashion just now is a Roman Catholic frame of mind with an agnostic conscience: you get the medieval picturesqueness of the one with the modern conveniences of the other." --Saki "For Christianity, the 'holy' is the depth of the common, just as the 'secular' is not a (godless) section of life, but the world (God's world, for which Christ died) cut off and alienated from its true depth." --Bishop John A. T. Robinson "The church has lower standards for membership than those for getting on a bus." --Harry R. Rudin The Christian Century, June 4, 1952 "The unrest of this weary world is its unvoiced cry after God." --Theodore T. Munger "The Christian life that is joyless is a discredit to God and a disgrace to itself." --Maltbie D. Babcock "Mercy imitates God, and disappoints Satan." --Geoffrey Chaucer Troylus and Cryseyde "I have lived, And seen God's hand thro a life time, And all was for best." --Robert Browning "Experience makes us see an enormous difference between piety and goodness." --Blaise Pascal "On Easter Day the veil between time and eternity thins to gossamer." --Douglas Horton "Necessity is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves." --William Pitt Speech on the India Bill "They talk of Christmas so long that it comes." --George Herbert Jacula Prudentum "Christianity is like electricity. It cannot enter a person unless it can pass through." --Robert C. Raines "They should have known that (Jesus) was God. His patience should have proved that to them." --Tertullian "Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man (sic) has many; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some." --Charles Dickens "The religion of the atheist has a God-shaped blank at its heart." --H.G. Wells "Affliction is God's shepherd dog to drive us back to the fold." --Megiddo Message "The one that can heroically endure adversity will bear prosperity with equal greatness of soul; for the mind that cannot be dejected by the former is not likely to be transported with the latter." --Henry Fielding

2006 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 1, 2006    B: Epiphany Prelude "Basque Carol" (arr. Sondra Tucker) LB Introit "Saints, Before the Altar Bending" (REGENT SQUARE) AC Anthem "Personent Hodie" (Gustav Holst) AC Offertory "Down in Yon Forest" (John Jacob Niles) V Response "Go, Tell It on the Mountain" (arr. William Farley Smith) AC Postlude "In Thee Is Gladness" (JS Bach) LB Return to the top of the page January 8, 2006     B: Baptism of the Lord Prelude "Light of the Nations" (Andrew Moore) LB Introit "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing" (AZMON) AC Anthem "Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized" (arr. Kenneth Lowenberg) AC Offertory (815) "Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized" (arr. Kenneth Lowenberg)           JN     (930 & 1100) "Burgundian Carol" (Sondra Tucker) LB Response "Threefold Amen" (Philip Baker) AC Postlude "Bring Him Gold, Incense, and Myrrh" (Colin Mawby) LB Return to the top of the page January 15, 2006    B: Epiphany 2 Prelude "Gift of Love" (arr. Joseph Martin) LB Introit "God, Whose Love Is Reigning O'er Us" (LAUDA ANIMA) AC Anthem "I Believe This Is Jesus" (arr. Loonis McGlohon) AC Offertory (815) "If You But Trust in God to Guide You" (arr. Kevin Hildebrand) LB      (930 & 1100) "How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord" (Russell Schultz-Widmar) V Response "Twofold Amen" (Vincent Persichetti) AC Postlude "Praise to Thee, Lord Jesus Christ" (Johann Heinrich Buttstedt) LB   Notes: When Jesus called the disciples to join him in ministry, he called them not only to do some particular type of tasks with their lives, but to relationships that kept him at the center. The organ and choral music this Sunday highlight the centrality of Jesus in our tasks and relationships. Return to the top of the page January 22, 2006    B: Epiphany 3 Prelude "There Is a Balm in Gilead" (arr. Adolphus Hailstork) LB Introit "Make a Joyful Noise" (Ann Ker) AC Anthem "How Beautiful Are the Feet" (GF Handel) V      Their Sound Is Gone Out (GF Handel) AC Offertory (815) "Go Ye, Go Ye into the World" (Natalie Sleeth) JN      (930 & 1100) "It Is Well with My Soul" (arr. Cathy Moklebust) JR Response "Fivefold Amen" (Ann Ker) AC Postlude "Every Time I Feel the Spirit" (arr. Adolphus Hailstork) LB   Notes: The "tradition of Jonah" in New Testament times was the practice of preaching outside the synagogue or Temple to whomever would stand still long enough to listen. John the Baptist, like Jonah, preached a message of repentance. Mark says that Jesus added to that theme the announcement that God's long-awaited day was near. Therefore Mark says that Jesus proclaimed Good News. The choral music this Sunday is about those who preach the good news. Return to the top of the page January 29, 2006    B: Epiphany 4 Anthem "A Canon of Praise" (Natalie Sleeth) SpS Offertory (930 & 1100) "Minuet" (WA Mozart) I Return to the top of the page February 5, 2006    B: Epiphany 5 Prelude "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name" (arr. Jeffrey Honoré) LB Introit "This Is the Day" (James Rivers) AC Anthem "Let All the People Praise You" (John Leavitt) AC Offertory (815) "Meditation on 'Bradbury'" (arr. Edward Broughton) LB      (930 & 1100) "They Shall Soar like Eagles" (Laura Manzo) V Response "Peace" (James Rivers) AC Postlude "My Comfort by Day, My Song in the Night" (Gilbert Martin) LB   Notes: The mighty acts of God are celebrated in all of scripture. From Isaiah's hymn to the One who reigns over the foundations of the earth and empowers the weak and the poor to Jesus' healing of the sick, God's saving deeds are to be praised. This Sunday, the choral music is an exciting new setting of Psalm 67 and the duet is verses from Isaiah's hymn. Return to the top of the page February 12, 2006    B: Epiphany 6 Prelude (815 & 930) "Meditation on 'O Perfect Love'" (arr. Don Hustad) LB      (1100) "Do Lord" (arr. Bill Ingram) AR Introit (930) "This Is the Day" (TWENTY-FOURTH) AC      (1100) "Ain'a That Good News" (arr. Mark Patterson) GNS Anthem "Hymn of Promise" (arr. John Ferguson) AC Offertory (815) "I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me" (Traditional spiritual) JN      (930) "Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel" (arr. Anna Laura Page) CR      (1100) "Bow Down Your Ear" (Aaron David Miller) SpS Response "Sevenfold Amen" (John Rutter) AC Postlude "I Want Jesus to Walk with Me" (arr. Lynn Peterson) LB   Notes: When Jesus healed the sick, he restored people from what amounted to a death sentence. Leprosy caused quarantine; death was final separation; demon possession resulted in social isolation; and blindness and crippling conditions were seen as signs of God's disfavor. The