Tag: Year B

30Dec

First Sunday of Christmas Season 2023

Christmas 1st Sunday, Lectionary Year B
  1. Prelude: “Adeste Fideles” performed by ALTA BELLEZZA, Ann Allen and Hann Geisel on shawms, and Nathaniel Wood on slide trumpet; From Midnight mass on 24th December 2019, at St. Mauritius, Schötz, Switzerland.  Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  2. First Reading: Isaiah 61:10-62:3, King James Bible.
  3. Carol: “Noël nouvelet” by Verum, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  English Lyrics: (1) Noël nouvelet, sing we a new Noël. Thank we now our God, and of His goodness tell; Sing we Noël to greet the newborn King; Noël nouvelet, a new Noël we sing! (2) Waking from my sleep, a vision came to me; For before my eyes there stood a flow’ring tree, Where on a bright red rosebud I did see. Noël nouvelet, a new Noël sing we. (3) How my heart did glow, with inward joy divine! For with rays of glory did the rosebud shine, As when the sun doth blaze on break of day. This new Noël sing we: Noël nouvelet!
  4. Psalm 148, King James Version.
  5. Carol: “Silent Night”, sung by Malden High School Concert Choir at their 2018 State House Holiday Concert, uploaded to YouTube by Chris Murphy and used in accordance with Creative Commons License.
  6. Second Reading: Galatians 4:4-7, World English Bible.
  7. Carol: “Away in a Manger” from 2014 YouTube Video “A Christmas Offering: Three Christmas Carols Arranged for Baroque Guitar”, performed by Raymond Andrews, used in accordance with Creative Commons license. 
  8. Gospel: Luke 2:22-40, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: From Matthew.
  10. Blessing: 2nd Corinthians 13.
  11. Organ postlude: Johann S Bach (1685-1750) “Puer natus in Bethlehem” BWV 603, from Orgelbüchlein, performed by Jens Engel on the Orgel der Christuskirche Lohmar. Available on youtube, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license. 

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

24Dec

Celebration for the Fourth Sunday of Advent 2023

Advent 4th Sunday 2023
  1. Opening Sentence: Psalm 89.
  2. Hymn: “Creator of the Stars of Night”, sung by Immanuel Congregational Church in Hartford, CT, Dec 2012; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  3. First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, King James Bible.
  4. Canticle: Lorenzo Perosi (1872-1956) “Magnificat”, performed at the Church of the Nativity of the BVM alla Mandria, uploaded to YouTube by “CappellaMusicaleBeataVergine”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  English Text from Luke 1:46-55:  “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.  For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
  5. Second Reading: Romans 16:25-27, World English Bible.
  6. Hymn arranged for organ and flute: Franz Schubert “Ave Maria”, performed by Sofia Lubyantseva; Uploaded to YouTube by “FluteMasters”, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  
  7. Gospel: Luke 1:26-38, World English Bible.
  8. The Lord’s Prayer: From The Book of Common Prayer, 1662..
  9. Blessing: 2nd Corinthians 13.
  10. Organ postlude: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) “Meine Seele Erhebt den Herren”, Bwv 648. Performed at Jacobikerk Utrecht, uploaded to YouTube by Koos van ‘t Hul, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

17Dec

Celebration for the Third Sunday of Advent 2023

Advent 3rd Sunday 2023
  1. Opening Sentence: Phillippians 4.
  2. Carol: “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”, performed by the chorus of the U.S. Army Band, led by Colonel Thomas Rotondi, Jr.  Public domain.
  3. First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, King James Bible.
  4. Canticle: Zachariáš Zarevúcky (1605-1667): “Magnificat secundi toni à (8, alternatim)”, performed in December 2010 at ČESKÉ MUZEUM HUDBY. Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  English Text from Luke 1:46-55:  “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.  For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
  5. Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, World English Bible.
  6. Motet (in lieu of Gospel Reading, from John 1:19-23): Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625) “This is the Record of John,” performed by the Men and Boys of Saint Matthew’s Church, Ottawa. Uploaded to YouTube by Leonard Surges, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  
  7. The Lord’s Prayer: From Matthew.
  8. Blessing: 2nd Corinthians 13.
  9. Organ postlude: Georg Böhm (1661-1733), Extract from Partita “Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele” performed by Benjamin Alard in Aug 2019 on the historical organ by Joachim Kayser (1694) – St. Sixtus und Sinicius’s church in Hohenkirchen (Wangerland), used in accordance with Creative Commons license.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

