Music for Christmas Eve and Christmas I

4PM Family Service
Carols and readings with the nativity story en tableaux by our 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students. Special music by Isabella H, piano (Upon the housetop and We wish you a merry Christmas); Emily B., flute (Away in a manger); Noah H., violin (Silent Night); Allen B., saxophone (The first noel); Caleb H., organ (Joy to the world).

630PM Concert of Sacred Music
Music for handbells, flute and organ (works by Barber, Helman, Gramann, Bach, Pelz).

7PM Liturgy of Word and Table and the Sacrament of Baptism
Choir anthem by G. F. Handel, O Thou that tellest good tidings to Zion. A new setting of the communion responses by Michael Barker using the tune GLORIA (Angels we have heard on high). Carols for the Christmas season.

Christmas I (12/26/10)
Single service at 11AM. Guest Soloist Charles Perry Sprawls, bass-baritone. Sprawls will sing For behold, darkness shall cover the earth and The people that walked in darkness; Chancel Choir anthem And the glory of the Lord; all from Handel’s Messiah. Visual artist Lisle Gwynn will create a work of art during the sermon. Carols for the season.

Weather may become a factor in our planning; please check our usual information outlets in the event of severe weather for any schedule changes.

Music for 121210

FirstLight

Prelude
Christmas Medley
Carolyn Konnert, cello

Gathering Song(s)
Come now, O Prince of Peace
To a maid engaged to Joseph

Opening Song
How great is our God (Christmas words)

Confession
Gloria, Gloria

Scripture/Proclamation
Joseph was a carpenter (TEMPUS ADEST FLORIDUM)
words by Jim Cogswell

Joseph was a carpenter, father to our Savior.
Rough and callused were his hands,
Hardened by his labor.
Who was he to think that God
Would choose him for glory?
Such a humble man was he.
Listen to his story.

Virgin Mary was betrothed
To this man so humble.
He learned she was great with child
And his heart was troubled.
He thought best to let her go
To spare her disgracing.
But then Joseph in a dream
Was God’s angel facing.

“Fear not, Joseph, David’s son,
To take Mary to you.
For the child that she will bear
God’s own Spirit gives you.
Jesus is to be His name.
God’s love will enfold you.
He saves Israel from their sins,
As God’s prophet told you.”

Joseph wakened from his dream
And in full obedience
Took young Mary as his wife,
Waiting God’s convenience.
In good time she bore a son.
Joseph named him Jesus.
He would be Emmanuel
For in Him God’s with us.

Offertory
Taylor Davis, Come, thou long-expected Jesus

Doxology
Glory and gratitude and praise

Closing Song
Lo, how a rose e’er blooming

11AM
Hymns
22, Angels, form the realms of glory (REGENT SQUARE)
19, To a maid engaged to Joseph (ANNUNCIATION)
43, O Little town of Bethlehem (FOREST GREEN)

Confession
Gloria, gloria (576)

Scripture
see above

Anthem
Handel, And the glory of the Lord

Doxology
Glory and gratitude and praise

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: Arr. Michael Helman, From a distant home
Adult Handbells
Offertory: Arr. Fred Gramann, I wonder as I wander
Adult Handbells
Postlude: JS Bach, Savior of the nations, come

Music for 120510

FirstLight
Gathering Song(s)
Come, now O Prince of Peace
Jesus, name above all names

Opening Song
The king of glory comes

Confession
Gloria, Gloria

Creed
O come, thou root of Jesse’s tree, an ensign of the people be;
Before thee rulers silent fall;
All peoples on thy mercy call.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Offertory
This is our God

Doxology
Glory and gratitude and praise

Closing Song
Go tell it on the mountain

11AM
Hymns
8, Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates (TRURO)
48, Lo, how a rose e’er blooming (ES IST EIN ROS)
2091, The King of glory comes (KING OF GLORY)

Introit/Advent Wreath
French Carol, The Friendly Beasts
Carol Choir

Confession
Gloria, gloria (576)

Scripture
Come, thou long-expected Jesus
Charles Wesley, Michael Barker
Aerie Singers

Anthem
Johnson, We wait for thee
Chancel Choir, Carolyn Konnert, cello

Doxology
Glory and gratitude and praise

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: Ralph Vaughan Williams, Fantasy on Greensleeves
Carolyn Konnert, cello
Offertory: Brahams, Es ist ein ros entspruengen
Postlude: Arr. Barker, People look east

Four men and a prank

Talent and humor with a Christmas twist. Enjoy!

JinglePipes

Black Mountain Presbyterian Church and Michael Barker, music director, present JinglePipes a fun organ concert for Christmas, Wednesday evening December 15 at 6PM at the church, 117 Montreat Road, Black Mountain.

The program will include favorite Christmas carols and songs plus beloved classical pieces for the season.

Special guests will be the Percussion Ensemble from Owen Middle School under the direction of J. Tyson Hamrick.

The concert will last about 45 minutes, is free and appropriate for all ages. Please join us.

Worship Music 112810

Gathering Song(s)
Come, now, O Prince of Peace (STF 2232)
Magnify the Lord

Opening Song
Here I am to worship

Confession
Gloria, Gloria (PH 576)

Affirmation of Faith
O come, O come, Emmanuel

Offertory
Comfort, comfort, you my people

Doxology
Glory and gratitude and praise

Communion
Garber, My soul magnifies the Lord

Closing Song
Light dawns on a weary world

11AM
Hymns
2, Come thou long-expected Jesus (HYFRYDOL)
9, O come, O come, Emmanuel

Introit/Advent Wreath
Plainsong, Savior of the Nations, Come (PH 14)

Confession
Gloria, gloria (576)

Doxology
Glory and gratitude and praise

Music during Communion
5, Let all mortal flesh keep silence (PICARDY) (choir/congregation)
Bach, “Sleepers wake!” A voice astounds us (organ)
2232, Come now, O Prince of Peace (O So So) (choir, congregation)

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: JS Bach, Savior of the nations, come
Offertory: Keith Chapman, Pastorale
Postlude: Arr. Robert Hobby, Sleepers, Wake

Dinner Theater 2010

Black Mountain Presbyterian Church announces the menu for In Bethlehem Inn. The dinner theater will be held on Sunday evening December 12. There will be two seatings, 5PM and 7PM. Reservations are required. There is no set admission; donations will be accepted at the table. Many of the players are returning for this second year of the production, including Scott Roy and Annie Hall as the innkeeper and his wife.

Chef de Cuisine is Carol Tyson and Executive Chef is Margie Tyas.
The menu:
Greens of Gailee Tossed Salad
Shepherds Pie (beef, green beans, cheesy-potatoes)
Manna-from-Heaven Rolls
Fruits of the Oasis Trifle
Coffee, Tea, Water, Assorted Crackers

See a current issue of the Window for more information. Contact the church office to make reservations.

Music for 112110

FirstLight
Gathering Song(s)
Jesus, name above all names
He is exalted

Opening Song(s)
All hail the power of Jesus’ name

Celebration of Forgiveness
You are my King (Amazing love)

Creed
Canedo, Jesus Christ is Lord

Offertory
Joel Raney, At his name

Doxology
Give thanks (refrain)

Closing Song
In Christ alone

11AM
Hymns
155, Rejoice, the Lord is king (DARWELL’S 148TH)
148, At the name of Jesus (KING’S WESTON)
423, Jesus shall reign where’er the sun (DUKE STREET)

Introit
Marie Pooler, Thanksgiving
Carol Choir

Celebration of Forgiveness
Purcell, Glory be to God the Father (WESTMINSTER ABBEY)

Anthem/Solo
Joel Raney, At his name

Doxology
592, OLD HUNDREDTH

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: Michael Barker, Cadix
Summit Ringers
Offertory: Cindy Berry, At the name of Jesus
Chancel Choir
Postlude: Karg-Elert, Now thank we all our God

Music for November 14

FirstLight
Gathering Song(s)
Holy, holy, holy ((STF 2007)
Surely it is God who saves me (STF 2030)

Opening Song(s)
Made me glad

Celebration of Forgiveness
Celtic Alleluia (STF 2043)

Scripture/Proclamation
Thy Word

Offertory
More love, more power

Doxology
Give thanks (refrain) (STF 2036)