touch of Jesus was enough to deliver people from such extreme distress and gave them wholeness of life once again. The performed music this Sunday relates to the emotions surrounding such disease and healing. Return to the top of the page February 19, 2006    B: Epiphany 7 Prelude (815 & 930) "I Want Jesus to Walk with Me" (arr. Lynn Petersen) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "This Is the Day" (TWENTY-FOURTH) AC Anthem "The Eyes of All" (Jean Berger) AC Offertory (815) "For the Mountains Shall Depart" Elijah (Felix Mendelssohn) V      (930) "Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel?" (arr. Anna Laura Page) CR      (1100) "Do Lord" (arr. Bill Ingram) AR Response "Sevenfold Amen" (John Rutter) AC Postlude "The Master Came to Bring Good News" (arr. Jeffrey Blersch) LB   Notes: When Jesus healed the sick, he restored people from what amounted to a death sentence. Leprosy caused quarantine; death was final separation; demon possession resulted in social isolation; and blindness and crippling conditions were seen as signs of God's disfavor. The touch of Jesus was enough to deliver people from such extreme distress and gave them wholeness of life once again. The performed music this Sunday relates to the emotions surrounding such disease and healing. Return to the top of the page February 26, 2006    B: Transfiguration Prelude "Meditation on 'O Perfect Love'" (arr. Don Hustad) LB Introit (930) "Ain'a That Good News" (arr. Mark Patterson) GNS      (1100) "This Little Light of Mine" (Traditional) CaC Anthem "Christ, upon the Mountain Peak" (Paul Bouman) AC Offertory (815) "I Will Trust in the Lord" (arr. William Farley Smith) JN      (930) "My Soul Gives Glory to My God" (arr. David Paxton) LB      (1100) "Sing Low, Sweet Chariot" (arr. Fran Underwood) HMR Response "Threefold Amen" (Danish) AC Postlude "Gift of Love" (arr. Joseph Martin) LB   Notes: One of the finest hymn writers of our day is Brian Wren (b. 1936). Born in Great Britain, educated at Oxford, he now lives in Atlanta, GA, where he is Professor of Worship at Columbia Theological Seminary. His hymns and translations appear in nearly all denominational hymnals. The Adult Choir sings one of his texts this Sunday in observance of the Transfiguration of the Lord. The words may be found as Hymn 260. Return to the top of the page March 1, 2006    B: Ash Wednesday Prelude "In Remembrance of You" (Paul A. Tate) LB Introit "Day by Day" (Harold Friedell) AC Anthem "Create in Me" (Allen Pote) AC Offertory "With the Lord There Is Mercy" (William Rowah) AC Response "Evening" (Harold Friedell) AC Postlude "Meditation for Ash Wednesday" (June Nixon) LB Return to the top of the page March 5, 2006    B: Lent 1 Prelude "Kyrie eleison" (Michael Fontana) LB Introit "Jesu, Tawa Pano" (Patrick Matsikenyiri) AC Anthem "Forty Days" (Dave Brubeck) AC Offertory (815 & 930) "Offertory on 'Martyrdom'" (arr. Hugh S. Livingston, Jr.) LB      (1100) "Create in Me a Clean Heart" (Jeff Reeves) SpS Response "Amen" (Roger G. Miller) AC Postlude "The Gentle Rose" (Richard Lloyd) LB   Notes: Jazz legend, Dave Brubeck, has been a man of faith and a composer of sacred music for many years. Among his achievements are three large oratorios, a Mass, and a Christmas celebration which was heard in this sanctuary several years ago. Today's anthem is an excerpt from his oratorio on the life of Christ - a stark expression of the empty desert which surrounded Jesus' temptations, and which surround ours. Return to the top of the page March 12, 2006    B: Lent 2 Prelude "Meditation on 'Resignation'" (Joseph Martin) LB Introit "I Was Glad" (John Read) AC Anthem "O Lord, Increase My Faith" (Henry Loosemore) AC Offertory (815) "Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore" (Cesareo Gabarain) JN      (930) "Christ is the Way, the Truth, the Life" (arr. Todd Kendall) LB      (1100) "Did Noah Know?" (Linda Spevacek) GNS Response "Sevenfold Amen" (John Stainer) AC Postlude "Meditation on 'Wondrous Love'" (arr. Colin Curtis) LB   Notes: The cost of Christian discipleship takes many forms--sitting with the suffering, standing with the oppressed, or perhaps even martyrdom. Two Sundays ago I worshiped with a Greek Orthodox congregation in Charleston, WV. Their literature rack had a pamphlet describing their tradition as the "church of the martyrs," since so many of them have died for their faith over the centuries. The choral music today has the theme of Christ's gift of enough faith to go where he leads us. Return to the top of the page March 19, 2006    B: Lent 3 Prelude (815 & 1100) "Tu has venido a la orrilla (Fishers of Men)" (arr. Lynn Trapp) LB      (930) "Beside Still Waters" (Howard Starks) CR Introit (930) "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name" (GROSSER GOTT) AC      (1100) "Lord, Have Mercy" (Erin MacGorman) HMR Anthem "Laudate Dominum" (WA Mozart) AC Offertory (815) "Kum Ba Yah (Come By Here)" (arr. Adolphus Hailstork) LB      (930) "My Jesus, I Love Thee" (arr. Arnold Sherman) JR      (1100) "The Lamb" (arr. Sheryl Hansen & John Behnke) AR Response "Threefold Amen" (Philip Baker) AC Postlude "The Gates of Jerusalem" (David Paxton) LB   Notes: During this 250th anniversary year of Mozart's birth, the Adult Choir will sing several of his anthems. They will all be part of our Festival Choir spring concert on April 9th. Mozart was Austrian, and is only known to have spoken European languages; it has always been largely true that church music is written in whatever is the "old style" of the day, so he wrote no English, only Latin, texts. Please find the referenced translation to make the music more intelligible. Return to the top of the page March 26, 2006    B: Lent 4 Prelude "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross"(arr. Dale Wood) LB Introit (930) "Jesus, We Want to Meet" (Olajide Olude) AC      (1100) "" (Traditional) CC Anthem "Sing, My Soul, His Wondrous Love" (Ned Rorem) AC Offertory "The Word of Life" (John Bell) 815a - JN; 930a & 1100a - AC Response "Threefold Amen" (Traditional) AC Postlude "O Man, Lament Your Great Sin" (JS Bach) LB   Notes: In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes, "I pray that you may know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." (3:18) It is a love that is given visibility in the entire life of Christ, a life and mission summarized by John's beloved verse "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son..." The choral music this Sunday explores these themes. Return to the top of the page April 2, 2006    B: Lent 5 Prelude "Ah, Holy Jesus" (arr. Robert Lau) LB Introit "This Is the Day" (Les Garrett) AC Anthem "Have Mercy upon Me" (Abraham Kaplan) AC Offertory (815 & 930) "Traveling the Road to Freedom" (John Bell)      (1100) "Let