09Dec

A Celebration of the Word for the Second Sunday of Advent 2023

Advent 2nd Sunday 2023
  1. Opening Sentence: Mark 1.
  2. Hymn: Claude Goudimel (c. 1505-1572) “Comfort Comfort Ye, My People”, sung by
  3. Ned Tipton and the St. John’s Cathedral Compline Choir, Los Angeles, uploaded to YouTube by Steven Speciale, and used in Accordance with Creative Commons license.   
  4. First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11, King James Bible.
  5. Psalm Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13, King James Bible.
  6. Hymn: Gustav Holst (1874-1934) “In the Bleak Midwinter”, performed in December 2010 by QuireCleveland under direction by Ross W. Duffin, at the Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland, OH. Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  
  7. Second Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-15a, World English Bible.
  8. Organ sequence: “Hark, A Thrilling Voice is Sounding”, Uploaded to YouTube by Evan Hilsabeck, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  
  9. Gospel: Mark 1:1-8, World English Bible.
  10. The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke.
  11. Blessing: 2nd Corinthians 13.
  12. Organ postlude: Heinrich Scheidemann (1595-1663) “Es ist gewisslich an der Zeit” performed by Reiner Korver on the Severijn organ in the St. Martinuskerk in Cuijk, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

02Dec

Readings and Music for the First Sunday of Advent

Advent 1st Sunday 2023
  1. Opening Sentence: Isaiah 9:2.
  2. “Come, thou Long Expected Jesus” performed at the University Church in Walla Walla, WA, uploaded to YouTube by “Your Church” and used in Accordance with Creative Commons license.
  3. First Reading: Isaiah 64:1-9, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, King James Bible.
  5. Gloria Patri (“Glory be to the Father”) by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594), sung by Salt Lake Children’s Choir, at the First Baptist Church of Salt Lake City, May 2011; Uploaded to YouTube by “lemmondg”; Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  
  6. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, World English Bible. Organ sequence: “Lo, He Comes with Clouds of Glory”, Uploaded to YouTube by “Ubertuba”; Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  7. Gospel: Mark 13:24-37, World English Bible.
  8. The Lord’s Prayer: Setting by Robert stone (1516-1613). Sung by the choir of St. David’s Church, Exeter, 2018. Uploaded to YouTube by David Walsh, used by permission.
  9. Blessing: 2nd Corinthians 13.
  10. Anthem: “O Come O Come Emmanuel” posted by “Ferox” in the Internet Archive. Public Domain.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

20Nov

Celebration for the 26th Sunday of Pentecost, Christ the King Sunday

Christ the King Sunday 2021
  1. Opening Acclamation: Ephesians 1.
  2. Prelude: “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name” arranged and performed by organist Dianne Bish, from “Joy of Music” program 2205, “Music and the Bible: Jesus”. This is used in accordance with the Creative Commons License.
  3. First Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 93, King James Bible.
  5. Hymn: “O Worship the King”, Uploaded to YouTube by “bhepure isidoro”; Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  6. Second Reading: Revelation 1:4-8, World English Bible.
  7. Sequence: “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” uploaded by WhisperSongs, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  8. Gospel: John 18:33-37, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: From the Gospel of Luke.
  10. Blessing: The Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6.
  11. Postlude: Jean Langlais (1907-1991), “Acclamations” from Suite Médiévale, performed by Matteo Maiolo, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

14Nov

Celebration for the 25th Sunday after Pentecost 2021

Pentecost 25th Sunday 2021
  1. Opening Acclamation: Psalm 118:1.
  2. Hymn: “Rejoice The Lord Is King” by unknown soloist. Uploaded to YouTube by Christina Iqupen, and used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.  
  3. First Reading: Daniel 12:1-3, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 16, King James Bible.
  5. Gloria Patri: From a live service at the First Presbyterian Church of Wolcott. Used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
  6. Second Reading: Hebrews 10:11-14, World English Bible.
  7. Organ Sequence: Georg Böhm (1661-1733): “Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend”, performed by Jens Engle, Used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
  8. Gospel: Mark 13:1-8, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: From Matthew 6.
  10. Blessing: From 2 Corinthians 13
  11. Organ postlude: J. S. Bach (1685–1750), “Fantasie c-Dur”, BWV 573, performed by Axel Fischer at Lüchow, uploaded to YouTube by NOMINEeV, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