Closing Song
Go forth in his name

11AM
Hymns
210, Our God, our help in ages past (ST. ANNE)
339, Be thou my vision (SLANE)
432, Song of Hope (ARGENTINA) (sung twice)

Celebration of Forgiveness
2043, Celtic Alleluia (CELTIC ALLELUIA)

Anthem/Solo
Arr. Drummond Wolff, When in our music God is glorified
Follow the text at PH#264
Chancel Choir, Julie Howard, trumpet

Doxology
592, OLD HUNDREDTH

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: Arr. Arnold B. Sherman, When in our music God is glorified
Adult Handbells, Julie Howard, trumpet
Offertory: Burgmueller, Rondo in A Minor
Nick Murphy, piano
Postlude: Arr. David N. Johnson, Now thank we all our God

Music for 110710

FirstLight
Gathering Song(s)
Praise to the Lord the Almighty
Come all you people

Opening Song(s)
Siyahamba/We are marching

Celebration of Forgiveness
Halle, halle, halleluja

Offertory
Dan Goeller, Joyful, joyful, we adore thee and Asifiwe Bwana

Communion
Responses by Leon Roberts
For all the saints (STF 2283)

Closing Song
Soon and very soon

11AM
Hymns
477, Ye servants of God (HANOVER)
Sing for God’s glory (LOBE DEN HERREN)

Celebration of Forgiveness
2026, Halle, halle, hallelujah (HALLE, HALLE)

Doxology
With “Alleluias” (LASST UNS ERFREUEN)

Music during Communion
Responses: Leon Roberts (music graphics)
Congregational Song:
364, I sing a song of the saints of God and
Soon and very soon

Benediction Response
2235, We are marching in the Light of God (SIYAHAMBA)

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: Walther, Lobe den Herren
Offertory: Arr. Dan Goeller, Joyful, joyul we adore thee and Asifiwe bwana
Postlude: NA

Tinntinabulumn

New to our All Saints Sunday worship this year will be a tintinabulum. Use of the tinntinabulum has increased among some liturgical congregations in recent years as part of the All Saints observance. In the Middle Ages the tinntinabulum served the practical function of alerting the people of Rome to the approach of the Pope during papal processions. In modern usage it relates to honoring saints of the church, and most particularly, for Reformed congregations utilizing this symbol, it honors all faithful Christians who have died and rest from their labors and represents the priesthood of all believers and brings to mind the whole cycle of God's redeeming work represented in observance of the church year. The newly-constructed tinntinabulum for Black Mountain Presbyterian Church is built on a Tau cross. Ribbons of various colors, representative of the church year, are hung from the cross-piece. Included in the color array are black ribbons, representing each church member who has died since last All Saints. Bells are tied to some of the ribbons as an audible symbol of God's presence. Further the bells create a subtle sound of joy for God's grace in the lives of God's saints living and deceased.

Spooky Music!

Some images from PipeScreams II: Scream Louder. Thanks to photographers Charlotte Sprawls and Levi Bannerman.

Music for 103110

FirstLight
Gathering Song(s)
Bless the Lord, my soul (Taize)
Forever
Blessed be your name

Opening Song(s)
Prince of Peace (You are holy)

Celebration of Forgiveness
Halle, halle, halleluja

Pledge dedication
Give thanks (complete)

Offertory
This is our God

Closing Song
Shout to the Lord

11AM
Hymns
260, A mighty fortress is our God (EIN FESTE BURG)
391, Take my life (HENDON)
555, Now thank we all our God (NUN DANKET ALLE GOTT)

Introit
Fred Dunn, Jubilate, everybody
Aerie Singers

Celebration of Forgiveness
579, Glory be to the Father (GREATOREX)

Doxology
With “Alleluias” (LASST UNS ERFREUEN)

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: Arr. Miller, Ein Feste Burg
Offertory: Ken Galbreath, Give thanks, sing praise
Chancel Choir, Margaret Neale, piano; Corey McClintock, French horn
Text adapted from Psalm 92.1-5
Postlude: JS Bach, Fantasy in G Minor

We all scream for PipeScreams

I googled "pipescreams" this morning and found hundreds of references. I found "pipescreams" events in

Bridgeport, CT (their 9th annual event in 2009)

Colorado Springs, CO

Manchester, MO (in conjunction with a trunk-or-treat event)

Santa Barbara, CAI didn't see mention of an event in Washington, DC. It was in DC, at an event sponsored by the local American Guild of Organists Chapter that inspired me to begin PipeScreams at Duncan Memorial UMC in Ashland, VA in 1996.

Some of the events I found in my search included choral singing (!!). Most urged folks to come in costume. Most billed themselves as family-friendly.

But none of them mentioned anything like the big surprise in store for us at BMPCNC this coming Sunday afternoon at 4PM! None of them! Don't miss it! Hint: Maia C's drawing of our organ was my inspiration.

usic for 102410

FirstLight
Gathering Song(s)
I give you my heart
Jesus Messiah

Opening Song(s)
Heart of worship

Celebration of Forgiveness
Your mercy flows

Scripture/Proclamation
Spirit of the living God

Offertory
Jude Doxology

Doxology
Give thanks (refrain)

Closing Song
The Wonderful cross


11AM
Hymns
417, Christ is made the sure foundation (REGENT SQUARE)
414, As those of old their firstfruits brought (FOREST GREEN)
411, Arise, your light is come (FESTAL SONG)

Celebration of Forgiveness
Patterson, Alleluia, in Jesus Christ we are forgiven

Scripture
322, Spirit of the living God (SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD)

Anthem/Solo
Barker, For my king
Poetry by Frances R. Havergal (1874) in a new choral setting

Doxology
592, OLD HUNDREDTH

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: Louis Couperin, Recit de Cromhorne
Offertory: Louis Clerambault, Recit de Nazard
Postlude: David Lasky, Toccata on Regent Square

Music for 101710

FirstLight
Gathering Song(s)
Cantad al Senor (O Sing to the Lord)
Jubilate, everybody

Opening Song(s)
Holy is the Lord

Celebration of Forgiveness
Dayenu

Scripture/Proclamation
Open your ears, O faithful people

Creed
Haas, Blest are they

Offertory
Undying love

Doxology
Give thanks

Closing Song
Take my life

11AM
Hymns
442, The church’s one foundation (FOUNDATION)
450, O day of peace (JERUSALEM)

Celebration of Forgiveness
579, Glory be to the Father (GREATOREX)

Anthem/Solo
Jody Lindh, Make me an instrument of thy peace
A setting of the Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon:
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope
where there is darkness, light
where there is sadness, joy
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Creed/Affirmation
Haas, Blest are they (STF 2155, verses 4 and 5 with refrains)

Doxology
592, OLD HUNDREDTH

Benediction Response
2279, The trees of the field (TREES OF THE FIELD)

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: Arr. Charles Callahan, Jerusalem
Offertory: Buxtehude, Our Father in heaven
Postlude: Lübeck, Toccata in E

music for 101010

FirstLight
Gathering Song(s)
Knowing you

Opening Song(s)
Come thou fount of every blessing

Celebration of Forgiveness
Celtic Alleluia (STF 2043)

Creed
Haas, Blest are they

Offertory
Heath, Give me your eyes

Doxology
Give thanks

Prayers
Bless the Lord, my soul (STF 2013)

Closing Song
Change my heart, O God

11AM
Hymns
145, Rejoice, ye pure in heart (MARION)
376, Love divine, all loves excelling (BEECHER)

Introit
2164, Sanctuary (SANCTUARY)

Celebration of Forgiveness
Purcell, Glory be to God the Father (WESTMINSTER ABBEY)

Anthem/Solo
Glenn Burleigh, Order my steps
A setting of text from Psalm 119.NN

Creed/Affirmation
Haas, Blest are they (STF 2155: verse 3, with refrain)

Doxology
592, OLD HUNDREDTH

Prayers
2013, Bless the Lord, my soul (BLESS THE LORD)

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: Hollins, Minuet
Caleb Holladay, piano
Offertory: Couperin, Offertoire
Postlude: Couperin, Petit Grand Jeu