Thy Work Appear unto Thy Servants" (Ron Nelson) SpS Response "Twofold Amen" (Greek) AC Postlude "Oh God, Forsake Me Not" (Max Reger) LB   Notes: When God's name is glorified, it implies the humility necessary for us to be in God's presence. At the root of that humility is an awareness of the natural gulf between God and humanity, between holiness and sinfulness. Yet Christians live on this side of Jesus' resurrection, so our prayers for mercy are made in the assurance of God's forgiveness for our sin. Abraham Kaplan's setting of words from Psalm 51 mix major and minor modes in a tone painting of this paradox. Return to the top of the page April 9, 2006    B: Palm/Passion Sunday Prelude "All Glory, Laud and Honor" (arr. Lani Smith) LB Introit "Stand Up and Bless the Lord" (ST. MICHAEL) AC Anthem "Lift Up Your Heads" (Glenn Wonacott) AC Offertory (815) "Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley" (Traditional) JN      (930 & 1100) "Beneath the Cross of Jesus" (arr. Benjamin Harlan) AC Response "Amen" (Roger Miller) AC Postlude "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded" (arr. Pamela Decker) LB   Notes: The movement from the exhilaration of a victory parade to the despair of an execution is the story of the final step in Jesus' journey from Galilee to Jerusalem. The Adult Choir sings this movement through a heavy gospel beat followed by a familiar contemplation of the scene at Calvary. The Joyful Noise sings of our identification with Jesus on this journey. Return to the top of the page April 13, 2006    B: Holy (Maundy) Thursday Prelude "Ah, Holy Jesus" (Helmut Walcha & Johannes Brahms) LB Introit "Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word" (LIEBSTER JESU) AC Anthem "Thy Will Be Done" (Craig Courney) AC Offertory "Agnus Dei" (Mass in D, K. 194) (WA Mozart) JN Communion "Behold the Savior of Mankind" (Charles Cooper) AC Response "The Day Thou Gavest, Lord Is Ended" (ST. CLEMENT) AC Postlude "Meditation on 'Picardy'" (Edward Beals) LB Return to the top of the page April 14, 2006    B: Good Friday Prelude "Remember the Way of the Cross" (Andrew Gant) LB Introit "Ave Verum Corpus" (WA Mozart) AC First Word "Behold the Lamb of God" (John Helgen) AC Fourth Word "My God, My God, Why Have You Abandoned Me?"          (Jonathan Rothman) V Sixth Word "Father, I Put My Life in Your Hands" (Niamh O'Kelly-Fischer) V Return to the top of the page April 16, 2006     B: Easter Sunday Prelude "This Joyful Eastertide" (arr. Lynette Maynard) LB Introit "Medieval Easter Chant" (Nancy Grundahl) AC Hymn Introduction "Jesus Christ Is Risen Today" (Kevin McChesney) JR Offertory "Angels Rolled the Stone Away" (Jester Hairston) JN Hymn Introduction "The Strife Is O'er" (Kevin McChesney) JR Response "Hallelujah" (Messiah) (GF Handel) AC Postlude "God of Grace and God of Glory" (arr. Paul Manz) LB   Notes: The surprise and wonder of our Lord's resurrection has been expressed in many ways through music. This Sunday our celebration includes a modern choral setting of a hymn tune from the Middle Ages, a 20th-century spiritual and a Baroque favorite; it includes congregational songs from the 16th and 18th centuries with handbell introductions from our day. What better way could there be to celebrate the relevance of the good news of this feast to every generation of humanity! Return to the top of the page April 30, 2006     B: Easter 3 Prelude (815 & 930) "Easter Alleluias" (Martin Setchell) LB      (1100) "A Bach Pastorale" (Barbara Kinyon) AR Introit (930) "Stand Up and Bless the Lord" (ST. MICHAEL) AC      (1100) "Praise the Savior, Ye Who Know Him"           (arr. Martha Lynn Thompson) HMR Anthem "Laudate Pueri" (WA Mozart) AC Offertory (815) "Christ Has Risen" (HOLY MANNA) JN      (930) "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" (arr. Cathy Moklebust) JN      (1100) "Jesus Lives! Sing an Alleluia!" (Deborah Govenor) JN Response "Nzamuranza (Glory to God! There Is No One Like Jesus)"            (arr. Patrick Matsikenyiri) GNS Postlude "Easter Alleluias" (Martin Setchell) LB   Notes: In the ancient church, Easter was not only the major celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection, but the principal day for baptizing new Christians. Lent was a time for converts to prepare for baptism by learning to pray, to read scripture, and to give alms. The season between Easter and Pentecost, then, was when new believers learned what it all meant—when the ‘mysteries’ of the faith were explained. Therefore, it is appropriate to use Easter music and other praise themes on these Sundays of Eastertide. Return to the top of the page May 4, 2006    National Day of Prayer Prelude "Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray" (arr. Todd Kendall) LB Introit "Move Me" (Richard Alan Henderson) AC Anthem "When Rooks Fly Homeward" (Arthur Baynon) AC Offertory "The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended" (ST. CLEMENT) AC Response "Twofold Amen" (Vincent Persichetti) AC Postlude "Be Still, My Soul (Sibelius Fantasy)" (David Dubiel) LB Return to the top of the page May 7, 2006    B: Easter 4 Prelude "This Joyful Eastertide" (arr. Paul Bouman) LB Introit "Jesus, We Want to Meet" (Olajide Olude) AC Anthem "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need" (Virgil Thomson) AC Offertory (815a) "Christ Arose" (arr. Teresa Wilhelm) LB      (930a & 1100a) "Allegro Grandioso" (Michael Keller) JR Response "Alleluia, Amen" (Carl Wiltse) AC Postlude "Sonata in D Major" (JF Haydn) LB   Notes: The fourth Sunday of Easter is often called as “Good Shepherd Sunday,” since all three years of the lectionary include Psalm 23 and Gospel readings of Jesus referring to himself as the Good Shepherd. American composer Virgil Thomson was one of the first to wed new texts to traditional early American tunes, and bring these musical gems back to the awareness of the general public. His marriage of the tune RESIGNATION with Psalm 23 is this morning’s Adult Choir anthem. Return to the top of the page May 14, 2006    B: Easter 5 Prelude "Prayer" (L. Boellman) LB Introit (930) "Father, We Praise Thee" (CHRISTE SANCTORUM) AC      (1100a) "Come, Let Us Gather" (arr. Richard Van Oss) CaC Anthem "Wondrous Love" (arr. Paul Christiansen) AC Offertory (815a) "Love the Lord Your God/O How I Love Jesus"          (Gospel Medley) JN       (930a) "Lord We Ask You" (Dieterich Buxtehude) LB      (1100a) "Heaven on Earth" (A. Sinclair) SpS Response "Amen" (Peter Lutkin) AC Postlude "Ode to Spring" (Edvard Grieg) LB   Notes: In I John 4:19, the apostle write, “We love because God first loved us.” On Mothers Day, when our cultural emphasis is on familial love, it is good to remember the ultimate source of that love. God’s wondrous love in Jesus Christ is the theme of the