Gaudete Sunday (Advent III) affords us the opportunity to shift from a purely Advent focus in our liturgy and music, to music and liturgy with a more Christmas-y tone. Like many congregations we strive to maintain the solemnity of Advent for the first two Sundays, but begin to lean toward Christmas by the third Sunday of the season. Thus it is that we will begin utilizing Christmas songs this week in worship.
FirstLight will begin with a prelude of live instrumental music provided by our Youth Handbell Ensemble. They will perform a joyful setting of “Go tell it on the mountain,” with Melissa Corbett on flute. We will also sing that carol, plus “Good Christian friends rejoice” and “Jesus, name above all names” as our opening song set. Many folks don’t realize that Nadia Hearn wrote two stanzas to this familiar praise chorus. The second especially has lyrics that suit the Advent season. We will repeat our usage of the Korean prayer song “Come now O Prince of peace,” and the Iona Community canticle “Glory and gratitude and praise.” For our closing song we will be singing the modern carol “To a maid engaged to Joseph.” The prophets will sing a beautiful new setting of “Come thou long-expected Jesus” by Taylor Davis at the offering. A new melody paired with this old text by Charles Wesley make this an incredibly captivating anthem.
The youth ringers will also perform their “Go tell it…” arrangement at 11 AM. The Tune Weavers, our resident men’s quartet, will sing Mark Lowry’s “Mary did you know” at the offering. The organ postlude will be from JSB’s Orgelbuchlein, “Lord Christ, thou only Son of God.” Service music will include the Taize song “Prepare the way of the Lord,” the Korean “Come now…” and “King of kings and Lord of lords.” The musical highlight of the service will be the presentation of Conrad Susa’s “A Christmas Garland. A Christmas carol medley, the works features several familiar carols in exciting new arrangements and harmonies. For those who might be curious, yes, the “We three kings” setting is in an odd meter: 7/8! Congregational hymns will include "Angels from the realms of glory" (Regent Square), "To a maid engaged to Joseph" (Annunciation) and "Lo, how a rose e'er blooming" (Es ist ein ros').
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Why a Pink Candle?
Most folks quickly spot the odd candle in the Advent Wreath. Three violet candles and a white one (for Christmas Eve and Day), and that strange pink one. What is that all about?
In the earliest stages of developing the liturgical calendar, Advent was a somewhat longer season of 40 days duration, prior to Christmas. In this fact and in its penitential tone Advent was very much like Lent. To break up the solemnity of the season, and to remind the people of the joy to come, a mid-season liturgical respite as it were, was included. On this day the readings, in both Lent and Advent, have a slightly more hopeful and anticipatory tone to them. Other liturgical elements reflected this quality of joy.
Advent was ultimately shortened to 4 weeks, but for many traditions, the “mid-season stretch” was maintained on the third Sunday. In many liturgies the opening word of worship on this Sunday was “Gaudete,” Latin for “rejoice.” The whole Introit statement is based on Philippians 4.4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.” In many traditions even today, this passage from Philippians is the appointed Epistle reading for the Third Sunday of Advent.
In keeping with the shift in tone from sobriety to this joy-filled day, other aspects of worship were also skewed slightly. In places that the organ was silent during Advent it might be used on this day. In churches where the liturgical color for Advent was violet, it might be relieved by shifting to rose or pink on this day. Thus, the change in color for the third candle of the Advent wreath. (Impress your friends at work when talking about your church’s Advent observance: use “rose” to describe the color; you’ll be ever-so liturgically correct!)
As with many other aspects of liturgical tradition, there are plenty of misunderstandings of the rose candle for Advent III. While oftentimes charming, they are usually misguided attempts to re-interpret the tradition in a “non-Catholic” way. There is no need for this. And the deeper significance of the tradition is shrouded. Who ought not embrace the notion of a bit of joy during the observance of the season of Advent? No one, of course!
Note this also: many folks take great care to "interpret" the candles of the Advent wreath. We give them lots of names or have them "stand for" many different ideals or virtues. Keep in mind that the wreath and its candles are nothing more (and nothing less) than a means of keeping time through the season. It may be just a little quaint, and not really necessary, to name the candles. In the ages before folks were ruled by calendars and clocks, the candles helped the people in the pews know where they were in liturgical time. Many Protestants these days call them the candles of "hope, joy, love and peace." Nice enough, but not accurate historically, and not needful at all. In fact, this year in our congregation the candles are really nameless! The candles are be lit by various characters in our faith history (Isaiah, John the Baptist, the angel who spoke to Joseph, and the angel who spoke to the shepherds). So for our use we might call the candles by the name of the person lighting them each week. But even that is not needed. They are time keepers. Nothing else is really needed.
