Tag: Year C

31Mar

Fourth Sunday of Advent 2025

  1. Opening Sentence: From Isaiah 66:10.
  2. Hymn: “Holy God, Holy Almighty, Holy Immortal One, Have Mercy” (Trisagion), From OrthodoxMusicOnline, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  
  3. First Reading: Joshua 5:9-12, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 32, King James Version.
  5. Gloria Patri: Palestrina, sung by the choir of Trinity Church, Boston at a service of compline in May 2016, used in accordance with Creative Commons license, and available at Wikimedia Commons. Words in English: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.”
  6. Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, World English Bible.
  7. Anthem: Henry Purcell (1659-1695) “Thou Knowest Lord”, available in the public domain courtesy of “Ferox Aeternum” at Archive.org. 
  8. Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke.
  10. Blessing:  From Numbers.
  11. Organ Postlude:  Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707) “Toccata in D, BuxWV 144,” performed by Tigran Buniatyan on the Flentrop opus 1974 organ, 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.

22Mar

Third Sunday of Lent

  1. Call to Worship: From Psalm 25.
  2. Introit: Antonio Lotti (1667-1740) “Kyrie” from Missa (4V C maj), by unkown choir, uploaded to YouTube by “Free Music Tube”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  3. First Reading: Isaiah 55:1-9, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 63: 1-8, King James Version.
  5. Hymn: “Drop Drop Slow Tears,” in the public domain at archive.org.
  6. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, World English Bible.
  7. Organ interlude: “Jesus, Lover of My Soul”, played by Diane Bish on the organ of Gloucester Cathedral, excerpted from “The Joy of Music: Hymns and Sacred Songs from Word of God”, used in accordance with Creative Commons License.
  8. Gospel: Luke 13:1-9, World English Bible.
  9. 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.
  10. Blessing:  From Romans 12.
  11. Organ Postlude:  Joseph Rheinberger (1839-1901) “Fughetta in c-minor no.2” op. 123A. Played by Joey Wetzels on the Vermeulen organ (1955) St. Martinuskerk Tegelen, uploaded to YouTube by Joey Wetzels, 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.

16Mar

The Second Sunday of Lent

  1. Introit and organ prelude: André Raison (c.1640-1719) – Messe du 3º Ton – “Kyrie eleison” (Lord, Have Mercy), performed by Jean-Patrice Brosse (orgue) and Ensemble Vox Cantoris; uploaded to YouTube by “Pau NG” and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  2. First Reading: Genesis 15: 1-12, 17-18, King James Bible.
  3. Psalm 27, King James Version.
  4. Hymn: “The God of Abraham Praise”, sung in a live service in 2017 at the shrine of the National Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  5. Second Reading: Philippians 3:17-4:1, World English Bible.
  6. Organ interlude: Henry Coleman (1888-1965): Excerpt from “The Word of God”, Posted by “Chordis & Organo, and used in accordance with Creative Commons License.
  7. Gospel: Luke 13: 31-35, World English Bible.
  8. The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke.
  9. Blessing: The “Aaronic blessing” from Numbers 6.
  10. Organ Postlude:  Johann Gottfried Walther (1684-1748) “Herzlich tut mich verlangen / O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden” performed by Jens Engel, uploaded to YouTube by him, 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.

03Mar

Celebration of the Word for the last Sunday of Epiphany 2025: Transfiguration Sunday

  1. Opening acclamation: Psalm 27:1.
  2. Hymn: “O Worship the King”, Uploaded to YouTube by “bhepure isidoro”; Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  3. First Reading: Exodus 34:29-35, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 99, King James Version.
  5. Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2, 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: Luke 9:28-36, 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.