choral music this Sunday. Return to the top of the page May 21, 2006    B: Easter 6 Prelude "Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing" (arr. Gerhard Krapf) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "I Was Glad" (John Read) AC Anthem "A Song of Praise" (Bob Burroughs) AC Offertory "That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright" (arr. Thomas Gieschen) LB Response "Fourfold Amen" (John Stainer) AC Postlude "Resurrection Dance" (Adrian Fish) LB   Notes: When Peter preached in the Temple, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard. Peter’s companions were astonished that the gifts of the Spirit were given even to foreigners. “O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things” is an appropriate Eastertide response to God’s new and marvelous thing done even for us who would have been considered the foreigners of Peter’s day. Such a song of praise is this Sunday’s Adult Choir anthem. Return to the top of the page May 28, 2006    B: Ascension Sunday Prelude "God, We Praise You" (arr. Kevin Sadowski) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "See the Morning Sun Arising" (UNSER HERRSCHER) AC Anthem "Go Ye into All the World" (Eugene Butler) AC Offertory (815) "Lo I Am with You" (John Bell) JN       (930a & 1100a) "Sinfonia (Cantata 156" (JS Bach) I Response "Threefold Amen" (Philip Baker) AC Postlude "Awake, Thou Wintry Earth" (JS Bach) LB   Notes: Ascension Sunday is the feast day when we acknowledge that Jesus rules over all the earth. When he rose from the dead, the victory over sin, evil and death was won; when he ascended to the Father, he departed from our sight until the Second Coming, when all disciples who are dead will receive their resurrected body. In the meantime, he sent the Holy Spirit to guide energize our work to establish God’s will on earth. This latter theme is the message of the Adult Choir music this Sunday. Return to the top of the page June 4, 2006    B: Pentecost Sunday Prelude "Dove of Peace" (David Cherwien) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow"           (TALLIS' CANON) AC Anthem "Spirit-Friend" (arr. Rob Glover) AC & SpS Offertory (815) "Gentle Spirit" (Donald Callender) LB      (930 & 1100) "Hail Thee, Festival Day" (arr. Hal Hopson) AC Response "Threefold Amen" (Danish) AC Postlude "On Eagles' Wings" (arr. Marilyn Ham) LB   Notes: The presence of the third person of the Trinity with the church in all ages since Jesus’ ascension is the assurance that God will not abandon those who believe, who work to establish God’s will on earth (as it is in heaven). Pentecost Sunday is the feast day when we celebrate the Spirit’s presence in the church, and is the focus of the choral music this Sunday. Return to the top of the page June 11, 2006    B: Trinity Sunday Prelude "Sing Out Earth and Skies" (Marty Haugen, arr. Mary Beth Bennett) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "O Come, Let Us Sing" (James Rivers) AC Anthem "Sanctus" Mass in D, K. 194 (WA Mozart) AC Offertory (815) "O God in Heaven" (Elena Maquiso) JN      (930 & 1100) "Life of Wonders" (Kat Dickinson/Paul Schmidt) V Response "Sevenfold Amen" (John Stainer) AC Postlude "Though the Mountains May Fall" (Dan Schutte/Jeffrey Honoré) LB   Notes: On the Sunday after Pentecost, the church celebrates the Feast of the Trinity, an annual reminder of the various ways humans experience the communal nature of God—sometimes as creator, sometimes as redeemer, and sometimes as energizer, or advocate, or comforter. God, the Three-in-One, is also the model for human community which is commanded to put love above all other virtues, since God is love. These are the themes of the choral and organ music this Sunday. Return to the top of the page June 18, 2006    B: Pentecost 2 Prelude "I Want Jesus to Walk with Me" (arr. Lynn L. Petersen) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "Jesus, We Want to Meet" (Olajide Olude) AC Anthem "Jesu, Lead My Footsteps Ever" (JS Bach) AC Offertory "It Is Well with My Soul" (Philip P. Bliss) V Response "God Be with You till We Meet Again" (Ralph Vaughan Williams) AC Postlude "Sing and Rejoice" (Lani Smith) LB   Notes: When Samuel anointed David to be the future king of Israel, scripture says that the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. God had led Samuel to the boy who was “ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome,” and God would lead David in his spiritual journey for which he wrote or inspired many Psalms. God would also lead the king-to-be as he consolidated the political structure of Israel in the holy city of Jerusalem. This leading is the theme of the choral and vocal music this Sunday. Return to the top of the page June 25, 2006    B: Pentecost 3 Prelude "Morning Has Broken" (arr. Richard Proulx) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "I Will Extol Thee" (James Rivers) AC Anthem "Jesu, the Very Thought of Thee" (Edward Bairstow) AC Offertory (815) "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" (ABERYSTWYTH) JN      (930 & 1100) "Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow" (arr. Paul Tate) LB Response "Amen" (John Rutter) AC Postlude "The Silver Trumpet" (Gilbert Martin) LB   Notes: When David, the young shepherd boy, faced the mammoth and fierce Goliath, his calm was in the awareness that he could set the terms of the fight. Likewise, when we face the fierce giants in our lives, we can derive strength from the awareness that God’s presence in our lives surrounds us with a love that will sustain us through any circumstance. That under-girding love is the theme of the choral music this Sunday. Return to the top of the page July 2, 2006    B: Pentecost 4 Prelude "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" (arr. Lynette Maynard) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "This Is the Day" (Les Garrett) AC Anthem "O Freedom" (Traditional Spiritual) AC Offertory "Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ" (Jamaican folk tune) V Response "Let Us Now Depart in Thy Peace" (A LA PUERTA) AC Postlude "Dance" (Benjamin Cooke) LB   Notes: The Negro spiritual has several layers of meaning. One is the literal meaning of the words, in the case of this Sunday’s anthem, a celebration of freedom. Another often is a metaphorical vision of life in heaven, certainly a better life than the slavery in which the songs originally were sung. Still another was the coded reference to the impending departure of an individual on the underground railroad and a dangerous trek to freedom in the North or in Canada. Today, there are layers of meaning to a word like freedom. Some are personal, some political or social, and some theological. Today’s anthem is American music for an American congregation on an American holiday weekend. Return to the top of the page July 9, 2006    B: Pentecost 5 Prelude "Give Me Jesus" (Traditional) GB Introit (930 & 1100) "This Is the Day the Lord Hath Made" (TWENTY-FOURTH) AC Anthem "It Is Good to Praise the Lord" (Patti Drennan) AC Offertory (815) "I Sing Praise to Your Name" (Terry MacAlmon) JN      (930 & 1100) "Alleluia" (Ned Rorem) I Response "Shalom to You" (SOMOS DEL SEÑOR) AC Postlude "Alleluia" (Ned Rorem) GB   Notes: When David was anointed king, he occupied and enlarged the city of Jerusalem. 