Armed with this little bit of history, you can joyfully appreciate the use of the rose candle in the Advent wreath, and celebrate with liturgical Christians everywhere the fact that Advent is hastening on.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Church-Wide Caroling 2007
It was downright balmy for this time of year, but our intrepid singers braved the elements (fog) for an evening of caroling around Black Mountain. We had 8 large groups with more than 70 folks (Ginny S. says it was more nearly 100; who am I to argue?!!)involved. We returned from our adventures (some involving poo and a hike across an overgrown field!) to some tasty soup. Thanks to Charlotte S. and her committee for feeding us afterward. Thanks to Jennifer R. for lining up the visits and the routes. Paul S. was our photographer; here is a link to some photos of the evening. The best things happen with lots of involvement. This event used the talents of our musicians, our education folks, our relationship with PHFC, our Nurture Committee and administrative staff. It was a great time.
Music for the Season
Here are the worship music plans, in broad strokes, for the next few weeks:
December 16
Chancel Choir presents “A Christmas garland” by Conrad Susa. Accompanied by organ, piano and harp. Tune Weavers will sing “Mary did you know” at the offering. Youth Handbells will perform “Go tell it on the mountain" at both services as the prelude. The Prophets of Praise will be singing a setting of “Come thou long-expected Jesus."
December 23
Chancel choir will sing “My soul magnifies the Lord” by Aaron Garber. Tune Weavers will sing “Rise up shepherd and follow.”
December 24
400PM Primary Choir will sing “Huron Carol;” Aerie singers will sing “Mary had a baby.”
730 PM Chancel Choir will sing Rutter’s “Nativity Carol.”
December 30
One service at 10 AM this day. Ginny Soll preaching, Carla Sperry guest musician. Susan Banzhoff, vocal soloist.
January 6
Adult Handbells will ring “From a distant home” at 11 AM and the choir will sing Brubeck’s “God’s love made visible.”
Check the calendar link on this page for up-to-date rehearsal plans; there are plenty of alterations in the next few weeks!
Rehearsals resume a normal schedule beginning January 7.
December 16
Chancel Choir presents “A Christmas garland” by Conrad Susa. Accompanied by organ, piano and harp. Tune Weavers will sing “Mary did you know” at the offering. Youth Handbells will perform “Go tell it on the mountain" at both services as the prelude. The Prophets of Praise will be singing a setting of “Come thou long-expected Jesus."
December 23
Chancel choir will sing “My soul magnifies the Lord” by Aaron Garber. Tune Weavers will sing “Rise up shepherd and follow.”
December 24
400PM Primary Choir will sing “Huron Carol;” Aerie singers will sing “Mary had a baby.”
730 PM Chancel Choir will sing Rutter’s “Nativity Carol.”
December 30
One service at 10 AM this day. Ginny Soll preaching, Carla Sperry guest musician. Susan Banzhoff, vocal soloist.
January 6
Adult Handbells will ring “From a distant home” at 11 AM and the choir will sing Brubeck’s “God’s love made visible.”
Check the calendar link on this page for up-to-date rehearsal plans; there are plenty of alterations in the next few weeks!
Rehearsals resume a normal schedule beginning January 7.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Music for Worship December 9, 2007
In keeping with a more contemplative tone for worship at FirstLight during Advent, we will begin worship with a single song this week, “Prepare the way of the Lord,” a Taize piece. We will use the Korean song, “Come now, O Prince of peace” at the confession. With Donna Marie Todd giving the sermon, there are a couple of “bonus” music selections this week: we will hear “Shall we gather at the river” during the proclamation; and at the offering we will sing the gospel song “Down to the river to pray.” We will be using the Iona song “Glory and gratitude and praise” as our Doxology. Our closing song will be the jaunty “The King of glory comes.”
At both services our focus in worship this week is the call of John the Baptist to repentance and change. Olivia T. and Kaitlyn D. will light the Advent wreath for us. Donna Marie’s story-sermon will help us wrestle with the meaning of baptism and hospitality.
