Tag: Feasts and seasons

04Feb

Celebration of the Word for the 5th Sunday after Epiphany 2023

Epiphany 5th Sunday 2023
  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 58:1-12, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 112:1-10, King James Version.
  5. Hymn: “O God Beyond All Praising” by Stour Valley Benefice, United Kingdom, 2021, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  6. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 World English Bible.
  7. “Alleluia” from “OrthodoxMusicOnline”, with David Dillock, conductor, uploaded to YouTube in 2012 and used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
  8. Gospel: Mathew 5:13-20, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: From Matthew 6.
  10. Blessing:  2 Corinthians.
  11. 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.
28Jan

Celebration of the Word for the Fourth Sunday of Epiphany 2023

Epiphany 4th Sunday 2023
  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: Micah 6:1-8, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 15, King James Version.
  5. Hymn: “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty the King of Creation”, Public domain.
  6. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, 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: Matthew 5:1-12, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer, from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.
  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.

21Jan

A Celebration of the Word for the 3rd Sunday of Epiphany 2023

Epiphany 3rd Sunday 2023
  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: Isaiah 9:1-4, King James Bible.
  4. Hymn: “O God Our Help in Ages Past”, in the public domain at Archive.org.
  5. Psalm 27:1, 4-9, King James Version.
  6. Gloria Patri: Exceprted from Psalm 46 setting by Van Ness, sung in Evensong at St. Paul’s, Burlingame, Sept 26, 2021. Used in Accordance with the Creative Commons license.
  7. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, World English Bible.
  8. Motet: Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986) “Ubi Caritas,” performed by Initio Ensemble, at the Novosibirsk Special Musical School in 2014, uploaded to YouTube by Ivan Gorin, and used in accordance with the Creative Commons license. Translation: “Where charity and love are, God is there. Love of Christ has gathered us into one. Let us rejoice in Him and be glad. Let us fear, and let us love the living God. And from a sincere heart let us love one. Where charity and love are, God is there. At the same time, therefore, are gathered into one: Lest we be divided in mind, let us beware. Let evil impulses stop, let controversy cease. And in the midst of us be Christ our God. Where charity and love are, God is there. At the same time we see that with the saints also, Thy face in glory, O Christ our God: The joy that is immense and good, Unto the World without end. Amen.“
  9. Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23, World English Bible.
  10. The Lord’s Prayer: Setting by Phillippe Radcliffe (1905-1986), performed at Kerke de Laurens, Rotterdam, in 2020. Used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
  11. Blessing: Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6.
  12. Organ postlude: Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706): “Allein Gott in der Hoh sei Ehr.” Recorded via Hauptwerk VI, using the Sonus Paradisi Sample Set of the Schnitger Organ in Noordbroek, Netherlands. Uploaded by Leon Kopecny, 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.

14Jan

A Celebration for the Second Sunday of Epiphany 2023

Epiphany 2nd Sunday 2023
  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: Isaiah 49:1-7, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 40:1-11, 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 1:1-9, 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 1:29-42, 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 Jin Kyung Lim on the Fisk Organ at Stanford Memorial Church, uploaded to YouTube by “bongsub”, 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.

25Dec

A Festival of Lessons and Carols

“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

(Note: This is a repost from 1 year ago. Enjoy)

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. 

A Virtual Lessons and Carols
  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.

30Oct

Celebration of the 21st Sunday After Pentecost 2022: Reformation Sunday

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.

Pentecost 21st Sunday 2022
  1. Opening Acclamation: Psalm 46:1.
  2. Organ Prelude: “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” performed at Zwingli’s church, Bern Minster, by Diane Bish, from “8719 BERN CATHEDRAL – BERN, SWITZERLAND”, used in accordance with Creative Commons License.
  3. First Reading: Isaiah 1:10-18, King James Bible.
  4. Hymn: “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” sung by an unknown congregation. Public domain.
  5. Psalm 32:1-7, King James Bible.
  6. Response: Psalm 84 (1), sung at Kerke de Laurens, Rotterdam, in 2020. Used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
  7. Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, World English Bible.
  8. Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Chorale prelude on “Allein Gott in der Höh´ sei Ehr´” BWV 716, recorded on Hauptwerk VI, using the Sonus Paradisi Sample Set of the Schnitger Organ in Noordbroek, Netherlands. Uploaded to Youtube by Leon Kopecny in 2021, used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
  9. Gospel: Luke 19:1-10, World English Bible.
  10. The Lord’s Prayer: Setting by Phillippe Radcliffe (1905-1986), performed at Kerke de Laurens, Rotterdam, in 2020. Used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
  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. 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.