2 Samuel says that after these events “David became greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him.” And Psalm 48 sings of the holy city of Jerusalem, “Great is the LORD and greatly to be praise in the city of our God.” This Sunday the choral music praises our great God. Return to the top of the page July 16, 2006    B: Pentecost 6 Prelude "Christe eleison: I Was Sinking Deep in Sin" (arr. Sam Batt Owens) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "As the Sun Doth Daily Rise" (INNOCENTS) AC Anthem "Praise Christ, Alleluia" (Eugene Butler) AC Offertory "Be Not Afraid" (Bob Dufford) V Response "Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing" (SICILIAN MARINERS) AC Postlude "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" (arr. Jack Schrader) LB Return to the top of the page July 23, 2006    B: Pentecost 7 Prelude "Shall We Gather at the River" (arr. Mark Hayes) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "Make a Joyful Noise" (Ann Ker) AC Anthem "Precious Lord" (arr. Nathan Carter) AC Offertory (815) "You Are Mine" (David Haas) JN      (930 & 1100) "I'm Climbin' Up the Mountain" (arr. Tom Fettke) V Response "Threefold Amen" (Ann Ker) AC Postlude "Lord God, We Give Praise to Thee" (Johann Pachelbel) LB   Notes: God is our strength when we ask for strength. Jesus was trying to get away for some rest with his disciples, away from the crowds. Of course, like paparazzi, they found him, and brought their sick for healing—by even just a touch of his coat. Sometimes God is our strength without our requesting it. Psalm 89 is a song about David in which God says, “I have found my servant David; with my holy oil I have anointed him; my hand shall always remain with him; my arm also shall strengthen him.” The Adult Choir sings of the first theme this Sunday, and the Joyful Noise sings of the second. Return to the top of the page July 30, 2006    B: Pentecost 8 Prelude (815) "May the Spirit of Christ" (arr. Janet Linker) LB      (930 & 1100) "Jubliance" (Kevin McChesney) Summer HB Ensemble Introit (930 & 1100) "Praise the Lord" (Ann Ker) AC Anthem "A Prayer of St. Patrick" (John Rutter) AC Offertory (815) "How Can I Keep from Singing" (Robert Lowry) JN      (930 & 1100) "Cantus Invenilis" (Valerie Stephenson) Summer HB Ensemble Response "Threefold Amen" (Ann Ker) AC Postlude "Child of Blessing, Child of Promise" (arr. Mark Sedio) LB   Notes: King David wanted Uriah’s wife, so he caused Uriah’s death on the battlefield; Jesus’ disciples were caught on the Sea of Galilee in a fierce storm that threatened their lives. Awful situations sometimes arise in which we sense the fragility of life. At those times we pray that Christ will be with us in all circumstances whatever the outcome. That prayer is the theme of the choral music this Sunday. Return to the top of the page August 6, 2006    B: Pentecost 9 Prelude "Alleluia! Sing to Jesus" (Charles Callahan) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "Rise to Greet the Sun" (LE P'ING) AC Anthem "Lord, for Thy Tender Mercies' Sake" (attr. Richard Farrant) AC Offertory "Taste and See" (Michel Guimont) V Response "Tenfold-Amen" (Ann Ker) AC Postlude "Child of Blessing, Child of Promise" (arr. Mark Sedio) LB   Notes: When the prophet, Nathan, confronted King David about his act of arranging the death of Uriah in order to cover his adultery with Bathsheba, David realized his sin and threw himself at the mercy of God. When the people asked Jesus for true bread from heaven, he gave them faith in himself. Mercy and grace are also the themes of the choral and organ music this Sunday. Return to the top of the page August 13, 2006    B: Pentecost 10 Prelude "Blessed Assurance" (arr. J. Bert Carlson) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "God Is Here" (ABBOT'S LEIGH) AC Anthem "Out of the Depths" (Robert Batastini) AC Offertory (815) "Out of the Depths" (Robert Batastini) JN      (930 & 1100) "Agnus Dei" (Georges Bizet) V Response "Go Now in Peace" (Natalie Sleeth) AC Postlude "Children of the Heavenly Father" (arr. J. Wayne Kerr) LB   Notes: King David’s political machinations eventually led to his son, Absalom’s, death. David’s grief was heart-wrenching; its emotion is reflected in Psalm 130, “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.” Significantly, this psalm of lament ends with a song of hope, and confidence that God will redeem. The choral music this Sunday is a setting of Psalm 130, and the solo is a cry for God’s mercy combined with a plea of divine peace. Return to the top of the page August 20, 2006    B: Pentecost 11 Prelude "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" (arr. Robert A. Hobby) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "Stand Up and Bless the Lord" (ST. MICHAEL) AC Anthem "What Does the Lord Require?" (Erik Routley) AC Offertory (815 & 930) "Amazing Grace" (arr. Jay Althouse) V      (1100) "Give Me Jesus" (arr. David Cherwien) V Response "Let Us Now Depart in Thy Peace" (A LA PUERTA) AC Postlude "Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service" (arr. Wilbur Held) LB   Notes: Christians of the first generation after Jesus lived on earth fully expected him to return in glory within their lifetime—return, and turn the oppressive world upside down, so that oppression by political leaders and social structures, and repression by religious forces would no longer be a heavy yoke on the people. This expectation motivated them to high moral living so they would be ready for the communal aspect of salvation. Therefore, Paul’s letters are full of exhortations to live justly, to show mercy, and to walk humbly before God. These themes are emphasized in the ‘performed’ music this Sunday. Return to the top of the page August 27, 2006    B: Pentecost 12 Prelude "Inprovization on 'Were You There'" (Greg Bloy) GB Introit (930 & 1100) "Immortal, Invisible" (arr. Tarranto) AC Anthem "Blest Are the Pure in Heart" (H. Walford Davies) AC Offertory (815) "How Lovely, Lord, How Lovely" (Hal Hopson) JN      (930 & 1100) "Gaudeamus Hodie" (Natalie Sleeth) Women's Ensemble Response "Amen" (Roger Miller) AC Postlude "Prelude from Suite No. 6" (JS Bach) I   Notes: In singing of the beauty of God’s house, and the pleasure to be derived from being