- 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: 1-11, World English Bible.
- Hymn: “Jesus Christ is Risen Today,” by Stour Valley Benefice, United Kingdom, 2022, 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).
- 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.
- 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 118, Lutheran chants performed at Vespers service by Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, IN in 2015; uploaded to YouTube by Benjamin Mayes, 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: Revelation 1:4-8, 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.
- 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.
- 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)
The power of God to make right what has been wrong is what we see, by faith, in the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day. Unless God is the one who raises the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist, there cannot be serious talk of forgiveness for the worst of the worst—the mass murderers, torturers, and serial killings—or even the least of the worst—the quotidian offenses against our common humanity that cause marriages to fail, friendships to end, enterprises to collapse, and silent misery to be the common lot of millions. “All for sin could not atone; thou must save, and thou alone.” This is what is happening on Golgotha.
(Fleming Rutlege, THE CRUCIFIXION: UNDERSTANDING THE DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2015)
On the heels of the previous article, another case of “resurrection denial” has come to my attention. In January of this year, the former Dean of Perth in Australia, the Very Reverend Dr. John Shepherd, was appointed interim director of the Anglican Centre in Rome, only to face a sudden firestorm of criticism stemming from an Easter message he posted online in 2008. One cheekily worded headline (Eternity News) observed, “Church Leader Finds Internet Never Forgets”.
In the message that was “resurrected” (pardon the pun), Dr Shepherd states:
The Resurrection of Jesus ought not to be seen in physical terms, but as a new spiritual reality. It is important for Christians to be set free from the idea that the Resurrection was an extraordinary physical event which restored to life Jesus’ original earthly body.
…
Jesus’ early followers felt His presence after His death as strongly as if it were a physical presence and incorporated this sense of a resurrection experience into their gospel accounts. But they’re not historical records as we understand them. They are symbolic images of the breaking through of the resurrection spirit into human lives.
…
Jesus lived … as a transformed spiritual reality.
Apparently, this was old news to other Anglicans in his region. A group identifying itself as “Sydney Anglicans” noted way back in 2003:
Dr Shepherd wrote that it was not necessary to believe the Gospel accounts of Jesus appearing to his disciples, that Jesus was physically and literally raised to heaven, or that he will come again ‘in the form in which he has already been present on earth’.
He also said that there is no need to believe “there will be a final judgment where the righteous will be accepted into a so-called heaven, and sinners condemned to everlasting damnation.”
Perhaps the senior cleric has changed his mind. To his critics, Dr. Shepherd says, “I have never denied the reality of the empty tomb”. His efforts to distance himself from his earlier comments appear to have been successful. Calls for him to be removed from his position have gone unheeded, and the controversy seems to have evaporated.
For further reading:
David Ould, Jan 10, 2029. “NEW HEAD OF ANGLICAN CENTRE IN ROME IS DENIER OF JESUS’ RESURRECTION.” Online at https://davidould.net/new-head-of-anglican-centre-in-rome-is-denier-of-jesus-resurrection/
“Dean of Perth commits heresy in broad daylight”, April 28, 2003. Sydney Anglicans. Online at https://sydneyanglicans.net/news/730a
“Interim Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome rebuffs “resurrection” criticism”. Jan 15, 2019. Anglican Communion News Service, online at https://www.anglicannews.org/news/2019/01/interim-director-of-the-anglican-centre-in-rome-rebuffs-resurrection-criticism.aspx