Music for 100310

FirstLight
Gathering Song(s)
Sanctuary (STF 2165)
As the deer (STF 2025)
Lord, be glorified (STF 2150)

Opening Song(s)
Come, now is the time to worship

Celebration of Forgiveness
Celtic Alleluia

Creed
Haas, Blest are they

Offertory
Take to the world

Communion
Responses: Leon Roberts
Cambodian Lord’s Prayer
One bread, one body

Closing Song
Let us talents and tongues employ (PH 514)

11AM
Hymns
440, In Christ there is no east or west (MCKEE)
514, Let us talents and tongues employ (LINSTEAD)

Celebration of Forgiveness
2043, Celtic Alleluia (CELTIC ALLELUIA)

Creed/Affirmation
Haas, Blest are they (STF 2155: verses 1 and 2, with refrain)

Doxology
592, OLD HUNDREDTH

Music during Communion
Responses: LAND OF REST
Distribution: #508, 516

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: Arr. Charles Orr, Voluntary on LINSTEAD
Offertory: John B. Foley, One bread, one body
Postlude: Arr. Gilbert Martin, Fanfare on MCKEE

PipeScreams II: Scream Louder (program)

Mike Barker has announced the program for PipeScreams II: Scream Louder. The fun concert will be presented on October 31 at 4PM at the church. Also performing on the program is Nick Murphy, a student of Mr. Barker. The program is subject to change.

JS Bach, Toccata in D Minor
Bedell, All Hallow's Eve
Burgmueller, Ballade (Nick Murphy, organist)
Vic Mizzy, The Addams' Family Theme Song (sing-along)
Boellmann, Toccata, from Suite Gothique

Music for 092610

FirstLight
Gathering Song(s)
Cherokee morning song

Opening Song(s)
Come all you people
Praise to the Lord the Almighty

Celebration of Forgiveness
Halle, halle, halleluha

Creed
Haas, Blest are they (verses 1 and 2, with refrains)

Offertory
Just a closer walk with thee (instruments only) (STF 2158)

Doxology
We are an offering

Prayers
The Lord’s Prayer (STF 2274)

Closing Song
Did you feel the mountains tremble

11AM
Hymns
281, Guide me, O thou great Jehovah (CWM RHONDDA)
280, Amazing grace, how sweet the sound (AMAZING GRACE)

Introit
Iona, What does the Lord require of you

Celebration of Forgiveness
2026, Halle, halle, halleluja

Anthem/Solo
John Ness Beck, If you love me

Creed/Affirmation
Haas, Blest are they (STF 2155: verses 1 and 2, with refrain)

Doxology
592, OLD HUNDREDTH

Prayers
Arr. Sedio, Cambodian Lord’s Prayer

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: Vierne, Cantabile
Offertory: Pinkham, Flutes, from Music for a Sunday Morning

Glee-ks in da house

Thanks to Choralnet for sharing this great article on the resurgence of interest in glee club singing due in part to the popularity of the TV show Glee. All I can say is that Fox television had better move the show back to 9PM on Tuesdays so I can watch it. I had a near-rebellion last night at 8PM! Or else we'll have to bring a TV into the rehearsal room. Drop a note in the comm-box with your glee club pedigree!

Music for 091910

FirstLight
Gathering Songs
Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord
Come let us worship and bow down

Opening Song
Lord, I lift your name on high

Celebration of Forgiveness
Your mercy flows

Creed
Haas, Blest are they

Offertory
We bow down

Prayers
Take, O take me as I am

Closing Song
Lord, whose love through humble service (BEACH SPRING)


11AM
Hymns
276, Great is thy faithfulness (FAITHFULNESS)
427, Lord, whose love through humble service (BEACH SPRING)

Introit
Hudson, Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord

Celebration of Forgiveness
Hopson, We are forgiven

Anthem/Solo
Wesley, Lead me, Lord

Creed/Affirmation
Haas, Blest are they (STF 2155: verse 1, refrain)

Doxology
592, OLD HUNDREDTH

Prayers
Bell, Take, O take me as I am

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: Howells, Psalm Prelude
Offertory: Hallock, Voluntary in F Minor
Postlude: Lefebure-Wely, Sortie in B-Flat

Music for 091210

FirstLight
Gathering Song(s)
Better is one day
Lord, reign in me

Opening Song(s)
Alabare’

Peace
Shalom chaverim

Offertory
David Hass, Blest are they

Doxology
Give thanks

Closing Song
Joy in the morning

11AM
Hymns
263, Immortal, invisible, God only wise (ST. DENIO)
453, O holy city, seen of John (MORNING SONG)
2284, Joy in the morning (JOY IN THE MORNING)

Celebration of Forgiveness
579, Glory be to the Father (GREATOREX)

Anthem/Solo
David Haas, Blessed are they

Doxology
592, OLD HUNDREDTH

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: Arr. Joe Martin, Morning Song
Offertory: Michael Barker, See the home of God, Chancel Choir
Postlude: William Matthias, Fanfare

PipeScreams II: Scream Louder

Join us Sunday afternoon October 31 at 4PM for the second annual Halloween organ concert, presented by Mike Barker. Keep an eye on the blog for details about the music you'll hear. Come in costume and afterward join the fun trick-or-treating on Church Street. New this year: a fog machine to add to the "spooky" ambiance. The concert will last about 45 minutes and will be suitable for persons of all ages. And it's FREE!

Worship Music 090510

FirstLight
Prelude
Tuya es la Gloria
Adult Handbells

Gathering Song(s)
Tuya es la Gloria
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord

Opening Song(s)
Holy, holy, holy (NICEA)

Celebration of Forgiveness
Holy, holy, holy (Argentine)

Offertory
Hallelujah (Saved by your mercy)

Doxology
Give thanks

Closing Song
Refiner’s Fire (Purify my heart)

11AM
Hymns
Holy, holy, holy (NICAEA)
Take thou our minds, dear Lord (HALL)
Guide my feet (GUIDE MY FEET)

Introit
We sing of your glory

Celebration of Forgiveness
O’ Carroll, Celtic Alleluia

Anthem/Solo
Allen Pote, Psalm 139
Chancel Choir

Doxology
592, OLD HUNDREDTH

Benediction Response
Sleeth, Go now in peace

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: Arr. Susan Sylvester, Tuya es la gloria
Offertory: Rheinberger, Intermezzo
Postlude: Purcell, Rondeau

Worship Music 082910

This Sunday we are welcoming Christopher Imoff, guest trumpet player at the 11AM service. Chris has just finished up a run with The Wizard of Oz, and next month begins touring with A Chorus Line. His course of study has included Ohio University and the Jacob's School of Music at Indiana University.

FirstLight
Gathering Song
No higher calling


Opening Song
Cry of my heart

Celebration of Forgiveness
Halle, halle, hallelujah


Offertory
Mighty to save

Doxology
Give thanks


Communion
M Barker, keyboard

Closing Song
Christ be our light

11AM
Hymns
487, When morning guilds the skies (LAUDES DOMINI)
434, Today we all are called to be disciples (KINGSFOLD)


Celebration of Forgiveness
Glory be to God the Father (WESTMINSTER ABBEY)

Anthem/Solo
Alan Hovhaness, Prayer of St. Gregory
Christopher Imhoff, trumpet
Christ God, awe-inspiring name, vision of majesty, inscrutable image of sublimity, infinite force, model of the light of salvation, defender of life, gate to the kingdom of heavenly rest, path of tranquility, refuge of renewal that ends sadness, almighty sovereign of all being, call to blessing, voice of good news, proclamation of bliss, salve of immortality, indescribable son of the one and only God: Yours is salvation, from you is pardon, and to you is befitting glory in all things forever. Amen.
a prayer of St.Gregory the Illuminator (Krikor Loosavorich) , Father and Patron Saint of the Armenian Church

Doxology
592, OLD HUNDREDTH

Music during Communion
Organ selections


Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: Diemer, Voluntary on Kingsfold
Offertory: Handel, Bouree from Water Music
Postlude: Mouret, Rondeau

Worship Music 082210

FirstLight worship will begin at 915AM at BMPCNC; 11AM worship will be in Anderson Auditorium in Montreat. It is a joint service with the Montreat PC(USA) congregation.