in it, the Psalmist rejoices that “No good thing does the LORD withhold from those who walk uprightly.” These are the themes of the choral music this Sunday. Return to the top of the page September 3, 2006    B: Pentecost 13 Prelude "Morning Song" (arr. Joseph Martin) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "O Sing unto the Lord" (Ann Ker) AC Anthem "Here in This Banquet" (Marty Haugen) AC Offertory (815) "Fairest Lord Jesus" (arr. Lynette Maynard) LB      (930 & 1100) "Klozartina" (Ira Schwartz) I Response "Tenfold Amen" (Ann Ker) AC Postlude "Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus" (arr. Thomas Gieschen) LB   Notes: Psalm 150 sings of worship in the Temple that uses voices and instruments of all varieties. The anthem this Sunday sings of the Communion in a way that uses the voices of choir and congregation with organ, flute and clarinet. The text focuses on the God who makes covenant with us through the bread and wine. Return to the top of the page September 10, 2006    B: Pentecost 14 - Messiah Day Prelude "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" (arr. Don Hustad) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "This Is The Day" (James Rivers) AC Anthem "The Heavens Are Telling" (FJ Haydn) AC Offertory (815) "O God, Beyond All Praising" (THAXTED) LB      (930 & 1100) "Day by Day" (arr. Sonja Poorman) AC Response "Amen" (Roger Miller) AC Postlude "The Heavens Declare" (Benedetto Marcello) LB   Notes: The magnificent beauty of God’s creation inspires us to worship the creator. Haydn’s wonderful chorus from his oratorio Creation, reflects the awe-inspiring glory of clouds and sun, moon and stars, sunrise and sunset. As Christians, our worship is focused by God’s self-revelation in Jesus and our prayer is that we may follow Christ ever closer each day. These are the themes of this Sunday’s choral music. Return to the top of the page September 17, 2006    B: Pentecost 15 Prelude "Neno Lake Mungu (Listen, God Is Calling)"      (Tanzanian, arr. Anne Krentz Organ) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "I Will Extol Thee" (James Rivers) AC Anthem "Speak to One Another" (Jean Berger) AC Offertory "In Christ Alone (My Hope is Found)"     (Keith Getty and Stuart Townend) V Response "Amen" (Peter C. Lutkin) AC Postlude "Festal Piece" (Edward Beals) LB   Notes: In his now-classic study of American individualism – Habits of the Heart – Robert Bellah concluded that the only antidote for the loneliness and alienation prevalent in our culture is to be part of a community, a group that constantly retells its story that forms its members and a group that holds its members accountable. The church has been such a community from its beginning. In groups large and small, we have preached, sung and studied our stories from the Bible, our successes and failures from history, and our attempts to be faithful today. Retelling these stories is the theme of the choral music this Sunday. Return to the top of the page September 24, 2006    B: Pentecost 16 Prelude "Here I Am, Lord" (arr. Janet Linker) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "I Was Glad" (John Read) AC Anthem "Seek to Serve" (Lloyd Pfautsch) AC Offertory (815) "I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me" (Traditional Spiritual) JN     (930 & 1100) "Near the Cross" (arr. Tom Fettke) V Response "Amen" (Gabriel Fauré) AC Postlude "O Church of God, United to Serve" (arr. Richard Warner) LB   Notes: Praying, teaching, writing, driving, supervising, adjudicating, negotiating, and making music are just some of the ways Christians serve their Lord. Ministries as numerous as believers are part of wonderful collage that makes up the church. Serving God in the world is the theme of the choral music this Sunday. Return to the top of the page October 1, 2006    B: Pentecost 17 - World Communion Prelude "Prelude on 'Tokyo'" (arr. Phillip Jones) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "Jesu Tawa Pano" (Patrick Matsikenyiri) AC Anthem "Let Us Break Bread Together" (arr. Ruth Artman) AC Offertory (815) "Pescador de Hombres (Fishers of Men)" (arr. Lynn Trapp) LB     (930 & 1100) "With Passion in Our Hearts" (arr. Ling Swee Hong) AC Response "May the Lord, Mighty God" (Chinese melody) AC Postlude "Yisrael v’oraita (Open Your Ears, O Faithful People)"     (arr. Craig Phillips) LB   Notes: World Communion is the annual festival when Protestants in non-liturgical traditions formally recognize their connection to the world-wide church. At the same time, we join those churches in liturgical traditions in celebrating the Lord’s Supper, thus making the day a truly world-wide communion of Christians. The choral music this Sunday originates on three continents as we share in the observance of the day. Return to the top of the page October 8, 2006    B: Pentecost 18 Prelude "Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart" (arr. Arthur H. Messiter) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "Stand Up and Bless the Lord" (ST. MICHAEL) AC Anthem "I'll Praise My Maker" (arr. Lloyd Pfautsch) AC Offertory (815) "How Majestic Is Your Name" (Michael W. Smith) JN     (930 & 1100) "Toccata" (Michael Helman) JR Response "Amen" (Greek) AC Postlude "Go, Tell It on the Mountain" (arr. J. Wayne Kerr) LB   Notes: Seventeenth-century hymn writer, Isaac Watts, wrote the hymn that John Wesley allegedly quoted on his deathbed, “I’ll praise Him while he lends me breath; and when my voice is lost in death, praise shall employ my nobler powers.” This type of gratitude is described by Watts in earlier stanzas of the hymn as a response to God’s redeeming actions of healing the sick, feeding the poor, and comforting the afflicted. Such praise is the subject of this Sunday’s choral music. Return to the top of the page October 15, 2006    B: Pentecost 19 Prelude "Simple Gifts" (arr. Joseph Martin) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "I Was Glad" (Ann Ker) AC Anthem "How Shall I Repay the Lord?" (Eugene Englert) AC Offertory (815 & 930) "Agnus Dei (Just As I Am) [MISSA BREVIS]"     (Sam Batt Owens) LB     (1100) "Sing with Joy to the Lord" (John Wyatt Burson) SpS Response "Dismiss Us" (Ann Ker) AC Postlude "Allegro" (Ignazio Cirri) LB   Notes: Psalm 116 asks what we can return to the Lord for all his goodness. The song from David’s Temple answers with four things: worship, obey God’s commandments, pray and praise God every day of one’s life. This Psalm is the song of the Adult Choir this Sunday. Return to the top of the page October 22, 2006    B: Pentecost 20 Prelude "Listen, God Is Calling" (arr. Anne Krentz Organ) LB Introit (930) "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing" (AZMON) AC     (1100) "Jesus Loves Me" (Traditional) ChC Anthem "The Bridge