Category: Underground church

14Feb

Transfiguration Sunday, A Celebration in Word and Music

Transfiguration Sunday 2021
  1. Opening acclamation: from Psalm 50.
  2. Hymn: “Crown Him with Many Crowns”, Public domain.
  3. First Reading: 2 Kings 2: 1-12, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 50: 1-6, King James Version.
  5. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:3-6, World English Bible.
  6. Hymn: “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind”, Stanza 5. From a 2012 recording by Immanuel UCC Hartford, available in the public domain at Archive.org.
  7. Gospel: Mark 9:2-9, World English Bible.
  8. The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke.
  9. Blessing:  The Aaronic Blessing from Numbers 6.
  10. Organ Postlude: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) “Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern” BWV 739, performed by Thorston Ahlrichs on Christian Vater Orgel (1722) in Bockhorn, St. Cosmas und Damian, uploaded to YouTube by NOMINEeV, 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.

07Feb

Celebration of Word and Music for the 5th Sunday of Epiphany

5th Sunday of Epiphany 2021
  1. Opening acclamation: from Phillippians.
  2. Anthem: William Byrd (1543-1623) “Exultate Deo” sung by Drake University Chamber Choir, available in the public domain on Archive.org. Translation: Rejoice unto God our helper, sing aloud unto the God of Jacob. Take a psalm and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant psaltery with the harp. Blow the trumpet in the new moon, on the noted day of your solemnity. 
  3. First Reading: Isaiah 40:21-31, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 147:1-11, 20c, King James Version. This version set to music and uploaded to YouTube by “The Book of Psalms”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  5. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, World English Bible.
  6. Hymn: “I Will Sing the Wondrous Story” (stanza 1) performed Aug 2020 by Park Cities Baptist Church, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  7. Gospel: Mark 1:29-39, World English Bible.
  8. The Lord’s Prayer: From Matthew 6.
  9. Blessing:  2 Corinthians.
  10. Organ Postlude: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) “Vivace”-from Trio Sonata No. 2 in C Minor, BWV 526, performed in 2018 on the organ of Minoritenkirche Linz/Donau, by Magdalena Hasibeder, used in accordance with Creative Commons License.
31Jan

Celebration of the Word for the 4th Sunday of Epiphany

4th Sunday of Epiphany 2021
  1. Opening acclamation: Psalm 81:1.
  2. Organ Prelude: Thomas Attwood (1765-1838): “Sonatina in G”, played by Joey Wetzels on a klais organ from 1931, uploaded to YouTube by “Joey Wetzels” and used in accordance with Creative Commons license. 
  3. First Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-20, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 111, King James Version.
  5. Hymn: “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty the King of Creation”, Public domain.
  6. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, World English Bible.
  7. Anthem: William Byrd (1543-1623): “”I Have Longed For Thy Saving Health” performed in 2018 by First Congregational Church of LA under Dr. David Harris, Music Director and Dr. Christoph Bull, organist, uploaded to YouTube by FCCLA and used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
  8. Gospel: Mark 1:21-28, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: Excerpted from a public domain archive of a church service at The Chapel of St Andrew Episcopal Church, Boca Raton FL circa 2010.
  10. Blessing: from Romans.
  11. Organ Postlude: William Harris (1883-1973) “Postlude in G” from a live service at Immanuel Congregational Church, Hartford in 2012, 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.

24Jan

Celebration of the Word for the Third Sunday after Epiphany

Third Sunday of Epiphany 2020
  1. Opening acclamation: Ephesians 1.
  2. Organ Prelude: Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707): “Praeludium and Fuge” BuxWV 147, ernst stolz Hauptwerk Müller organ Oosterwijtwerd, uploaded to YouTube by “My Years With Early Music” and used in accordance with Creative Commons license. 
  3. First Reading: Jonah 3:1-5, 10, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 62:5-12, King James Version.
  5. Hymn: “O God Our Help in Ages Past”, Public domain.
  6. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, World English Bible.
  7. Hymn: “Ye servants of God, your Master Proclaim” (stanza 1), uploaded to YouTube by Christina Iqupen, and used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
  8. Gospel: Mark 1:14-20, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke.
  10. Blessing: Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6.