15Feb

Celebration of the Word for the Sixth Sunday of Epiphany

  1. Opening Sentence: from the Book of Common Prayer 1662.
  2. Hymn: “Guide me O Thou Great Redeemer,” in the public domain.
  3. First Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-10 King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 1: From “Sing the KJV”, in public domain. 
  5. Gloria Patri: Excerpted from “Magnificat” by Tomas Luis de Victoria (1548-1611), performed by Ars Mvsica, in the public domain at Archive.org. 
  6. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, World English Bible.  
  7. Hymn: “Blessed Assurance” verse 1, performed by Sung Sook Lee, Soprano, and Diane Bish, organ; from “Joy of Music” episode 9601: “Hymns from Sweden”. 
  8. Gospel: Luke 6:17-26, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: From the Book of Common Prayer 1662.
  10. Blessing: From the Book of Common Prayer 1662.
  11. Organ postlude: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) “Fantasia and Fugue in G minor,” BWV 542. From European Archive, in the public domain at MusOpen.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.

08Feb

Celebration of the Word for the Fifth Sunday of Epiphany 2025

  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 6:1-8, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 138, King James Version.
  5. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 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: Luke 5:1-11, 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.
19Jan

The Second Sunday after Epiphany 2025

  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 62:1-5, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 36:5-9 from the Scottish Metrical Psalter of 1650, sung by the members of Trinity Presbyterian Reformed Church, uploaded to Youtube by “charlotteprc”. Used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
  5. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, World English Bible.
  6. 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.
  7. Gospel: John 2:1-11, World English Bible.
  8. The Lord’s Prayer: From Matthew.
  9. Blessing: from 2 Corinthians 13.
  10. 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.

05Jan

The Second Sunday after Christmas

  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. Carol: “Gaudete Christus est Natus” by Collegium Vocale, 1993, available at Wikimedia Commons and used in accordance with Creative Commons license. Translation: Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born of the virgin Mary–Rejoice. The time of grace has come–What we have wished for; Songs of joy. Let us give back faithfully. God has become man, with nature marveling, the world has been renewed by the reigning Christ. The closed gate of Ezekiel is passed through. Whence the light is risen, salvation has been found. Therefore, let our assembly now sing in brightness. Let it bless the Lord: Salvation to our King.
  5. Psalm 147:12-20, King James Version.
  6. 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. 
  7. Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14, World English Bible.
  8. 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.
  9. Gospel: John 1:10-18, World English Bible.
  10. The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke.
  11. Blessing: Ephesians 3.
  12. Carol: “Puer Natus in Bethlehem”, arranged by Michael Pretorius (1571-1621). Performed by Eva Cernanska (soprano), Liubov Melnyk (alto), Xabier Monton (tenor), and Raul del Toro (Organ), at the parish of El Salvador in Pamplona, uploaded to YouTube by “Canentes Domino”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  English Lyrics: A Child is born in Bethlehem; Exult for joy, Jerusalem! There, in a manger lowly, lies. He who reigns above the skies.
  13. Organ Postlude: Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707) “Puer Natus in Bethlehem”, BuxWV 217, performed by Raul del Toro (Organ), at the parish of El Salvador in Pamplona, uploaded to YouTube by “Canentes Domino”, 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.

28Dec

The First Sunday after Christmas 2024

  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: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, King James Bible.
  3. Carol: “In Dulci Jubilo” performed by Eva Cernanska (soprano), Liubov Melnyk (alto), Xabier Monton (tenor), and Raul del Toro (Organ), at the parish of El Salvador in Pamplona, uploaded to YouTube by “Canentes Domino”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  English Lyrics: “In sweet rejoicing, now sing and be glad! Our hearts’ joy lies in the manger; And it shines like the sun in the mother’s lap. You are the Alpha and Omega!” (The most common English version is “Good Christian men rejoice”)
  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: Colossians 3:12-17, 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 2:41-52, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: From the Book of Common Prayer 1662.
  10. Blessing: 2nd Corinthians 13.
  11. Carol: “Adeste Fideles” performed by Collegium Vocale, in 2017, available at Wikimedia Commons, and used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
  12. 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 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmas

“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 2 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. 

  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