Builder" (Eleanor Daley) AC Offertory (815) "All Who Hunger" (HOLY MANNA) Joyful Noise     (930 & 1100) "The Spirit of the Lord Is upon Me" (Edward Elgar) AC Response "Alleluia, Amen" (Roger Miller) AC Postlude "Here I Am, Lord" (arr. Janet Linker) LB   Notes: In Jesus’ sermon in the synagogue at Nazareth, he adopted as his own statement of God’s call to ministry Isaiah’s description of Israel’s calling to be God’s emissary to the nations. (See Luke 4:16-20 for the story, and the text of the Adult Choir offertory anthem. Canadian church musician, Eleanor Daley, was commissioned to write an anthem for a choral convention that several Messiah musicians attended in Fairfax last summer, and set the following text. It gives, in story form, the rationale for Christians to do the hard work of evangelism and making disciples for Christ, and is the anthem the choir sings this Sunday. An old man, going a highway lone, Came at the evening gray and cold, To a chasm, vast and deep and wide, Through which was flowing a sullen tide. The old man crossed in the twilight dim; The sullen stream had no fears for him; But he turned when safe on the other side, And built a bridge to span the tide. “Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim near, “You are wasting your strength with building here; Your journey will end with the ending day; You never again must pass this way; You have crossed the chasm, deep and wide – Why build you a bridge at the eventide?” The builder lifted his old gray head: “Good friend, in the path I have come” he said, “There followeth after me today A youth whose feet must pass this way. This chasm, that has been naught to me, To that fair-haired youth may a pit-fall be. He, too, must cross in the twilight dim, Good friend, I am building the bridge for him.”     -- Will Allen Dromgoole (1860-1934) Return to the top of the page October 29, 2006    B: Pentecost 21 Prelude "We Walk by Faith" (arr. Lynn Trapp) LB Introit (930) "As the Sun Doth Daily Shine" (INNOCENTS) AC     (1100) "Praise the Lord, All You Nations" (arr. Michael Burkhardt) GNS Anthem "Mayenziwe" (Michael Hassell) AC Offertory (815) "Heal Me, Hands of Jesus" (Sutton Common) JN     (930) "Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart" (arr. Joe Utterback) LB     (1100) "A Mighty Fortress" - HMR Response "Hallelujah" (Henry Purcell) AC Postlude "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" (Ralph Vaughan Williams) LB   Notes: When Job had lost all signs of earthly success as well as his health, he prayed, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” When Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, called out to Jesus for healing, he said, “Teacher, let me see again.” Both prayers were answered with a restoration of all that had been lost. In response to similar events, the Psalmist sang, “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers him.” God’s will in favor of God’s people is the theme of the choral music this Sunday. Return to the top of the page November 5, 2006    B: Pentecost 22: All Saints Prelude "I Sing a Song of the Saints of God" (arr. Hugh Livingston, Jr.) LB Introit (930) "As the Morning Sun Ascending" (UNSER HERRSCHER) AC     (1100) "Faith of Our Fathers" (ST. CATHERINE) CC Anthem "Lo, Round the Throne a Glorious Band" (Henry Ley) AC Offertory "Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ" (Brad Ellingboe) I Response "God Be with You till We Meet Again" (Ralph Vaughan Williams) AC Postlude "For All the Saints" (arr. Timothy Albrecht) LB   Notes: Throughout the Bible, God seems to have what theologians call a “preferential option for the poor.” In other words, it is harder for the affluent to find salvation that for those who have nothing, since wealth and position tend to get in the way of wholeheartedly living according to God’s standards. One of the singers asked why we sing songs about this, and was reminded that the status symbols we treasure in society carry no weight in God’s realm. Therefore, we should give them minimal importance in our attitudes toward people. Return to the top of the page November 12, 2006    B: Pentecost 23 Prelude "I Sing the Mighty Power of God" (arr. Dan Forrest) LB Introit (930) "This Is the Day" (James Rivers) AC     (1100) "Jesus, We Are Here" (MATSIKENYIRI) HMR Anthem "Come Sunday" (arr. Alice Parker) AC Offertory (815) "I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me" (arr. Wendell Whalum) JN     (930) "Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel" (arr. Dan Edwards) JR     (1100) "Canon of Grace" (arr. Linda Lamb) AR Response "Peace" (James Rivers) AC Postlude "Lead On, O King Eternal" (arr. Michael Helman) LB   Notes: Jesus taught that true worship does not consist of outward piety only, but on a trusting relationship with God. This is seen in the story of the widow’s mite. Duke Ellington wrote of just such confidence in God in a piece he wrote for one of his sacred services. “I believe God is now, was then, and always will be.” Hymn 728 has the full text. Return to the top of the page November 19, 2006    B: Pentecost 23 Prelude "Father, We Thank Thee, Who Has Planted" (Emma Lou Diemer) LB Introit (930) "Make a Joyful Noise" (Ann Ker) AC     (1100) "Come, Come, Everybody Worship" (Natalie Sleeth) CC Anthem "Praise, O Praise" (Martin How) AC Offertory (815) "God of the Poor" (Kevin Keil) V     (930) "God of the Poor" (Kevin Keil) SpS     (1100) "It Is Good to Sing Praise" (Mary Ellen Kerrick) GNS Response "Fivefold Amen" (Ann Ker) AC Postlude "Celebration" (Robert Hebble) LB   Notes: Throughout the Bible, God seems to have what theologians call a “preferential option for the poor.” In other words, it is harder for the affluent to find salvation that for those who have nothing, since wealth and position tend to get in the way of wholeheartedly living according to God’s standards. One of the singers asked why we sing songs about this, and was reminded that the status symbols we treasure in society carry no weight in God’s realm. Therefore, we should give them minimal importance in our attitudes toward people. Return to the top of the page November 22, 2006    B: Thanksgiving Eve Prelude "Glory to God, We Give You Thanks" (arr. J. Wayne Kerr) LB Introit "Now Thank We All Our God" (arr. Michael Rosewall) SpS Anthem "Praise, O Praise" (Martin How) AC Offertory "Cello Sonata #1 in G" (JS Bach) I Response "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" (Peter Lutkin) AC Postlude "Toccata for Harvest" (Martin Setchell) LB November 26, 2006    B: Pentecost 24 Prelude "God, We Praise You" (Laura Kutscher) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "Jesus, Hail! Enthroned in Glory" (IN BABILONE) AC Anthem "Above All Praise" (Felix Mendelssohn) AC Offertory (815) "Hail, Thou Once-Despised Jesus" (IN BABILONE) JN     (930 & 1100) "Allegro non troppo" op. 38 no. 2 (Felix Mendelssohn) I Response "May the Lord Go with You" (John Read) AC Postlude (815)"Variations on 'Mit Freuden Zart'" (Hugh Livingston) LB     (930 & 1100) "Allemande" (JS Bach) I   Notes: Felix Mendelssohn was the grandson of the philosopher, Moses Mendelssohn, whose work is still read and highly regarded today. 