FirstLight
Gathering Song
The heart of worship

Opening Song
Shout to the north

Celebration of Forgiveness
Amazing love (You are my king)

Offertory
M Barker, keyboard

Doxology
Give thanks

Closing Song
Amazing grace

11AM
Hymns
483, Sing praise to God who reigns above (MIT FREUDEN ZART)
472, O sing to the Lord (CANTAD)
554, Let all things now living (THE ASH GROVE)

Introit
White, Surely it is God who saves me (2030.R)

Celebration of Forgiveness
Patterson, Alleluia, in Jesus Christ we are forgiven

Anthem/Solo
Leavitt, In the shadow of your wings
a setting of Psalm 57; Cara Jenkins, oboe

Doxology
592, OLD HUNDREDTH

Benediction Response
Dauermann, The trees of the field (STF 2279)

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: Paul Halley, Outer Hebrides (a fantasy on three pipe tunes)
Offertory: Mozart, Church Sonata in F, K. 244
Libby Barker, flute; Cara Jenkins, oboe
Postlude: Percy Whitlock, Toccata, from Plymouth Suite

Summer Conference Reflections

I've been attending the "Church Unbound" conference in Montreat for these couple of days. I actually led a seminar last year at the same event. I went just to listen this year.

Every few years I have realized it's a good thing to use continuing education time and funding for something other than music events. This year my registration for the PAM Worship and Music conference in Montreat was gratis because we loaned them handbells. So I had some spare funds.

The speaker this year was Brian McLaren, about whom I've heard a lot, but whom I've never heard or read. It's been very nice and enlightening. The only singing has been an ice-breaker at the beginning of the plenary sessions. They have offered a seminar on "unbound worship" which was interesting. The leadership for that came from the Covenant Community.

Last year when I was teaching, I also took in the plenary sessions. They were led by Shane Claiborne. They were very exciting also, and totally unrelated to music.

A colleague asked via Facebook who I would recommend to seek to hear, were she to try to engage in this sort of non-musical education event. My best answer is that it doesn't really matter. What matters most is that we church music professionals recognize the need for growth in our non-musical/spiritual/theological lives. Like many of us I attend a huge national event, teach once or twice for a local or regional event, and very quickly can be drained by all that leadership. That is unless I take commensurate time to get refueled at an event in which I can think in other ways than notes and rests and sharps and flats and toe and heel.

I suppose I'm a little unique in that I hold an MDiv degree. That may make it for likely that I get a kick out of non-musical and theology-related seminars. But I think any church professional would be well-suited to take in a similar event, outside of their usual area of expertise. This began years ago for me by taking in a retreat led by Richard Foster, who was big into spiritual disciplines and the contemplative life.

And for the record, I don't attend every session when I enroll in these events. It's not my personality style (as SJK has rightly noted). I pick and choose and spend plenty of time reading and watching hummingbirds.

John Bell at Montreat

Montreat Conference Center has released information about a day-long event with Iona Community musician John Bell.

Join John Bell of the Iona Community for a full day of music at Montreat! The day long exploration includes a Big Sing, looking at how song shapes what we believe, the Bible and music, and how song penetrates our personal spiritual journey.

The event is Friday October 8, all day.

Eric Wall to oversee Montreat Summer Music

Eric Wall, musician at First Asheville has been named coordinator of music for summer worship at the Montreat Conference Center.

The music that plays such an important role in Sunday summer worship, adult and youth conference worship, and special events will now be coordinated by Eric Wall, the newly appointed Conference Center Musician at Montreat Conference Center.

Read the whole article here.

Congratulations, Eric!

Music for 072510

FirstLight
Gathering Song(s)
God of wonders
How majestic is your name

Opening Song
Fairest Lord Jesus (You are fairer still)

Offertory
Creating God, your fingers trace
Donna Marie Todd, soprano

Doxology
Give thanks

Closing Song
Morning has broken

11AM
No service at BMPCNC
Worship at Anderson Auditorium, Montreat Conference Center
Shannon Kershner, preaching
Music provided by summer worship music leadership
Worship begins at 1030AM at Anderson

Music for 070410

FirstLight

Gathering Song(s)

Sanctuary

Come, now is the time to worship

Opening Song

Lord, I lift your name on high

Celebration of Forgiveness

Surely it is God who saves me

Offertory

U2, Where the streets have no name (KGB)

Closing Song

Wade in the water

11AM

Hymns

473, For the beauty of the earth (DIX)

2213, Healer of our every ill (HEALER)

2107, Wade in the water (WADE IN THE WATER)

Introit

White, Surely it is God who saves me

Celebration of Forgiveness

Patterson, Alleluia, in Jesus Christ we are forgiven

Anthem/Solo

Carter, Seek the Lord

Susan Banzhoff, soprano

Doxology

592, OLD HUNDREDTH

Benediction Response

Dauermann, The trees of the field

Instrumental/Organ Music

Prelude: Smith, There is a balm

Offertory: Alwood, In Nomine Domini

Postlude: Clarke, Trumpet tune in D

Music for 062710

FirstLight
Gathering Song(s)
He knows my name
I give you my heart

Opening Song
He has made me glad

Celebration of Forgiveness
Your mercy flows

Offertory
Harris, I heard the voice of Jesus
Julia Capps, soprano

Doxology
Give thanks (STF 2036)

Prayers
Kyrie (Barker)

Closing Song
The wonderful cross


11AM
Hymns
477, Ye servants of God, your master proclaim (HANOVER)
344, Christ of the upward way (SURSUM CORDA)
307, Fight the good fight (DUKE STREET)

Introit
Brazilian Folk Song, O Sing to the Lord

Celebration of Forgiveness
Hopson, We are forgiven

Anthem/Solo
Harris, I heard the voice of Jesus
Julia Capps, soprano

Doxology
592, OLD HUNDREDTH

Prayers
Kyrie (Barker)

Benediction Response
Danish, Three-Fold Amen

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: Bridge, Prelude in E
Offertory: Wesley, Siciliano
Postlude: German, Festive Trumpet Tune

Music for 061310

FirstLight
Gathering Songs
Blessed be your name
Forever

Opening Song
The breath of God (O risen Christ)

Celebration of Forgiveness
Celtic Alleluia

Creed
Jesus Christ is Lord (Canedo)

Offertory
Twenty-Four, JDRoberts, guitar

Doxology
Give thanks

Communion
Jesus, name above of all names
More precious than silver
I love you, Lord

Closing Song
Refiner’s fire (Purify my heart)


11AM
Hymns
Joyful, joyful, we adore thee (HYMN TO JOY)
Take my life (HENDON)

Introit
Matsikenyiri, Jesus, we are here

Celebration of Forgiveness
Celtic Alleluia (STF 2043)

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow (OLD HUNDREDTH)

Benediction Response
Haugen, Three-fold Amen

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: Corrette, Cornet Voluntary
Offertory: Byrd, Laudamus Te (We praise thee)
Postlude: John, Trumpet Tune in D

Confirmation 2010

We welcomed six young people into our membership yesterday. They have been engaged in study throughout the winter and spring. They endured their meeting with the Session last week and were formally welcomed at FirstLight worship; they helped lead worship again at 11AM. I am pleased to say that four of them are active musicians: Dow (sax) Thomas (trumpet) and Caleb (baritone horn) all play in middle school band; Madison sings in school chorus and with the Prophets. Cheers!

Music for 060610

FirstLight

Gathering Song

Here I am to worship

Opening Song

Shout to the Lord

Celebration of Forgiveness

Halle, halle, halleluja

Offertory

In Christ Alone

Doxology

Give thanks

Closing Song

Here I am, Lord

11AM

Hymns

Open now thy gates of beauty (UNSER HERRSCHER)

Dear Lord and Father of Mankind (REST)

What a friend we have in Jesus (CONVERSE)

Introit

Lowry, Come, we that love the Lord

Celebration of Forgiveness

Halle, halle, hallelujah

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow (OLD HUNDREDTH)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Christ, all people here below;

Praise Holy Spirit evermore;

Praise Triune God whom we adore. Amen.