22Oct

Celebration of the Word for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost 2022

Pentecost 20th Sunday 2022
  1. Opening Acclamation: Ephesians 1.
  2. Organ Prelude: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) “Organ Prelude in G Major” BWV 568, performed by David Stith at St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, Austin, Texas, uploaded to YouTube by “StripedGazelle”, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  3. First Reading: Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm: Psalm 84, sung by the Clarion Singers, uploaded to YouTube by Rende Brouwer, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  5. Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, World English Bible.
  6. Anthem: Giovanni da Palestrina (c. 1525 – 1594) “Alleluia.” Sung at First Congregational Church of LA, available on YouTube, and used in accordance with the Creative Commons License.
  7. Gospel: Luke 18:9-14, 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: From Romans.
  10. Organ postlude: “Improvisation on Cwm Rhonda (Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer),” performed in 2022 by Joshua Sobel on the great 1931/1963 IV/62 Austin organ at Centenary United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem, NC. This is available on YouTube, and used in accordance with the 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.

16Oct

Celebration of the Word for the 19th Sunday After Pentecost 2022

Pentecost 19th Sunday 2022
  1. Opening Sentence: From the Book of Common Prayer, 1662
  2. Hymn: “Alleluia, Sing to Jesus”, performed by organist Diane Bish, from “Joy of Music” program “9913 Great Organs and Churches of France”. Used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
  3. First Reading: Genesis 32:22-31, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 121, “I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes Unto The Hills” from “Requiem” by Herbert Howells (1892-1983). This was performed in 2013 by Immanuel Congregational Church, available in the public domain at Archive.org.
  5. Second Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5, World English Bible.
  6. Hymn: “Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer”, unknown congregation, in the public domain at Archive.org.
  7. Gospel: Luke 18:1-8, World English Bible.
  8. The Lord’s Prayer: From the Book of Common Prayer, 1662.
  9. Benediction: From the Book of Common Prayer, 1662.
  10. Organ postlude: Nicholaus Bruhns (1665-1697) “E-moll Preludium,” performed by Bertalan Nagy on the organ of the Lutheran Church in Deák Square. 2021. This recording is used in accordance with the 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.

09Oct

Celebration for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost 2022

Pentecost 18th Sunday 2022
  1. Opening Acclamation: Psalm 19.
  2. Hymn: “Praise to The Lord, The Almighty the King of Creation”, sung by an anonymous congregation, in the public domain.
  3. First Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 111, King James Bible.
  5. Gloria Patri: From a live service at the First Presbyterian Church of Wolcott. Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  6. Second Reading: 2 Timothy 2:8-15, World English Bible.
  7. Hymn: “O God Our Help In Ages Past”, public domain.
  8. Gospel: Luke 17:11-19, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke.
  10. Blessing: The Aaronic Blessing from Numbers 6 (King James Version).
  11. Organ postlude: Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707), “Präludium g-Moll”, BuxWV 149, performed by Tobias Götting, Lambertikirche, Oldenburg, 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.

02Oct

Celebration of Word and Music for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost 2022

  1. Opening Acclamation: From Psalm 81:1.
  2. Hymn: “Love Divine All Loves Excelling” sung at Hyde Park Union Church, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  3. First Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 37:1-9, King James Version.
  5. Hymn: “Alleluia Sing to Jesus” by Stour Valley Benefice, United Kingdom, August 2021, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  6. Second Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-14, World English Bible.
  7. Organ Sequence: David Johnson’s “Wondrous Love”, played by Joey Wetzels on the great Klais organ of the Monastery St. Michael in Steyl, uploaded to YouTube by Joey Wetzels, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  8. Gospel: Luke 17:5-10, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer from Matthew.
  10. Blessing: 1 Timothy 1:17., World English Bible.
  11. Organ postlude: J. S. Bach (1685–1750), “Präludium a-Moll”, BWV 543, performed by Lucas Pohle at Nikolaikirche Leipzig, 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.