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.

17Jan

Celebration of Word and Music for the Second Sunday After the Epiphany 2021

Second Sunday after Epiphany 2021
  1. Opening acclamation: Psalm 118.
  2. Hymn: “O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing”, Soloist Roger McMurrin, and Dianne Bish, organ, from “Joy of Music” program entitled “The Life of John Wesley”, uploaded to YouTube by “Joy Of Music” and used in accordance with Creative Commons license. 
  3. First Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18, King James Version.
  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: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, World English Bible.
  7. Hymn: “Open My Eyes, That I May See” performed by Fountainview Academy; uploaded to YouTube by Terceiro Anjo, and used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
  8. Gospel: John 1:43-51, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: From Matthew.
  10. Blessing: from 2 Corinthians 13.
  11. Organ Postlude: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) “Toccata, Adagio und Fuge in C-Dur: Toccata (BWV 564)” performed by Kerstin Wolf on the Steinmeyer-Organ of St. Michaelis, Hamburg, uploaded to YouTube by Kerstin Wolf, 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.

10Jan

A Celebration for the First Sunday of the Epiphany

First Sunday of Epiphany 2021
  1. Opening Sentence: Isaiah 60:1.
  2. Hymn: “We Three Kings”, from unknown congregation, uploaded to YouTube by “Jonathan Hughes” and used in accordance with Creative Commons license. 
  3. First Reading: Genesis 1:1-5, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 29, King James Version.
  5. Hymn: “Worship the Lord In Beauty of Holiness”, Public Domain. 
  6. Second Reading: Acts 19:1-7, World English Bible.
  7. Organ interlude: Max Reger (1873-1916) “Wie Schoen Leuchtet die Morgenstern” op 135a, Performed by Jens Engel on the organ of the Lukaskirche Troisdorf-Spich; uploaded to YouTube and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  8. Gospel: John 1:10-18, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke.
  10. Blessing: from Romans.
  11. Anthem: William Byrd (1543-1623) “O Magnum Mysterium” Sung by Ensemble Morales. Available 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.

03Jan

A Celebration of Word and Music for the Second Sunday of Christmas 2020

2nd Sunday of Christmas 2020
  1. Opening Salutation: Ephesians 1:2.
  2. “I saw three ships come sailing in”, arr David Willcocks sung by the Guildford Cathedral Choir under Barry Rose, uploaded to YouTube by “Stirling” and used in accordance with Creative Commons license. 
  3. First Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-14, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 147:12-20, King James Version. This version was excerpted from a video uploaded to YouTube by “Christian Meditation” and used in accordance with Creative Commons License.
  5. Hymn: “How Brightly Shines the Morning Star” sung in German by Wiltner Boys Choir of Innsbruck, Austria, featured in “Joy of Music 2214 CHRISTMAS IN ART & MUSIC”, uploaded to YouTube and used in accordance with Creative Commons license. English lyrics: 1. How brightly shines the Morning Star! The nations see and hail afar the light in Judah shining. Thou David’s son of Jacob’s race, The Bridegroom, and the King of grace, for thee our hearts are pining!Lowly, holy, great and glorious, thou victorious Prince of graces, filling all the heavenly places. 2. Though circled by the hosts on high, he deigns to cast a pitying eye upon his helpless creature; the whole creation’s Head and Lord, by highest seraphim adored, assumes our very nature. Jesus, grant us, through thy merit, to inherit thy salvation: hear, O hear our supplication. 3. Rejoice, ye heav’ns; thou earth, reply; with praise, ye sinners, fill the sky for this his incarnation. Incarnate God, put forth thy pow’r, ride on, ride on, great Conqueror, till all know thy salvation. Amen, amen! Alleluya, alleluya! Praise be given evermore by earth and heaven. 
  6. Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14, World English Bible.
  7. Organ interlude: “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” (with Christine Capote, Flute), featured in “Joy of Music 2214 CHRISTMAS IN ART & MUSIC”, uploaded to YouTube and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  8. Gospel: John 1:10-18, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke.
  10. Blessing: 2nd Corinthians 13.
  11. Anthem: Franz Josef Haydn (1732-1809) “The Heavens are Telling the Glory of God” Sung by the Choir of St John the Evangelist, Redhill at the Advent Carol Service 2016. Uploaded to YouTube by Ginette and Peter Nye 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.