Benediction Response

Lowry, Now let our songs abound

Instrumental/Organ Music

Prelude: Heron, Voluntary in G

Offertory: Hallock, Lento

Postlude: Stanley, Trumpet Voluntary

France has got talent

Via the Internet:

No more troubbable

Our performance of The Troubabble of Zerubbabel went really, really well. The kids nailed their songs and their lines; the band was awesome. The crew did great with set changes and props. Our costumes were stunning; our "Adversaries" brought the house down! Here's one picture, but you can view a slideshow of the dress rehearsal and reception following the performance in the sidebar. Thanks to all the kids, all the parents and everyone who helped make it happen.

Others' Pentecost Visuals

We are deeply appreciative to the Herricks for our beautiful cut-paper Pentecost installation. This year also enjoyed a fabric parament installation created by Martha Jane Peterson. Here are a couple of other Pentecost artistic interpretations.

This piece was at Bon Air Methodist Church in Richmond:


This installation was at Tabernacle Baptist also in Richmond.

Music for Worship

FirstLight
Gathering Song
Veni sancte spiritus (Taize)

Opening Song
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness

Offertory
Jesus Messiah

Doxology
Give thanks

Communion
Responses by Leon Roberts
Distribution: Taste and see

Closing Song
Sweet, sweet spirit

11AM
Hymns
129, Come, O Spirit, dwell among us (EBENEZER)
321, Holy Spirit, truth divine (SONG 13)

Introit
Taize, Veni sancte spiritus

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow (with Alleluias)
LASST UNS ERFREUEN

Music during Communion
Responses by Leon Roberts
Distribution: Michael Bedford, Now to praise the name of Jesus (Chancel Choir)
Now to come before the table, now the Spirit from above;
Bread and wine in fullest measure, prayers ascending as a dove:
Alleluia, alleluia, gracious Savior, we are sanctified in love.
James Moore, Taste and see

Benediction Response
Akers, There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit (PH 398)

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: Ahrens, Variations on Veni Creator Spiritus
Offertory: William Dawson, Every time I feel the Spirit
Josh Manuel, bass soloist
Postlude: Titelouze, Veni Creator Spiritus

This week the cut paper banner for Pentecost will be reinstalled. Also the pulpit parament for Pentecost is a woven piece, "Why Not Become All Flame," by Martha Jane Peterson. This work was recently featured in the "On Art" section of The Christian Century with an analysis by Lois Huey-Heck.

Zerub-a-who?

That would be Zerubbabel, a governor of the Hebrew people during the Babylonian exile. Zerubbabel led the exiles on their return from exile, and directed the building of the second temple. He's also the subject of a nifty children's musical which you can see in performance this coming Sunday afternoon at 5PM at BMPCNC. Please join us!

The Aerie Singers (kids in grades 3-4-5-6 who participate in Logos) having been learning about Zerubbabel and the music and dialog for this musical since last September. Winter weather wrought havoc with our schedule, leading to extra rehearsals. But the time has come to the musical to come to life.

Written by Will Anderson The Troubbable of Zerubbabel was written specifically for children's singing voices. Through drama and music children tell the story of the Persian king's proclamation that the Hebrew people should return home to Jerusalem under the leadership of their governor, and further instruction that they should commence a project to rebuild the temple for the worship of Yahweh. The plot thickens as adversaries seek to thwart the progress, but through prayer and faith in God, the building (the Second Temple) is completed.

A hearty band of Aerie Singers cover the majority of dramatic roles and sing the songs. The Adversaries will be portrayed in this production by two tough guys from our congregation. Musical accompaniment in the original musical score is for piano; we will hear our house band the Prophets of Praise (with a couple of extra musicians and playing from a score crafted by Mike Barker) in this production.

Vance S. (Zerubbabel) and Lillie C. (Narrator) have the two lead roles. Dave Bell and Dan Stitt will dig deep into their dramatic wells to play the "tough guys."

The performance on Sunday May 23 begins at 5PM and is free. Come enjoy the show, learn a little Bible and support a fine group of young musicians as they share the culmination of months of work and fun.

My chuckle of the day

So we're in the final stages of prepping "The Troubabble of Zerubbabel" by Will Anderson for a performance on 5/23.

This afternoon we had our usual after school rehearsal. Today was the first day we had in place the back drop covers (the kids had been seeing and working around some framing for the past few weeks), and some boxes that will be stones used to construct the temple, and a couple of our band to see and hear the flow of the show (including the percussionist, who brought several sound effects that will be part of some of the songs).

So the kids had a whole lot to take in and a lot to comment on.

As we were doing notes at the end of rehearsal, we came to "question time," when I take 5 questions from the performers. The rules: one person; one question; five times. And then we leave.

Standard procedure.

Our lead actor had his hand up first, nurturing his question for about 5 minutes, while I finished my notes. He was patient, but about to explode with curiosity. So I called on him first.

He put his hand down and thought.

One second, two, three.

I could almost see the wheels turning in his head to figure out how to ask all the things he wanted to know, and still make it sound like a single question.

His question was about 752 words long and covered everything from soup to nuts, but he did it with one breath, and there was only one question mark at the end!

Too smart.

And too funny.

Mary Louise Bringle

Mary Louise (Mel) Bringle is the subject of an article in Blue Ridge Now, the on-line edition of the Time-News in Hendersoneville. She is chair of the Presbyterian Committee on Congregational Song (PCOCS, "peacocks") which is developing a "new hymnal," in whatever form that may ultimately take. Mel is also president of the Hymn Society in the US and Canada. It was in that role that she helped lead the hymn sing at First Asheville last Sunday afternoon. She was joined by Hymn Society executive director Deborah Carlton Loftis in leading that festival service.

Youth Sunday Music

It's a pretty short list of music, but what a service! Kaitlyn, Jordan, Olivia, Alec and Rosy did a great job! The other liturgists and worship helpers made it a truly special day. Awesome!

You are my King (Amazing love)
Lord reign in me
Word of God speak
Forever
I could sing of your love forever
Amazing grace
Give thanks

Things really took off after worship, when folks stuck around for food and fellowship. Folks seemed to not want to leave. Forty-five minutes later we finally were able to start cleaning up! What a day!

New Organ

A new organ has been installed at Jacob's School of Music at Indiana University (Alma mater of our own David Starkey). The dedicatory recital will be streamed on Friday 4/30. Check out the details here, and especially take a peek at the photo gallery of the installation at the bottom of this page. Enjoy!

Bell Festival II

Just a couple of additional pictures...

Obama Drama for real

The President and First Lady were in Asheville this weekend. Idle chatter at our house was along the lines of, "I wonder if he'll try to meet Billy Graham while he's here." Our usual source (KMS, Jr.) was remarkably tight-lipped, if indeed he had any line on POTUS' and FLOTUS' weekend plans.

The Obamas did all the "very Ashveille" things: lunch at 12 Bones (ribs) on Friday, dinner in the Village on Friday evening, a visit to the Biltmore estate, and a round of golf at GPI (Grove Park Inn) where they were staying.

Then came word early Sunday morning that a meeting in Montreat with Billy was in the offing. Word was that Montreat Road would be closed to traffic between 10AM and 1PM. YIKES! Throughout the morning the information became a little more refined. By 10AM there were cones along the street, but no closure. We got word at the beginning of 11AM worship that the streets would be closed at 1145AM and remain that way until 1PM. Shannon invited folks to do as they needed (including departing after the offering!! A couple of folks bolted then; a few darted out after the sermon and missed the lovely anthem and the offering). The hospitality ministry kicked into high gear and had a slightly beefed up offering available for the folks stuck after worship. There was a certain camaraderie that settled in as we waited.

The motorcade blasted through about 1230PM. We had a nice crowd (including those who had skipped all of worship in case the crew had passed through earlier in the time frame!!), and even some enthusiastic bell ringers showing their support!


I remarked to Shannon and others that the first family had indeed all the "very Asheville" things on their short weekend, the only item they'll have to do to next time to make the Asheville experience complete is visit with us at BMPCNC for Sunday worship!

Thanks to Kent Patton for the photos.

Bell Festival

Above: Lucy D, ever the bell diva, assiduously reviews her music between rehearsals.

