- Prelude: Concerto for 2 Trumpets in D Major, by Johann Molter, MWV 6.30. From a European Archive, at MusOpen.
- Reading: Acts 10: 34-43, from the World English Bible, by Librivox.
- Music: Te Deum, Orchestral, by Marc Antoine Charpentier; unknown performers, available from Community Audio section of the Internet Archive.
- Reading: Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24, from the King James Version, by Librivox.
- Gloria Patri by Antionio Vivaldi (1678-1741) Performed by Orquesta del Conservatori Superior de musica Juaquin Rodrigo Valencia (spain) in 2012; Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
- Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 19-26, World English Bible.
- Organ Hymn: “Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” performed by Diane Bish, from “Joy of Music” program 2501, “Hymns and Spiritual Songs of Easter.” Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
- Reading: John 20:1-20, from the World English Bible.
- 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.
- Benediction from Romans 16:24.
- Music: “Amen”, from Magnificat, by Jan Dismas Zelenka; Performed by the Prague Choral Society, at MusOpen (linked above).
This little audio file is offered for your enjoyment and for the glory of God.
- Opening acclamation: Psalm 51:15
- Hymn: “Amazing Grace” for flute, Angela Brown, and organ, Diane Bish, from a program entitled “Hymns and Sacred Songs”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
- Lesson 1: Acts 10:44-48, World English Bible.
- Psalm 98, from the King James Bible.
- Music: J. S. Bach: Cantata No. 207a: “O Praise the Lord Most Holy”, from a program by Diane Bish entitled “The Many Moods of Bach”, used in accordance with Creative Commons License.
- Lesson 2: 1 John 5:1-6, World English Bible.
- Music: John Stainer (1840-1901) “God so Loved the World”, performed by the Immanuel Congregational Church, Hartford CT (with the lovely bonus sound of the siren of an unknown first responder toward the end of the piece), available in the public domain.
- Gospel: John 15:9-17, World English Bible.
- The Lord’s Prayer, from Matthew.
- Benediction and Amen, Public domain.
- Organ postlude: J.S. Bach, “In Herr Jesu Christ dich zu uns wend, BWV 632”, performed by Aldo Locatelli, in the public domain.
These readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. I offer this effort to God’s glory and for your enjoyment.
- Opening acclamation from Psalm 118.
- Hymn: “Crown him with many crowns” by unknown singers. Public Domain. From Internet Archive.
- First Reading: Acts 8:26-40(World English Bible).
- Psalm 22: 25-31 (King James Version).
- Gloria Patri: Excerpted from an audio cassette of a choir festival in Evanston, IL, circa 1993.
- Second Reading: 1 John 4:7-12 (World English Bible).
- Organ sequence: “Christ Ist Erstanden” performed by Jens Engel on the organ of Kreuzkirche Sieglar, used in accordance with Creative Commons license. English Hymn text: “Christ the Lord is risen again; Christ has broken every chain! Hark, the angels shout for joy, Singing evermore on high: Alleluia.”
- Gospel: John 15: 1-8.
- The Lord’s Prayer: Chanted by unknown congregation, uploaded to YouTube by “LabourerFaith”, and used in accordance with Creative Commons License.
- Blessing: The Aaronic Blessing from Numbers 6 (King James Version).
- Musical postlude: Charles-Marie Widor, Organ Symphony no. 5, Op. 42 no. 1, performer Paul Pittman, in the public domain. At MusOpen.
I have put this audio file together from sources that are mostly in the public domain, including LibriVox (for bible readings), MusOpen (for royalty Free Music) and the Community Audio section of the Internet Archives.
This brief service of music and sacred scripture is offered in praise of God, and for the benefit of any who would like to worship in this manner.
- Opening acclamation and organ prelude: “I know that My Redeemer lives”, by Diane Bish, performing from St. Jacob’s Church, Prague, on a program entitled “Easter Alleluias”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
- First Reading: Acts 4: 5-12, World English Bible.
- Psalm 23: “The Lord’s My Shepherd” by the choir of St. Giles Cathedral with guest organist Diane Bish, featured on the Joy of Music program 2407 “Hymns and Sacred Songs from England,” used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
- Second Reading: 1 John 3: 16-24, World English Bible.
