Tag: Feasts and seasons

15Nov

Celebration of the Word for the 24th Sunday after Pentecost, 2020

23d Sunday after Pentecost 2020
  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: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 90:1-12, 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: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, 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: Matthew 25:14-30, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: From Matthew.
  10. Blessing:
  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.

08Nov

Celebration of the Word for the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, 2020

23rd Sunday after Pentecost 2020
  1. Opening Acclamation: Psalm 51:15.
  2. Motet: Thomas Tallis (1505-1588) “Hear the Voice and Prayer” sung by The University of Iowa Camerata. Uploaded to YouTube by the University of Iowa School of Music, and used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.  
  3. First Reading: Amos 5:18-24, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 70, King James Bible.
  5. Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, World English Bible.
  6. Organ Sequence: “Beautiful Savior”, hymn played on organ by Tyler Breneman on the II/24 McManis Pipe Organ at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, Kansas. Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  
  7. Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13, World English Bible.
  8. The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke.
  9. Blessing: The Aaronic Blessing from Numbers 6 (King James Version).
  10. Organ postlude: Franz Liszt (1811-1886) “Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H”, performed by Daniela Timokhine on the organs of Freiburg Cathedral, Germany, uploaded to YouTube by “gavaec1”, 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.

01Nov

Celebration of the Word for All Saints Day 2020

All Saints 2020
  1. Call to Worship: Hebrews 12:1.
  2. Hymn: “For all the Saints” by the Fountainview Academy. Uploaded to YouTube by Terceiro Anjo and used in accordance with Creative Commons license
  3. First Reading: Revelation 7:9-17, World English Bible.
  4. Psalm 34:1-10, 22, King James Bible.
  5. Gloria Patri: Excerpted from chanting of Psalm 34, by St. Andrew’s Schola Cantorum at Choral Evensong on 18 September 2011.  St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Highland Park, Pittsburgh, PA.  Alastair Stout, Organist; Peter J. Luley, Choirmaster. Fair Use.
  6. Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-3, World English Bible.
  7. 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.”
  8. Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12, 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. Concluding canticle: 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.

25Oct

A Celebration for the 21st Sunday after Pentecost, 2020

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.

Reformation Sunday 2020
  1. Opening Acclamation: Psalm 46:1.
  2. Hymn: “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” by unknown congregation. Public domain.
  3. First Reading: Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 1, King James Bible.
  5. Gloria Patri: Excerpted from chanting of Psalm 96 by Wakefield Cathedral Choir, 2018; Fair Use.
  6. Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, World English Bible.
  7. Organ sequence: Georg Böhm (1661-1733): Excerpt from “Ach wie nichtig, ach wie flüchtig” performed by Thiemo Janssen on the organ in Marienhafe, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  
  8. Gospel: Matthew 22:34-46, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: from Matthew 6.
  10. Blessing: 2 Corinthians 13.
  11. 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.

04Oct

Celebration of the Word, for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost 2020

  1. Opening Acclamation: From Psalm 118.
  2. Organ prelude: J. S. Bach (1685-1750) “ Prelude G Major”, BWV 568, performed by Charlie Brusquini On the Chapel Organ at Hjo Folkhögskola, used in accordance with Creative Commons License.
  3. First Reading: Isaiah 5:1-7, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 80:7-15, King James Version.
  5. Hymn: “To Thee, O Lord, Be Glory Given”, Public Domain.
  6. Second Reading: Philippians 3:4b-14, World English Bible.
  7. Hymn: “God is Love”, sung by Pilgrim Mennonite Choir, Uploaded to YouTube by “bhepure isidoro”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  
  8. Gospel: Matthew 21:33-46, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke 11.
  10. Blessing: 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.
27Sep

Celebration of the Word for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost

17th Sunday afer Pentecost 2020
  1. Organ prelude: Max Reger (1873-1916) “Scherzo in D”, Op 65, performed by Raúl Prieto Ramírez, on the restored 1928 Skinner Organ at Hope College, MI, used in accordance with Creative Commons License.
  2. First Reading: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32, King James Bible.
  3. Psalm 25:1-9­, King James Version.
  4. Anthem: Psalm 25 v 6, sung by Northern Presbytery Choir, uploaded to YouTube by Sean McPherson, used in accordance with Creative Commons License.
  5. Second Reading: Philippians 2:1-13, World English Bible.
  6. 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.  
  7. Gospel: Matthew 21:23-3, World English Bible.
  8. The Lord’s Prayer: From Matthew 6.
  9. Blessing: Tim Knight: “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  10. Postlude: Max Reger (1873-1916) “Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier”, op. 135a, performed by Jens Engel on the organ of Christuskirche, Lohmar, Germany. 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.