Our handbell ringers were in Flat Rock, NC this weekend for the 17th Blue Ridge Handbell Festival. This was the second year the event was held under the aegis of AGEHR Area III and the second also at the Bonclarken Retreat facility. Our ringers had a nice time. They were blown away by the tempi. Luckily we're not required to use the same speeds at home when we perform the music! The weather held clear until, of course, load out. The people and the equipment didn't get too wet, but it slowed things down a bit. We're now looking forward to a joint concert (with the bell ringers at Black Mountain UMC) this fall. More on that later.

Below: Mary V, Faith B and Wilma L pause between a classroom session and rehearsal.

Temperament and Tuning

Here is a very helpful article that is part book review and part introduction to tuning theory.

The author is Jan Swafford (b. 1946) who is an American composer and author who teaches compostion, theory and musicology at the Boston Conservatory and writing at Tufts University.

The book under review is How Equal Temperament Ruined Harmony (and Why You Should Care) by professor Ross W. Duffin. Swafford pretty quickly leaves behind a real review of the book, and concentrates on explaining some of the issues involved in tuning and temperament in very readable language. Here's an excerpt:

There have been some 150 tuning systems put forth over the centuries, none of them pure. There is no perfection, only varying tastes in corruption. If you want your fifths nicely in tune, the thirds can't be; if you want pure thirds, you have to put up with impure fifths. And no scale on a keyboard, not even good old C major, can be perfectly in tune. Medieval tunings voted for pure fifths. By the late Renaissance the tuning systems favored better thirds. The latter were various kinds of meantone temperament. In meantone, most of the accumulated fudges were dumped onto two notes, usually G# (aka A flat) and E flat. The shivery effect of those two notes played together in meantone temperaments earned it the name "wolf," which, like its namesake, was regarded with a certain holy fear.

Enjoy the article.

And FYI: the choir anthem for Sunday: it's in A-flat major. But nary a howl to be heard anywhere!

Music for 042510

FirstLight
Gathering Songs
Come let us worship and bow down
Here I am to worship
Come, now is the time to worship

Prayer of Praise Response
Alleluia, alleluia (Sinclair)

Offertory
Savior, like a shepherd lead us (Barker, piano)

Doxology
Give thanks

Closing Song
You are my all in all

11AM
Hymns
Easter people, raise your voices (REGENT SQUARE)
The King of love my shepherd is (ST. COLUMBA)
Savior, like a shepherd lead us (BRADBURY)

Introit
Jikelele (God is everywhere)
Emily Wasser, soloist

Prayer of Praise Response
Fishell, Alleluia, give thanks

Anthem
Allen Pote, The Lord is my shepherd

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow (with Alleluias) LASST UNS ERFREUEN

Benediction Response
Danish, Three-Fold Amen

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: Gaither, Because he lives, Libby Barker, flute
Offertory: Lee G. Barrow, Festive Bell Flourish, Adult Handbells
Postlude: JS Bach, Today the son of God has Triumphed

The Gospel in Six Stanzas

The choir began working on the Charles Wesley hymn “And can it be” last week. One of our astute resident theologians asked about a phrase in the second stanza (the whole stanza is below):

In vain the firstborn seraph tries

Who is the “first-born seraph,” he asked? I had no answer. Consulting the 1983 Complete Works of John Wesley (edited by Hildebrandt and Beckerlegge), volume 7, which is “A Collection of hymns for the use of the people called Methodists" I found no help.

I did find this sermon excerpt by Archbishop Rowan Williams (but still no answer to the question):

And so as we give thanks for Charles' life, we give thanks not only for the words of the hymns, granted that they are an irreplaceable and inexhaustible treasure of classical Christian wisdom. We give thanks for what he saw, and for the fact that he has enabled us to be drawn into his seeing. Not only his seeing that the God of glory has made him free, the God of glory who died for him, the God of glory into whose purposes the 'firstborn seraph' seeks to penetrate in vain. (How Charles loved those firstborn seraphs! They appear more than once.) But also we give thanks for Charles' vision of his tiresome, beloved brother. Because the vision of tiresome, beloved brothers and sisters is, I'm afraid, what Christians are condemned to! They will sustain it and make something of it, insofar as they retain the joy of that first fresh unsurpassable vision into which the firstborn seraph seeks to look: the vision of glory and of grace.

I found a second hymn text by Charles Wesley with the same image (it's included in the hymn collection mentioned above, but I discovered it here:

Till added to that heavenly choir
We raise our songs of triumph higher,
And praise thee in a bolder strain,
Out-soar the firstborn seraph's flight,
And sing, with all our friends in light,
Thy everlasting love to man.

But still no help.

I also found this:

Wesley identifies the problem that is created by attempting to understand God's love in human terms. He does not seek to resolve it however, instead he lets it stand as a mystery. The mystery of divine suffering calls attention to this wonderful love of God which we cannot help but respond to with praise. Perhaps it is this realization which overcomes our emotions when we sing,

'Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies!
Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
to sound the depths of love divine.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.

With no clear answer to be found, but upon more reading and praying the text, I think the reference is to a hypothetical uber-angel. Seraphs are the topmost category of angelic beings. Firstborn may simply be the eldest or similarly top-ranking seraph, closest to God, and offering purest praise in the heavenly realm. The point of the stanza is ultimately the the most-wise individual or even heavenly being cannot fathom the why nor the how of the gift of salvation. We each simply are invited by grace to graciously perceive and enter into the gracious act that God has accomplished in Christ Jesus.

I’ve blogged it before, but here is a delightful rendition of the hymn. Sadly the video-audio syncing is a little off. But you’ll enjoy it nonetheless.

Here is the complete hymn text at CyberHymnal. Most hymnals include five of the six stanzas, leaving out what was #5 in the original poem.

Divas and Drafts

White Horse Black Mountain, the spectacular music and arts venue in historic Black Mountain, will host a new series of classical music concerts, beginning with an exciting program called "Divas and Drafts" on Sunday, April 25 at 2:00 featuring sopranos Jennifer Smith and Kim Hughes, tenor Richard Eugene, and pianist Daniel Weiser. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for students/children. The program will include music from Rossini to Puccini, Mozart to Schubert, and Kurt Weill to Andrew Lloyd Weber. Tickets are available online at www.whitehorseblackmountain.com or at the White Horse Box Office Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings after 6:00. Tickets will also be available at the door or by calling 828-669-0816. White Horse Black Mountain is located immediately next door to BMPCNC in the heart of Black Mountain.

Music for 041810

FirstLight
Gathering Song
Open our eyes, Lord

Opening Song
I give you my heart
My life is in you, Lord
Cry of my heart

Prayer of Praise Response
He is Lord

Offertory
Lead me to the cross

Doxology
Give thanks

Closing Song
Lord, you have come to the lakeshore


11AM
Hymns
108, Christ is alive (TRURO)
377, Lord, you have come to the lakeshore (PESCADOR DE HOMBRES)
369, I’m gonna live so God can use me (I’M GONNA LIVE)

Introit
Matsikenyiri, Jesus, we are here

Prayer of Praise Response
Traditional, He is Lord

Anthem
James Chepponis, Go forth and preach the gospel
…to all who live in fear. And share the joyful message that God is always near.
The Spirit is upon us, and sends us forth in peace to bring the poor glad tidings
that justice may increase.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow (with Alleluias)
LASST UNS ERFREUEN

Benediction Response
Stainer, Seven-Fold Amen

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: JS Bach, Christ ist erstanden
Offertory: Beethoven, Variations on a Theme by Handel (Carolyn Konnert, ‘cello)
Postlude: Lefebure-Wely, Sortie in B-Flat

Travels

As one might expect, with three kids under foot, international travel is pretty much out of the question for me for any number of reasons. So I have to travel vicariously through family and friends. Jane C. from choir was in Spain over Holy Week. Mindful of her home-bound choir director, she took a picture of this instrument. She thinks it's Barcelona, but can't quite remember. (Anyone know for sure?) Jane didn't hear anyone play this organ and was appropriately bummed about that. Thanks Jane for the photo, and also the post card with the pretty stamp!