Service music at 11 AM will include the Taize “Prepare the way…,” the Korean “Come Now…” the Iona “Glory…,” and as last week “King of kings and Lord of lords.” Congregational hymns will include “Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates” (Truro), On Jordan’s banks the Baptist’s cry” (Winchester New), and “Watchman, tell us of the night” (Aberystwyth). Our own Keithie Knowles will play two pieces for us, Max Reger’s “Marie Wiegenlied” (The Virgin’s Slumber Song) and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Greensleeves” in beautiful arrangements for violin and organ. The organ postlude will be a festive setting of Truro by Wilbur Held. The choir anthem is Anna Laura Page’s “Creation will be at peace.” We will be performing the anthem with handbell accompaniment, and with a boy soprano (Matt. B.) taking some of the melody at the beginning and end. It promises to be a stunning musical offering.
At both services our focus in worship this week is the call of John the Baptist to repentance and change. Olivia T. and Kaitlyn D. will light the Advent wreath for us. Donna Marie’s story-sermon will help us wrestle with the meaning of baptism and hospitality.
Service music at 11 AM will include the Taize “Prepare the way…,” the Korean “Come Now…” the Iona “Glory…,” and as last week “King of kings and Lord of lords.” Congregational hymns will include “Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates” (Truro), On Jordan’s banks the Baptist’s cry” (Winchester New), and “Watchman, tell us of the night” (Aberystwyth). Our own Keithie Knowles will play two pieces for us, Max Reger’s “Marie Wiegenlied” (The Virgin’s Slumber Song) and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Greensleeves” in beautiful arrangements for violin and organ. The organ postlude will be a festive setting of Truro by Wilbur Held. The choir anthem is Anna Laura Page’s “Creation will be at peace.” We will be performing the anthem with handbell accompaniment, and with a boy soprano (Matt. B.) taking some of the melody at the beginning and end. It promises to be a stunning musical offering.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Special Worship Events
This Sunday December 9 we will welcome Donna Marie Todd, story-teller, who will present the proclamation at both services, in the form of a story-sermon. A story-sermon is a style of preaching in which narrative is the primary means of conveying the message of a given scriptural text. The listener will be struck foremost by a sense of hearing a wonderful story; upon reflection during and afterward, however, fuller meaning emerges as the listener reflects on the story and its characters. This is a powerful means of conveying the message of our faith, and Donna Marie Todd is one of the finest practitioners of this preaching style in the US. (That she was recently selected to edit the journal of Biblical story-tellers is ample proof of this.)
Donna Marie will be using the lectionary readings for this Sunday (Isaiah 11.1-10 and Matthew 3.1-12) as the basis for a story about a man preparing to meet his Maker and a congregation struggling to learn the true meaning of initiation into the faith and hospitality. A musician also, Donna Marie has woven into this story-sermon participation by worship music leaders in the form of the songs "Shall we gather at the river" and "Down to the river to pray." The message is such that even some children who usually depart for extended session during worship may wish to remain to hear the story this week.
On December 16 the Adult Choir will present a special musical offering, A Christmas Garland, by Conrad Susa. This extended work is a medley of Christmas carols, some familiar some new. For this performance the choir will be accompanied by organ (our own Carla Sperry), piano (local resident Adele Holevas) and harp (newcomer Jilliona Bailey). The choir is excited to bring this message of the birth of the Prince of Peace in song.
Donna Marie will be using the lectionary readings for this Sunday (Isaiah 11.1-10 and Matthew 3.1-12) as the basis for a story about a man preparing to meet his Maker and a congregation struggling to learn the true meaning of initiation into the faith and hospitality. A musician also, Donna Marie has woven into this story-sermon participation by worship music leaders in the form of the songs "Shall we gather at the river" and "Down to the river to pray." The message is such that even some children who usually depart for extended session during worship may wish to remain to hear the story this week.
On December 16 the Adult Choir will present a special musical offering, A Christmas Garland, by Conrad Susa. This extended work is a medley of Christmas carols, some familiar some new. For this performance the choir will be accompanied by organ (our own Carla Sperry), piano (local resident Adele Holevas) and harp (newcomer Jilliona Bailey). The choir is excited to bring this message of the birth of the Prince of Peace in song.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Worship Music: Advent I 2007
It was the week that was: I missed a day at the beginning of the week with a stomach ailment. I was over it pretty quickly, but I was playing catch up the rest of the week. So instead of a preview of the music from this morning, here's a review!