19th-century Germany was not a particularly friendly place for Jews, so Felix’s father had Felix and his sister, Fanny, baptized Christian. He was hoping they could escape the harassment that he had endured his whole life. To a large extent, they did escape it, only to have rejection of his music resurface during the Nazi era. Felix wrote many religious works that are still frequently performed, including Psalms and Canticles and the oratorios Elijah, Paulus, and Christus. Return to the top of the page December 3, 2006    C: Advent 1 Prelude "Partita on 'People , Look East'" (Joseph Bertolozzi) LB Introit (930) "The King of Glory Coomes" (Israeli Folk Song) AC     "Savior of the Natins, Come" (arr. Michael Burkhardt) GNS Anthem "There Shall a Star" (Felix Mendelssohn) AC Offertory (815 & 930) "Of the Father's Love Begotten" (arr. Malcolm Archer) LB     (1100) "O Come, Emmanuel" (Mark Friedman & Janet Vogt) SpS Response "Amen" (John Rutter) AC Postlude "Pastorale" (Anonymous, 1700s) LB   Notes: The Day of the Lord (sometimes called the Second Coming of Christ) is to be marked by disruption of the natural processes related to oceans and heavenly bodies, according to Luke and some other Biblical writers. At the same time, the processes of God that fulfill ancient promises are metaphorically stated in terms of flowers blooming in the desert and stars rising in the dark Eastern sky, announcing new beginnings in God’s relationship with humanity. These are Advent themes that are sung about by choirs this morning. Return to the top of the page December 10, 2006    C: Advent 2 Prelude (815 & 930) "Greensleeves" (English Traditional) LB & GB      (1100a) "Rejoice Greatly" (arr. Susan Geschke) CR Introit (930) "Prepare the Way of the Lord" (Jacques Berthier) AC     (1100) "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" (MENDELSSOHN) CC Anthem "Wild and Lone the Prophet's Voice" (ar. Roger Miller) AC Offertory (815) "The King of Glory Comes" (Israeli Folk Song) JN     (930) "What Child Is This" (arr. Cathy Moklebust) JR & CR     (1100) "A Festive Rondo" (Michael Helman) AR Response "Twofold Amen" (Vincent Persichetti) AC Postlude "Kommst du Nun, Herr Jesu (Come Now, Lord Jesus)" (J.S. Bach) GB   Notes: Malachi preached that God would send a messenger to announce the Day of the Lord. God would purify the descendants of Levi so that their offerings would be pleasing to the Lord. God would be like a refiner’s fire that would remove all impurities. These verses from the prophet inspired an aria and a chorus in Handel’s Messiah. They are also John the Baptist’s theme as he preached in the desert, and the themes of this morning’s choral music.     One of the singers in this year’s Messiah chorus visited a silver smith and asked how the metal is refined. “You put it in the hottest part of the fire, and never take your eye off it.” “How do you know when it is done?” “When you can see your face reflected in the metal.” So God never leaves us nor takes his eye off us when he is shaping us; when the divine image in which we were created becomes visible, we are once again as God intended. Return to the top of the page December 17, 2006    C: Advent 3 Prelude "In Dulci Jubilo" (JS Bach) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "Ding Dong Merrily on High" (arr. Michael Neaum) AC Women Anthem "Fantasia on Christmas Carols" (Ralph Vaughan Williams) AC & JR Offertory "Lovely Child, Holy Child" (arr. David N. Johnson) AC Men Response "Threefold Amen" (Ann Ker) AC Postlude "Noel Suisse" (Louis Claude D'Aquin) LB   Notes: British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams made his early reputation as a collector of English folk songs and as editor of a major hymnal for the Church of England. He emerged as one of the 20th-century’s great composers of choral and orchestral music. His religious music includes hymn tune settings, a Mass, and a large morality opera, “The Pilgrim’s Progress.” Much of his music is marked by modal harmonies and rich textures, both of which will be heard this morning. The “Fantasia on Christmas Carols” is the smallest of his large works for Christmas, the other two being “Hodie” and “The First Nowell.” Return to the top of the page December 24, 2006    C: Advent 4 Prelude "See Amid the Snow/In the Bleak Midwinter" (arr. Malcolm Archer) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "O Come, Let Us Adore Him" (ADESTE FIDELES) AC Anthem "While by My Sheep" (Hugo Jüngst) AC Offertory (930) "Like a Child" (arr. David Cherwien) LB     (1100) "Echo Carol" (arr. Sondra Tucker) CR Response "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" (GLORIA) AC Postlude "Sussex Carol" (arr. Quentin Thomas) LB Return to the top of the page December 24, 2006    C: Christmas Eve 500p Prelude "He Is Born" (arr. Teresa Wilhelmi) LB Introit "Hodie! Born Today" (John Horman) CaC Anthem "The Christmas Miracle" (Michael Burkhardt) GNS & CaC Offertory "Away In a Manger" (arr. Francis Callahan) CC & HMR Postlude "Noel de Saintonge" (Dandrieu) LB Return to the top of the page December 24, 2006    C: Christmas Eve 700p Prelude "He Is Born" (arr. Teresa Wilhelmi) LB Introit "Ragtime Carol" (Christopher Tambling) SpS Anthem "'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime" (arr. Cathy Moklebust) AR     "On Christmas Night" (arr. Jody Lindy) SpS     "Nova, Nova" (arr. Michael Bedford) SpS Offertory "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" (arr. Sarah Mclaughlin) Ensemble Return to the top of the page December 24, 2006    C: Christmas Eve 900p & 1100p Prelude "God Rest You Merry Gentlemen" (arr. Norman Warren) LB Introit "While by My Sheep" (Hugo Jüngst) AC Anthem "What Sweeter Music" (Michael Fink) AC Offertory "Carol of the Bells" (arr. Arnold Sherman) AC & JR Postlude "Noel de Saintonge" (Dandrieu) LB Return to the top of the page December 31, 2006    C: Christmas 1 Prelude "We Three Kings" (Settings by John Barr & Andrew Fletcher) LB Introit (930 & 1100) "O Come, Let Us Adore Him" (ADESTE FIDELES) AC Anthem "What Cheer? Good Cheer!" (William Walton) AC Offertory (815) "Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow" (Traditional Spiritual) JN     (930 & 1100) "O Morning Star" (Franklin Ritter) LB Response "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" (GLORIA) AC Postlude "Sing We Now of Christmas" (Richard Hudson) LB Return to the top of the page