Easter Reflections

We enjoyed a tremendous Lenten and Easter observance this year. One of the new additions was a flowering cross for Easter Day. Gene Schimpf built the cross from verbal design plans from Mike Barker. We covered the cross with chicken wire. On Holy Saturday Leila Cox and Mike Barker laid a base of Palm Sunday fronds on the mesh. Folks from our worshiping congregation brought flowers from home on Easter and added them to the cross. This was the final product. Amazing.
This is a view of the overflow crowd a the second service. Between the two services we estimate about 600 folks worshiped with us. About 100 more than last year. Every once in a while we have to add some chairs outside the sanctuary doors. On this day we added nearly 75 extending straight back, but then had to add another 30 or so turned 90 degrees! We're already strategizing how to handle the crowd more effectively next year.

Resurrection Sunday de-brief (an open letter)

It was a glorious morning, thanks in no small measure to your leadership. I am deeply grateful for your talents and dedication to our church and its worship. I hope folks were as effusive with you as they were with me about the music for the day and the whole service. Rumor has it that there were about 600 persons in worship, between the two services.

At 830AM: "Our God is here" rocked. I don't need to say anything else. It rocked. And it was so fun to have drums back! "Mighty to save" also rocked. 'Nuff said. I think we found the right tempo for everything when we got down to it in the service!

At 11AM: The choir nailed the anthem. Russ would have been proud! It peaked right on time. The bell piece was quite nice. I was nervous and so played the fugue with you. The end result was great, as you heard from the congregation. They don't know or care I played along where it wasn't written; they only know the joy you conveyed (and none of the nerves!). The cumulative effect was exactly what we would hope for: an expression of utter joy on Easter Day. I was so delighted to be able to have brass today. They lent drama and power that was icing on the cake for all they participated in. The communion responses, especially, were awesome thanks to the addition of brass. I had a nice worship moment when so many joined in the refrain for "Up from the grave he arose"! Thanks to Susan H for getting us in and in the right places; and to David S. for stepping in and conducting the introit from the rear. You sounded awesome for that piece, and I knew then that the rest of the service was going to take wing!

(In case you noticed me scouring the organ top during the benediction, I was looking for the volume that contained my postlude, there at the end of the service. It was long gone! Probably just as well: it would have been too long, and poor denouement for a tremendous musical worship experience.)

Thanks again for your hard work leading up today, including your leadership on Palm-Passion Sunday, Maundy Thursday and your presence and encouragement on Good Friday.

As a reminder, I am on vacation this week (in town, but laying low). No Tune Weavers rehearsal; no Chancel Choir rehearsal. Andy and Perrin will make the call on Prophets practice TU evening. Music stands are in the sanctuary. (M Banzhoff will be in town, and is planning to sit in on practice and worship next Sunday.) I'll be tidying up bell equipment and re-setting the chancel probably on Wednesday. Next Sunday at 11AM N Allen will sub for me, and Susan B will be singing a solo for the anthem.

I think that's it. Thank you again. Have a blessed Easter!

Christus vincit, Christus regnat; Christus imperat.

Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ rules.

Music for worship 040410

FirstLight

Opening

That's why we praise him

Forever

Halle, halle, halleluja

Offertory

Mighty to save

Communion Liturgy

Responses by Leon Roberts

Distribution: Our God is here

Closing

Jesus Christ is risen today

11AM

Jesus Christ is risen today (EASTER HYMN)

Thine is the glory (JUDAS MACCABEUS)

Halle, halle, halleluja

Introit

Palestrina, The strife is o'ver

Benediction (choir, organ and brass)

Handel, Hallelujah (from Messiah)

Anthem (choir, organ & brass)

Russ Nagy, Now, O Death, where is thy sting

Communion

Responses by Elise Eslinger

Distribution, Hillert, This is the feast

Prelude

Improvisation on LAUDES DOMINI

Offertory

Doug Wagner, Rondo jubilate (bells & brass)

Postlude

Guilmant, Paraphrase (Fanfare and Fugue) on JUDAS MACCABEUS

Worship for Palm-Passion Sunday 032810

For Palm-Passion Sunday we will devote much of our worship to a dramatic portrayal of the events of Palm Sunday and Holy Week. A team of folks under the leadership of Donna Marie Todd will tell the story of Holy Week throughout the service, interspersed with prayers and singing. FirstLight and our 11AM service will be very similar; the biggest difference will be the music (though there will be plenty of cross-over there also). To see what's coming you can see a copy of the liturgy for FirstLight here. And here's a copy of the liturgy for 11AM. In both documents you can see the music we'll be using. See you Sunday!

Quintessential hymns

"So," I asked the choir tonight, "for what denomination is "Lift high the cross" (CRUCIFER) the quintessential hymn?" (It's one of our hymns for this coming Sunday.) Once they figured out what I was asking, they put it together and responded, "Lutherans."

Exactly.

I went on...the quintessential Presbyterian hymn is "Praise ye the Lord, the Almighty" (LOBE DEN HERREN).

For United Methodists, AZMON, "O for a thousand tongues to sing." By that point we were off.

I proposed that the Baptist equivalent would be "Praise Him! Praise Him!" (...Jesus our blessed Redeemer...). Our resident Baptist wasn't convinced, but also didn't think, as a third person suggested, that "Just as I am" really summed up Baptist hymnody quite right either.

The way I further explained it was, "what hymn gets a group of whomever we're speaking of singing with everything they've got?" What song would compel a member of said denomination to stand up and join in singing?

For Moravians we decided "Ten thousand times ten thousand." The lyrics rival "For all the saints" (SINE NOMINE) in their beauty to my thinking.

One of the other mainline denominations we've failed to mention to this point is the Episcopal Church in the US. What, the choir singers and I pondered together, would be the Episcopal "signature tune?" I'm still wondering. "O God our help in ages past?" (As I am putting the final edit on this, I now wonder if maybe it's "For all the saints.")

This got going in my head because a friend and colleague recently gave me a new hymnal, the new Celebrating Grace Hymnal, published by Celebrating Grace Ministries, which seems to be of the Baptist persuasion. It had a delightfully comprehensive and inclusive, if somewhat Baptist-weighted, corpus of hymnody and congregational song: KING'S WESTON to Chris Tomlin and DIVINUM MYSTERIUM to Fred Pratt Green.

Of course then one has to ask, "would other groups (Episcopalians, Unitarians, Congregationalists, etc.) be caught singing their hearts out on any song at all?!?" For some this abiding joy and fervor over congregational singing may be an alien thing.

So weigh in. Got a suggestions for AME Zionists? Or National Baptists? Members of the Christian Reformed Church? Care to argue any of the choices I named at the outset?

New hymnal

I received a copy of the Celebrating Grace Hymnal, published by Celebrating Grace, Inc., in GA. Arden S. was in attendance for the premiere and sang in the choir that helped introduce the new song resource. Interesting tidbits: KING'S WESTON to Chris Tomlin and DIVINIUM MYSTERIUM to Fred Pratt Green. It's got a definite Baptist slant (Praise Him! Praise Him!), but seems like a very nice resources. Is this a shot across the bow of Lifeway Resources' marketing grip on the Baptist denomination as it seems? Thanks, Arden!

Maryville Pics

Images from the Friday dinner, concert and reception with Maryville College Choir.



Thanks to Carolyn Konnert for taking the pictures!

Worship Music for 031410

FirstLight
Gathering Song
Bless the Lord, my soul

Opening Song
Come, thou fount of every blessing

Confession
Lord, have mercy
Surely it is God who saves me

Offertory
O the deep, deep love of Jesus

Doxology
We are an offering

Closing Song
How deep the Father’s love for us

11AM
Hymns
2236, Gather us in (GATHER US IN)
356, Come thou fount of every blessing (NETTLETON)
298, There’s a wideness in God’s mercy (IN BABILONE)

Introit
Berthier, Bless the Lord, my soul

Confession
Lord, have mercy upon us, Merbecke
Surely it is God who saves me, White

Anthem
Philip Young, O the deep, deep love of Jesus
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of every love the best!
Tis an ocean full of blessing, ’tis a haven giving rest!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, ’tis a heaven of heavens to me;
And it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee!