To help us set a contemplative tone for Advent, FirstLight did away with our usual sung music set at the beginning of worship. We opened worship with a dramatic reading of the genealogy of Jesus from Matthew 1. Clay H. did a super job of naming the names, and was ably assisted by Barbara F. and Annie H. The reading proceeded through the names, but paused at the mention of each of the women in the history: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Mary. These phenomenal women had hard lives (read about in Genesis 24, Joshua 2, Ruth and Matthew 2), and thereby epitomized for the worship planners the “troubling times” we are seeking to plumb during this season. The reading was accompanied by equally mesmerizing drumming by Andy G. We explored the notion that through the troubled lives of these women, God was yet at work, bringing about our salvation in the birth of Jesus the Messiah. (Here's a shout out to Deke in Roanoke, VA and Eric W in A'ville who in various ways helped me create this element of worship.) We used the Korean worship song, “Come Now, O Prince of Peace” as the first song for worship, to set a contemplative tone for the reading. The Gateway youth did a sacred dance as our response to forgiveness following the confession. Caroline P. had done a wonderful job choreographing this piece, and coaching the dancers; it truly stirred the soul in just the right way! For our Advent wreath ceremony this year, we are using characters from the Bible to light the candle. Today Heather P. and Lizzie W. conveyed to us the message and meaning of the prophecy of Isaiah. Following the proclamation, the Prophets introduced us to the song “He is our peace,” which suited the message and season quite well. Instead of one of our more familiar Doxologies, we began using today the Iona song, “Glory and gratitude and praise,” a decidedly upbeat and exuberant song for our worship. During communion we sang the Taize song “Eat this bread,” with the soloists taking the verses. Finally we ended the service with the ever-popular “King of kings and Lord of Lords.” We were counting on high-energy participation from the crowd on that song, and we got it! Cecil J. wanted to shake Perrin T.'s hand after worship, but was worried his might get singed from Perrin, because of the heat he generated playing the last song! We ran late, as we hoped we wouldn’t but knew we would, but no one seemed to care. The spirit in worship today was a beautiful thing. Music, message, youth and adults and a powerful sense of the presence of the Spirit made for a wonderful service.
At 11 AM worship began with a word of appreciation from Sandee H. regarding her ministry in Columbia, SC. BMPCNC gave a sizable chunk of change to that ministry earlier in the fall. Sandy and some of the kids were in town for the weekend, and visited with us to say thanks, and to let us see what that ministry is all about. They brought the house down with the "Jubilee Creed;" you guys ROCK!!! The adult handbells rendered a mighty fine performance of Cynthia Dobrinski’s setting of “Lo how a rose e’er blooming.” Libby B. filled out the arrangement by playing the flute part. It was a sublime beginning to worship. We used the same dramatic reading of the Matthean genealogy at this service, this time with Ken S., Jr., Betsy M. and Annie H. covering the speaking parts, and Andy G. again on drum. We used the Korean song at this service also, and enjoyed Heather and Lizzie as wreath lighters at 11 also. At the readings David S. soared through a great performance of “Comfort Ye” and “Every Valley” from “Messiah.” The vocal flourishes helped us appreciate the good news of the comfort provided in the coming of the Messiah. At the offering the choir blew us away with a gutsy rendition of “And the glory of the Lord” also from Messiah. There was a decided thaw amongst the “frozen chosen” as shouts of “amen!” and applause rang out on the last chord! We used the Iona “Glory and gratitude and praise” at this service also, a rousing statement for the congregation to sing in response to the choir’s offering and in response to a stirring of the Spirit in our midst. Congregational hymns at this service included “O come, O come Emmanuel” (Veni Emmanuel) and Come, thou long-expected Jesus” (Hyfrydol). The choir sent us out the shouts of “King of kings and Lord of Lords” in our heads; it didn’t have quite the gusto as at FirstLight, but I’m betting by next week, the whole congregation will thrill to singing us home with that song! The organ postlude was supposed to have been Ralph Vaughan Williams setting of ‘Hyfrydol.” The music must have gotten lost in the move; we enjoyed a festive improvisation on that tune instead!
What a breadth of music today. We had global worship music (The Korean song); we had music in the modern contemplative tradition (Taize and Iona); we had a contemporary ballad, and a rousing contemporary chorus. You had to attend 11 AM to get the complete picture but we continued with an ancient chant melody (O Come, O Come Emmanuel), classic English hymnody, the best of bell ringing, and the classics ably represented by the venerable Mr. Handel. Add the Jubilee Creed and we had rap no less! It was one of those days that makes it difficult for me to go to sleep: so many, many memorable tunes and images running through my head, and my heart filled in thanksgiving for the musicians and other worship leaders who brought it together for our worshiping congregation. Somebody say "Amen!"