- Motet: Giovanni de Palestrina (1525-1594) “Haec Dies” by the Tudor Consort, 2006, used in accordance with the Creative Commons License. Translation: “This is the day the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad in it, Alleluia.“
- Gospel Reading: John 10: 11-18, World English Bible.
- Lord’s Prayer: from Luke.
- Benediction: From Romans.
- Postlude: “Erschienen ist der herrlich Tag” performed by Jens Engel on the organ of Kreuzkirche Sieglar, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
- Prelude: Concerto for 2 Trumpets in C major, RV 537, by Antonio Vivaldi, performed by Michael Rondeau. Available at MusOpen.
- Reading: Acts 3:12-19, from the World English Bible, by Librivox.
- Hymn: “Thine Be The Glory, Risen Conquering Son (Traditional Easter Hymn)”, From Internet Archives.
- Reading: Psalm 4, from the King James Version, by Librivox.
- Music: “Gloria Patri” by Antonio Vivaldi, from Dixit Dominus, RV594, performed by Ghislieri Choir & Consort, uploaded to YouTube by Centro di Musica Antica Fondazione Ghislieri, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
- Reading: 1 John 3: 1-7, World English Bible.
- Music: Jacob Handl (1550-1591) “Alleluia in Resurrectione” performed by La Coral DIVISI de Valencia, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
- Gospel Reading: Luke 24: 36-48, World English Bible.
- The Lord’s Prayer, King James Version
- Choral benediction: C. P. Lutkin (1858-1931) “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” sung by the Csehy Summer School, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
- Call to Worship: From Psalm 118.
- Prelude: Concerto for 2 Trumpets in D Major, by Johann Molter, MWV 6.30 – III. Allegro. From a European Archive, at MusOpen.
- First Reading: Acts 4:32-35, World English Bible.
- Psalm 133, KJV with background music, uploaded to YouTube by “Book of Psalms” and used in accordance with Creative Commons License.
- Hymn: “The Strife is O’er The Battle Won”, Choir of Ss Simon and Jude Cathedral, Pheonix, in 2013, by “ad te levavi”, available in Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons License.
- Second Reading: I John 1:1-2:2, World English Bible.
- Hymn: “O Filii et Filiae”, uploaded to YouTube in 2016 by “Catholique de France”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license. English version: “Alleluia, alleluia,alleluia, alleluia!
1 O sons and daughters of the King, whom heavenly hosts in glory sing, today the grave has lost its sting. Alleluia!
2 That Easter morn at break of day, the faithful women went their way to seek the tomb where Jesus lay. Alleluia!
3 An angel clad in white they see, who sat and spoke unto the three, “Your Lord has gone to Galilee.” Alleluia!
4 When Thomas first the tidings heard that some had seen the risen Lord, he doubted the disciples’ word. Lord, have mercy!
5 At night the apostles met in fear; among them came their Master dear and said, “My peace be with you here.” Alleluia!
6 “My pierced side, O Thomas, see, and look upon my hands, my feet; not faithless but believing be.” Alleluia!
7 No longer Thomas then denied; he saw the feet, the hands, the side. “You are my Lord and God!” he cried. Alleluia!
8 How blest are they who have not seen and yet whose faith has constant been, for they eternal life shall win. Alleluia.
- Gospel reading: John 20:19-31, World English Bible.
- The Lord’s Prayer: From the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.
- Blessing: From Second Corinthians.
- Organ Postlude: L Farnum (1885-1930) “Toccata on O Filie et Filiae”, Performed by Diane Bish at St. Michaels Church, Munich Germany; From “Joy of Music 9611 FAVORITE SACRED CLASSICS”, 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.
I have put together an audio file of readings and music, offered in praise of God and for the benefit of any who might find in it a blessing on this day of ongoing isolation due to the pandemic. The readings and music are taken from audio files that are in the public domain.
- Prelude: Concerto for 2 Trumpets in D Major, by Johann Molter, MWV 6.30. From a European Archive, at MusOpen.
- Reading: Acts 10: 34-43, from the World English Bible, by Librivox.
- Music: Te Deum, Orchestral, by Marc Antoine Charpentier; unknown performers, available from Community Audio section of the Internet Archive.
- Reading: Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24, from the King James Version, by Librivox.
- Reading: John 20:1-20, from the World English Bible.