Doxology
All things come of thee O Lord

Benediction Response
Berthier, Jesus remember me

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: JS Bach, Blessed Jesus, at your word
Offertory: Arr. Manz, In Babilone
Postlude: Pachelbel, Fantasy in G Minor

Tour details: Marryville College Choir

Friday, March 12

8:00 Load the bus (arrive dressed in black pants and choir t-shirts)

8:30 Departure

9:15 Arrive at Daniel Boone High School

9:30 Performance

11:00 Departure

12:00 *Lunch & Free Time in Abingdon, VA

2:30 Departure

4:30 Arrival, unload, set up and warm up

5:30 Dinner

6:00 Dress

6:30 Assemble

7:00 Concert

Black Mountain Presbyterian Church

117 Montreat Road

Black Mountain, NC 28711

Phone: 828-669-2725

Website: http://bmpcnc.org/index.htm

Contact: Mike Barker, Choral Director

mbarker118@bellsouth.net

Shannon Kershner, Pastor

Folks bringing food for supper may bring it anytime Friday and leave in the kitchen with a label and instructions. Dinner will be in the fellowship Hall, a reception will follow the concert in the narthex. Women singers will be using CR 1 and the Parlor as their green rooms; men will use the Library and CR 2. Host families should pick up singers after the concert and reception. Singers need to be back at church on Saturday at 9AM. Anyone involved with the event may use the cell number I've given you 24/7 Friday and Saturday with questions or problems.

Three Choral Anthems

Harold Friedell's "Draw us in the Spirit's tether" has been for me, for quite some time, a "perfect piece of choral music (even with the somewhat dated 6-5 suspension at the end). The tune (UNION SEMINARY) is drop-dead gorgeous (usually in luscious A-flat major), and the text for communion, with its numerous and subtle allusions to scripture is glorious. (Published: HW Gray)

Several years ago Mike Bedford wrote "Now to praise the name of Jesus" as his answer to the Friedell anthem. It has the same stately feel, flowing in triple meter. The text has just a couple of weak turns of phrase, but is all in all fine, fine poetry. The piece (in stately F major) includes a soaring descant, including a high-A for the sopranos. It concludes with a solemn "amen." (For those who know me, you know that in my book this would be the only draw-back: I hate "amens.") But all in all a very nice piece. (Published: Presser)

This winter I discovered Philip Young's new setting of the text "O the deep, deep love of Jesus." Again in triple meter, with a beautiful melody. I only wish the text were explicitly eucharistic: it would make a perfect match to the other two. Alas, it joins their ranks missing that one hallmark. Yet, it still makes the cut. The melody is just that pretty. The only real drawback to the piece is that it changes key for each stanza (B-flat, C, D, not even interesting key relations). One key would have been ideal, two tolerable. It misses greatness by relying on too many changes in key. It has a very nice counter-melody at the end. No "amen." (Published: Lorenz {I know!})

I have not had to introduce any choir I've worked with to the Friedell piece. It's that much of a choral repertoire staple. I have purchased Bedford's anthem everywhere I've been staff musician. With the caveats noted above, I would commend the third to my colleagues. And to any chorister, I would commend the text of all three anthems. "Read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them." You owe it to yourself.

Maryville College Choir program

Below is a list of the works on the choir's program. Read and have your musical appetite whetted!

Program

“Make Our Garden Grow”

Maryville College Concert Choir

To be selected from the following:

Grow in Faith

Non Nobis, Domine, Rosephanye Powell

O Clap Your Hands, John Rutter

Pilgrim’s Hymn, Stephen Paulus

Beautiful Savior, F. Melius Christiansen

Will You Come and Follow Me?, Arr. John Bell

Antiphon, Ralph Vaughan Williams

From “Five Mystical Songs”

Grow in Love

A Boy and a Girl, Eric Whitacre

The Turtle Dove, Ralph Vaughan Williams

Grow in Heritage

Danny Boy, arr. Joseph Flummerfelt (Off Kilter)

Loch Lomond, arr. Jonathan Quick

Keep Your Lamps, Andre Thomas

Ezekiel Saw de Wheel, arr. William L. Dawson

Make Our Garden Grow, Leonard Bernstein

From “Candide”

Grow in Levity (Off Kilter)

Theme from “Mission: Impossible”, Schirfrin/arr. Emerson

My Girl, Robinson/arr. Raugh & Sharon

Stand By Me, King/Leiber & Stoller/arr. Mac Huff

Breaths, Ysaye M. Barnwell

Wanting Memories, Ysaye M. Barnwell

Killing Me Softly With His Song, arr. Deke Sharon

Heartbreak Hotel, arr. Raugh & Sharon

Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da, Lennon & McCartney/arr. Bill Ives

Lion Sleeps Tonight, arr. Raugh & Sharon

Grow in Tradition

Concert Choir

Hallelujah Chorus, George Frederick Handel

From “Messiah”

Benediction and Amen, Peter Lutkin.

Touring Choir: Maryville College (TN)

Here's their publicity photo. I heard from Director Stacey Wilner that the music department has moved into new digs on campus: a new arts center! I suppose this is located in the new hall. Good looking group of kids!

All you folks that have been telling me "I went to Maryville...," or "I know someone who went to Maryville..." drop us a comment and share your stories!

Maryville College Choir

They'll be here Friday 3/12 for a 7PM concert. Click here to see their spring tour and event poster. They've got a busy semester. See you in a couple of weeks, guys!

A Jazzy Lent

I am conflating several different notions here. Wrapped together are fond memories of yesterday's worship music, especially the jazz influenced music at 11AM. Yesterday Lamar W. gave me a copy of an article by Frank Burch Brown in Interpretation. (Brown gives a nice discussion of "Forth Days" piece by Dave Brubeck), that I have been reading this morning. Finally, Shannon K. will be speaking at Chapel at Montreat College this week; she asked, I suspect rhetorically, her Facebook friends what she should talk about.

Here's a video of the Brubeck piece:



This may push the envelop for some person's concept of "sacred music." And I think that is what's on my mind this morning. For Lent we often "give up" something as an act of devotion, penitence or for any number of reasons. In recent years Protestants especially have offered the notion of "taking on" something for Lent: a new level of devotional reading, works of outreach during the season, and the like.

I think maybe for musicians a good Lenten discipline would be to push your comfort envelop this season. If you love classical music for Lent (Handel, Bach and the boys) try listening to jazz this season and hearing what modern voices have to say about our faith. If you prefer contemporary Christians (pop) music, try listening to some Southern gospel this season. We can get very comfortable with our musical choices and miss a whole lot of good stuff. Give a listen to something not usually on your radar. Don't just listen but strive to find what is captivating about the alternative musical style, and find out how it may add to your Lenten devotional life.

A couple of years ago I spent the Lenten season listening to the Bach St. Matthew Passion. I listened to it almost daily and read liner notes and technical articles about the work. I prayed the chorale texts. It wasn't earth-shaking, but it was deeply moving to spend that much time with a single piece of music and to have its message so deeply penetrating my thoughts for 6 weeks or so.

Try something like that this season. let me know what you try and what you encounter in the experience.

Music for 022110

FirstLight
Gathering Song
Bless the Lord, my soul

Opening Song
Seek ye first the kingdom of God

Confession
Lord, have mercy
Surely it is God who saves me

Offertory
Take my life

Doxology
We are an offering

Communion
Jesus Messiah

Closing Song
Refiner’s fire

11AM
Hymns
81, Lord who throughout these forty days (ST. FLAVIAN)
389, O Jesus, I have promised ((NYLAND)

Introit
Berthier, Bless the Lord, my soul

Confession
572, Lord, have mercy upon us, Merbecke
2030, Surely it is God who saves me, White

Doxology
All things come of thee O Lord

Music during Communion
Paul Halley, Agnus Dei (Lamb of God)
Aimee Sullivan, soprano saxophone
Agnus dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, Miserere nobis
Agnus dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, grant us your peace.

Instrumental/Organ Music
Prelude: Billy Strayhorn, Arr. Alec Wyton, adpt. MRB, Lotus
Offertory: Handel, Behold, the lamb of God (from Messiah)
Postlude: Buxtehude, Toccata in F-Sharp Minor

The six degrees of separation for the key music elements at 11AM: the jazz harmonies in the Halley anthem to the jazz harmonies in the Strayhorn piece, to the wonderful chord progressions in the second section of the Buxtehude toccata (Buxtehude being of the 17th-18th century time frame), to Handel of roughly the same broad era.