To help us set a contemplative tone for Advent, FirstLight did away with our usual sung music set at the beginning of worship. We opened worship with a dramatic reading of the genealogy of Jesus from Matthew 1. Clay H. did a super job of naming the names, and was ably assisted by Barbara F. and Annie H. The reading proceeded through the names, but paused at the mention of each of the women in the history: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Mary. These phenomenal women had hard lives (read about in Genesis 24, Joshua 2, Ruth and Matthew 2), and thereby epitomized for the worship planners the “troubling times” we are seeking to plumb during this season. The reading was accompanied by equally mesmerizing drumming by Andy G. We explored the notion that through the troubled lives of these women, God was yet at work, bringing about our salvation in the birth of Jesus the Messiah. (Here's a shout out to Deke in Roanoke, VA and Eric W in A'ville who in various ways helped me create this element of worship.) We used the Korean worship song, “Come Now, O Prince of Peace” as the first song for worship, to set a contemplative tone for the reading. The Gateway youth did a sacred dance as our response to forgiveness following the confession. Caroline P. had done a wonderful job choreographing this piece, and coaching the dancers; it truly stirred the soul in just the right way! For our Advent wreath ceremony this year, we are using characters from the Bible to light the candle. Today Heather P. and Lizzie W. conveyed to us the message and meaning of the prophecy of Isaiah. Following the proclamation, the Prophets introduced us to the song “He is our peace,” which suited the message and season quite well. Instead of one of our more familiar Doxologies, we began using today the Iona song, “Glory and gratitude and praise,” a decidedly upbeat and exuberant song for our worship. During communion we sang the Taize song “Eat this bread,” with the soloists taking the verses. Finally we ended the service with the ever-popular “King of kings and Lord of Lords.” We were counting on high-energy participation from the crowd on that song, and we got it! Cecil J. wanted to shake Perrin T.'s hand after worship, but was worried his might get singed from Perrin, because of the heat he generated playing the last song! We ran late, as we hoped we wouldn’t but knew we would, but no one seemed to care. The spirit in worship today was a beautiful thing. Music, message, youth and adults and a powerful sense of the presence of the Spirit made for a wonderful service.
At 11 AM worship began with a word of appreciation from Sandee H. regarding her ministry in Columbia, SC. BMPCNC gave a sizable chunk of change to that ministry earlier in the fall. Sandy and some of the kids were in town for the weekend, and visited with us to say thanks, and to let us see what that ministry is all about. They brought the house down with the "Jubilee Creed;" you guys ROCK!!! The adult handbells rendered a mighty fine performance of Cynthia Dobrinski’s setting of “Lo how a rose e’er blooming.” Libby B. filled out the arrangement by playing the flute part. It was a sublime beginning to worship. We used the same dramatic reading of the Matthean genealogy at this service, this time with Ken S., Jr., Betsy M. and Annie H. covering the speaking parts, and Andy G. again on drum. We used the Korean song at this service also, and enjoyed Heather and Lizzie as wreath lighters at 11 also. At the readings David S. soared through a great performance of “Comfort Ye” and “Every Valley” from “Messiah.” The vocal flourishes helped us appreciate the good news of the comfort provided in the coming of the Messiah. At the offering the choir blew us away with a gutsy rendition of “And the glory of the Lord” also from Messiah. There was a decided thaw amongst the “frozen chosen” as shouts of “amen!” and applause rang out on the last chord! We used the Iona “Glory and gratitude and praise” at this service also, a rousing statement for the congregation to sing in response to the choir’s offering and in response to a stirring of the Spirit in our midst. Congregational hymns at this service included “O come, O come Emmanuel” (Veni Emmanuel) and Come, thou long-expected Jesus” (Hyfrydol). The choir sent us out the shouts of “King of kings and Lord of Lords” in our heads; it didn’t have quite the gusto as at FirstLight, but I’m betting by next week, the whole congregation will thrill to singing us home with that song! The organ postlude was supposed to have been Ralph Vaughan Williams setting of ‘Hyfrydol.” The music must have gotten lost in the move; we enjoyed a festive improvisation on that tune instead!
What a breadth of music today. We had global worship music (The Korean song); we had music in the modern contemplative tradition (Taize and Iona); we had a contemporary ballad, and a rousing contemporary chorus. You had to attend 11 AM to get the complete picture but we continued with an ancient chant melody (O Come, O Come Emmanuel), classic English hymnody, the best of bell ringing, and the classics ably represented by the venerable Mr. Handel. Add the Jubilee Creed and we had rap no less! It was one of those days that makes it difficult for me to go to sleep: so many, many memorable tunes and images running through my head, and my heart filled in thanksgiving for the musicians and other worship leaders who brought it together for our worshiping congregation. Somebody say "Amen!"
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