27Dec

A Celebration of Word and Music for the First Sunday after Christmas

First Sunday after Christmas 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

A Virtual Ceremony of Lessons and Carols for Christmas Eve

“My father arranged from ancient sources a little service for Christmas Eve, nine carols and nine tiny lessons. They were read by various officers of the church, beginning with a chorister and ending, through different grades, with the bishop.”

A.C. Benson

The “Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” originated at Truro Cathedral in England in 1880, and has become a beloved holiday tradition for many churches since then.  I have stitched together this service from the audio sources credited below, and offer it as my reflection upon, and celebration of, the birth of the Messiah. 

Lessons and Carols 2020
  1. Hymn: “Once in Royal David’s City”, sung by the Choir of St Mark’s School, Dallas, Texas, in 2003; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  2. Bidding Prayer: Immanuel Congregational Church, Dec 2012; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  3. Lesson 1: Genesis 3:8-15. God announces in the garden of Eden that the seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.
  4. Carol: Boris Ord (1897 – 1961) “Adam Lay Ybounden”, sung by the First Congregational Church of LA, in 2018. Available on YouTube and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  5. Lesson 2: Genesis 22:15-18. God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall the nations of the earth be blessed.
  6. Carol: Michael Pretorius (1571-1621) “Veni Redemptor Gentium”, Sung by the choir of Men and Boys of St. Matthew’s Church, Ottawa, Canada, in about 1971. Uploaded to YouTube by Leonard Surges and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  7. Lesson 3: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7. Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah.
  8. Carol: “Joy To The World”, sung by unknown congregation, public domain.
  9. Lesson 4: Micah 5: 2-4. The prophet Micah foretells the glory of little Bethlehem.
  10. Carol: “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, sung by the Choir of St Mark’s School, Dallas, Texas, in 2003; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  11. Lesson 5: Luke 1:26-38. The angel Gabriel salutes the virgin Mary.
  12. Carol: “Gabriel’s Message” (Basque Carol), sung by Alexandra Slater, with Gareth Moore and Manx Voices, at Manannan’s Winterfest, 2019.  The music was uploaded to YouTube by Culture Vannin, and is here used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  13. Lesson 6: Matthew 1:18-23. St. Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus.
  14. Carol: “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen”, sung by the Choir of St Mark’s School, Dallas, Texas, in 2003; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  15. Lesson 7: Luke 2:1-20. St. Luke tells of the birth of Jesus.
  16. Carol: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.”  Sung by congregation of Immanuel Congregational Church, Dec 2012; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  17. Lesson 8: Matthew 2: 1-11. Wise men are led by the star to Jesus.
  18. Carol: “What Child is This?” performed by the U.S. Army Chorus, public domain.
  19. Lesson 9: John 1: 1-14. St. John unfolds the mystery of the Incarnation.
  20. Carol: “On Christmas Night”, sung by the Choir of St Mark’s School, Dallas, Texas, in 2003; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  21. Benediction: Excerpted from a recording from Immanuel Congregational Church, Dec 2012; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  22. Recessional Hymn:  “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Sung as processional at the Carols by Candlelight service at Washington National Cathedral on December 23rd, 2015.  The music was uploaded to YouTube by Sam Cherubim, and is here used in accordance with Creative Commons license.

The Bible passages from the King James Version were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. All audio files are given with attribution where known.  

20Dec

A Celebration of the Word for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

4th Sunday of Advent 2020
  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 Luke.
  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.