- The Lord’s Prayer, World English Bible
- Concluding Prayer
- Music: “Amen”, from Magnificat, by Jan Dismas Zelenka; Performed by the Prague Choral Society, at MusOpen (linked above).
(Reposted from April 2020)
I have put together another audio file of readings and music, offered in praise of God and for the benefit of any who might find in it a blessing on this day of ongoing isolation due to the COVID pandemic. The readings and music are taken from audio files that are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary.
- Prelude: Concerto for 2 Trumpets in D Major, by Johann Molter, MWV 6.30 – III. Allegro. From a European Archive, at MusOpen.
- Reading: Acts 2:14a, 22-32, from the World English Bible, by Librivox.
- Music: Hymn: Alleluia – A joyous Easter Hymn, by Frieda Hempel, Soprano, 1924. From Internet Archives.
- Reading: Psalm 16, from the King James Version, by Librivox.
- Reading: John 20:19-31, from the World English Bible.
- The Lord’s Prayer, World English Bible
- Song: “Exultate Deo”, by William Byrd; Internet Archives Community Audio.
- Concluding Prayer: St. Richard of Chichester
- Music: “Amen”, from Magnificat, fauxbourdon by William Byrd. Sung by the Choir of St. Thomas Church 5th Avenue.
- Postlude, Organ work: JS Bach, “Christ lag in Todesbanden”, performed by Aldo Locatelli, at MusOpen.
I have put together an audio file of readings and music, offered in praise of God and for the benefit of any who might find in it a blessing on this day of ongoing isolation due to the pandemic. The readings and music are taken from audio files that are in the public domain.
- Prelude: Concerto for 2 Trumpets in D Major, by Johann Molter, MWV 6.30. From a European Archive, at MusOpen.
- Reading: Acts 10: 34-43, from the World English Bible, by Librivox.
- Music: Te Deum, Orchestral, by Marc Antoine Charpentier; unknown performers, available from Community Audio section of the Internet Archive.
- Reading: Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24, from the King James Version, by Librivox.
- Reading: John 20:1-20, from the World English Bible.
- The Lord’s Prayer, World English Bible
- Concluding Prayer
- Music: “Amen”, from Magnificat, by Jan Dismas Zelenka; Performed by the Prague Choral Society, at MusOpen (linked above).
I recall an old slogan:
“In essentials, unity.
In nonessentials, diversity.
In all things, love!”
“In essentials, unity.
In nonessentials, diversity.
In all things, love!”
The early bishop and martyr Polycarp, whose feast is celebrated on Feb 23, was involved in a dispute that is a model of Christian brotherhood in the midst of disagreement. The dispute is known by the obscure name “Quartodecimanism” from a Latin term meaning “fourteenth”.
The controversy arose because Christians in Jerusalem and Asia Minor, following guidance from the Apostle John, chose to celebrate Passover on the 14th day of the “first month”. They felt that the crucifixion of Jesus should carry the emphasis, and that this day should be the principle feast for Christians. On the other hand, churches in and around Rome had changed the principle celebration to the following Sunday (as is the commonplace today for most Christians). The dispute became quite heated at times, leading almost to excommunications.
We have a record of how Polycarp and his opponent treated each other on this issue:
And when the blessed Polycarp was at Rome in the time of Anicetus, and they disagreed a little about certain other things, they immediately made peace with one another, not caring to quarrel over this matter. For neither could Anicetus persuade Polycarp not to observe what he had always observed with John the disciple of our Lord, and the other apostles with whom he had associated; neither could Polycarp persuade Anicetus to observe it as he said that he ought to follow the customs of the presbyters that had preceded him. But though matters were in this shape, they communed together, and Anicetus conceded the administration of the eucharist in the church to Polycarp, manifestly as a mark of respect. And they parted from each other in peace, both those who observed, and those who did not, maintaining the peace of the whole church.
(Eusebius, quoting a letter by Irenaus, available at earlychurchtexts.com)
Eventually the debate was settled, and the Roman practice prevailed, though a few holdouts persisted into the fourth century. Today Easter Sunday is the biggest feast on the Calendar for Christians throughout the world.
Other sources:
Campbell, T. (1907). Pope St. Anicetus. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved February 25, 2018 from New Advent: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01514a.htm