20Sep

Celebration of the Word, for the 16th Sunday after Pentecost

  1. Opening Acclamation: from Psalm 29:2.
  2. Hymn: “Come, Thou Almighty King”, unknown congregation, available in public domain.
  3. First Reading: Jonah 3:10-4:11, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 145:1-8, King James Version.
  5. Second Reading: Philippians 1:21-30, World English Bible.
  6. Organ Sequence: Starling Goodwin (1711-1774), “London Old, Interlude 1”, uploaded to YouTube by Chordis and Organo, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  
  7. Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16, World English Bible.
  8. The Lord’s Prayer: Chanted by unknown congregation, uploaded to YouTube by “LabourerFaith”, and used in accordance with Creative Commons License.
  9. Blessing: The Aaronic Blessing from Numbers 6 (King James Version).
  10. Postlude: Nicholaus Bruhns (1665-1697) “Praeludium, e-moll”, performed on Arp Schnitger Orgel at Ganderkesee, by Thorsten Ahlrichs, use in accordance with Creative Commons licence.

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.

17Sep

Ah, The End of Summer

A chill creeps into the air.  School buses zip through neighborhoods ferrying youngsters to school.  The peak of summer is a fading memory, a languid dream sandwiched between academic semesters. For students, homework now begins to pile up.  Marching bands drum and play outdoors as football players practice tackling each other in adjacent fields.  

In many churches, in a normal year, the summer doldrums would also be over.  Attendance picks up dramatically. Sunday school resumes. The senior pastor is back from vacation.  The summer musicians have disbanded and the “A Team” choir or praise team is back.  

Of course, in 2020, these normal rhythms have been disrupted.  Virtuality is the norm in many places, including the church.  In my virtual church playlist for this week, I have decided to simulate the end of summer by adding some special musical touches, particularly the thrilling hymn “Crown Him With Many Crowns”, and the opening brass and organ duo performing “The Prince of Denmark March”.  I picture the service beginning with a full choir in procession.  In the churches that go for “high church” ceremony, the incense is back, and we see the processional cross sticking out above billowing clouds of rose scented smoke.

I pray you will enjoy the virtual service.  May you be edified by this week’s Scripture readings. 

06Sep

Celebration of the Word for the 14th Sunday after Pentecost

14th Sunday after Pentecost 2020
  1. Opening Acclamation: from Psalm 57:5.
  2. Organ prelude: Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1706), “Praeludium und Fuge” BuxWV 147, performed on ernst stolz Hauptwerk Müller organ Oosterwijtwerd, uploaded to YouTube by “My Years With Early Music”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  3. First Reading: Ezekiel 33:7-11, King James Bible.
  4. Hymn: “Praise the Lord, The King of Heaven”, Public domain.
  5. Psalm 119:33-40, King James Version.
  6. Gloria Patri: Excerpted from a version of the “Magnificat” sung by the choir of Saint James Episcopal Church, Warrenton, VA on April 22, 2015, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  7. Second Reading: Romans 13:8-14, World English Bible.
  8. Anthem: Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757), “Fac ut ardeat cor meum in amando Christum Deum ut sibi complaceam”, from Stabat Mater, performed by the Tudor Consort, used in accordance with Creative Commons License. Translation: “Grant that my heart may burn in the love of Christ my Lord, that I may greatly please Him.”
  9. Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20, World English Bible.
  10. The Lord’s Prayer: from Matthew 6.
  11. Blessing: 2 Corinthians 13.
  12. Postlude: Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1706), “Toccata en Fa majeur” BuxWV 156, performed by Anne-Gaëlle Chanon on the orgue Schnitger de la Martinikerk de Groningen, 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.

30Aug

Celebration of the Word, for the 13th Sunday after Pentecost 2020

  1. Opening Acclamation: From Psalm 95:6
  2. Organ prelude: “Prelude by Orlando Gibbons” performed by David Joseph Stith at the First Presbyterian Church in Austin Texas, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.   
  3. First Reading: Jeremiah 15:15-2, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 26:1-8, King James Version.
  5. Gloria Patri: J. S. Bach (1685-1750), from “Magnificat” BWV 243, performed by the Tudor Consort, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  6. Second Reading: Romans 12:9-21, World English Bible.
  7. Organ Sequence: Starling Goodwin (1711-1774), “London New, Interlude 3”, uploaded to YouTube by Chordis and Organo, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  
  8. Gospel: Matthew 16:21-28, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: from Matthew 6.
  10. Blessing: 2 Corinthians 13.
  11. Amen: J. S. Bach (1685-1750), “Amen” BWV 1083, performed by Ensemble Imero, 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.