Sunday, March 14, Fourth Sunday in Lent
Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Sunday, March 14 is the Fourth Sunday in Lent. Find the readings here.
Dear Friends in Christ,
This week’s worship videos are now available:
Morning Prayer, Rite II
Morning Prayer, Rite I
We have now reached a full year since the end of normal public in person activities, and I want to start by thanking you all once again for being so faithful and gracious in enduring this difficult time. Hard times really do seem to bring out the best in Christians.
As I mention in my sermon, we've also reached one year since the death of Bishop Barbara C. Harris. Our Bishops have written a beautiful letter explaining why they are encouraging her commemoration, with an eye toward recognition on the Episcopal Church's sanctoral calendar. They are also offering (on the same Web page) a rich set of resources for learning about and celebrating her remarkable life and ministry. Please take a moment to at least read the letter, and offer a prayer for her.
And please join us for coffee hour at noon:
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Here are Mark's music notes:
The Fourth Sunday in Lent is known by various monikers: “Refreshment Sunday,” “Mothering Sunday,” and “Laetare,” the first word of the Introit chant for this day. Indeed in England and other countries in the Commonwealth it is “Mother’s Day!” As a midpoint in the Lent season it is often seen as a break from the vigor of this observance, sometimes using the Rose colored vestments (also used on the 3rd Sunday in Advent, a parallel mid-season Sunday.) For this service I have chosen Hymn 143 “The Glory of these Forty Days” and Hymn 686 “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” The former text recounting illustrating our prayerful journey with that of Moses, Daniel and John the Baptist. The sturdy German chorale supports this in a wonderful way. Fitted with a singable folk tune with wonderful words, this hymn sings itself. I noted that new hymnals have removed the colorful and original words of “melodious sonnet,” which I’m glad we still have. The final voluntary is a bright & light shepherd’s flute piece to celebrate the midpoint.
We’ve enjoyed getting a chance to sing as part of a bigger group on some of the hymns and we’ve even worked up one of our favorite anthems, Purcell’s “Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets” for this week. Not quite like singing live, but we’re singing together as we can!
Opmerkingen