07Nov

Celebration of the Word for the 24th Sunday After Pentecost 2021

24th Sunday after Pentecost 2021
  1. Call to Worship: Psalm 149:1
  2. Hymn: “For all the Saints” by the congregation of Immanuel Congregational Church, in the public domain at Archive.org.
  3. First Reading: 1 Kings 17:8-16, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 146, King James Bible.
  5. Motet: Tomas Luis da Victoria (1548-1611): “O quam gloriosum”, sung at St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church in Ottumwa, Iowa. The choir is the Cantus Angelicus Choral Society. This was in the public domain, at Archive.org. Translation: “O, how glorious is the kingdom, in which all the saints rejoice with Christ!  Arrayed in white robes, they follow the Lamb, wherever He goes.”
  6. Second Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28, World English Bible.
  7. Organ interlude: “At the Lamb’s High Feast we Sing” (Salzburg)
  8. Gospel: Mark 12:38-44, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: Chanted by unknown congregation, uploaded to YouTube by “LabourerFaith”, and used in accordance with Creative Commons License.
  10. Blessing: The Aaronic Blessing from Numbers 6 (King James Version).
  11. Organ postlude: Marc Antoine Charpentier (1643-1704): “Te Deum Prelude in D Major”, performed on the 1907 Voit organ at Diakoniekirche Luther in Mannheim Neckarstadt West, uploaded to YouTube by “RomanticChurchOrgan” and used in accordance with Creative Commons License.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

31Oct

Celebration of the Word for the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost 2021

The last Sunday in October is honored in many Protestant churches as “Reformation Sunday”, recalling that on October 31, 1517 Martin Luther made public his 95 theses which, according to legend, he nailed to the door of the Castle church in Wittenburg, Germany. The opening hymn selected for today, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”, was written by Luther himself. Also, in honor of another holiday coming up that coincides with that date, I have chosen a special treat for the organ postlude in this virtual service.

23rd Sunday after Pentecost 2021
  1. Opening Acclamation: Psalm 46:1.
  2. Organ Prelude: “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” performed at Uppsala Cathedral by Diane Bish, from “Hymns and Sacred Songs II”, used in accordance with Creative Commons License
  3. First Reading: Deuteronomy 6:1-9, King James Bible.
  4. Hymn: “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” sung by an unknown congregation. Public domain.
  5. Psalm 119:1-8, King James Bible.
  6. Motet: Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924) “Beati Quorum Via”, based on Psalm 119:1, sung by the choir of St. John the Evangelist, Redhill, uploaded to YouTube by Ginette and Peter Nye, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  7. Second Reading: Hebrews 9:11-14, World English Bible.
  8. Organ sequence: Johann Christoph Bach (1642-1703) “Wir glauben all an einen Gott”, performed on the organ of Sta. Maria church, Montblanc, Tarragona, Catalunya, Spain. Uploaded to YouTube by “Bablung music”, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  9. Gospel: Mark 12:28-34, World English Bible.
  10. The Lord’s Prayer: from Matthew 6.
  11. Blessing: 1 Timothy 1:17.
  12. Organ Postlude: Johan Sebastian Bach (1685-1750): “Toccata and Fugue in D minor.” Played by Fyodor Stroganov (organ). Recorded from a concert on 10/04/2015 at the Evangelical Lutheran Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul. The organizer is the Collegium musicum concert agency. Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

24Oct

Celebration of the Word for the 22nd Sunday After Pentecost 2021

22nd Sunday after Pentecost 2021
  1. Opening Acclamation: Psalm 107:1
  2. Hymn: “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”, verse 1; sung circa 2015 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. This was uploaded to YouTube by a user named “ad te levavi animam meam” and is here used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
  3. First Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 126, King James Bible.
  5. Second Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28, World English Bible.
  6. Hymn: “Open My Eyes That I May See” Sung at Fountainview Academy, uploaded to YouTube by Terceiro Anjo, and used in accordance with the Creative Commons License.
  7. Gospel: Mark 10:46-52, World English Bible.
  8. The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke.
  9. Blessing: 2 Corinthians 13:14.
  10. Choral “Amen”, public domain.
  11. Organ postlude: William Harris “Postlude in G”, Performed at Immanuel Congregational Church, in the public domain at Archive.org.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.