Sunday, October 25, the Twenty-first Sunday After Pentecost
Sunday, October 25 is the Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost. Find the readings here.
Dear Friends in Christ,
This week’s worship video is now available:
Please support our ministries, if you aren't already doing so.
First of all, I apologize for only being able to make one version of this week's worship video. Between technical difficulties, working out the details of next week's Requiem, diocesan obligations, meetings, and more distractions than usual, "it's been a week," as they say. That's just an apology, though, and not a complaint. A wise priest once told me, "the distractions are the ministry," and that's absolutely right. I love hearing from you, and I'm grateful for every chance to help you continue growing and healing.
Nevertheless, I did manage to introduce a new element, "A Litany of Thanksgiving," as an experimental replacement for the General Thanksgiving we've been praying for a few months now. It was written by the Rev. Dr. Massey Shepherd, who together with the Rev. Dr. Marion Hatchett, was an "architect" of our current Book of Common Prayer. And really, if your name is Massey Shepherd, you pretty much have to become a priest, right? Anyway, let me know what you think.
I don't think we're doing another Stroll today, but we did talk about doing one every other weekend, so please tell me what times and days would work for you. Thanks!
Please join us for our virtual coffee hour at noon:
• To join in the Zoom app, use the Meeting ID: 852 8633 0838 (no password).
• To join in your browser, click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85286330838
• To join from a smartphone, tap here: +16465588656,,85286330838#
• To join from a conventional phone, call (646) 558-8656 and enter the Meeting ID.
Here are Mark's music notes:
Our opening hymn is new to us, and the words were written by a Congregational minister in Hartford in 1961. The verses are a fitting reminder of the stewardship themes that we’ve been hearing about. The Hymn has been included in most of the major denominational hymnals published in recent years. The beloved Welsh tune “Hyfrydol” is hopefully one that will carry the meaning of the words into our hearts.
Organ music today is by 20th century German composer Max Drischner. The opening Voluntary is based upon a hymn by Martin Luther which importantly was sung a great deal as it acknowledged the nearly perpetual wars that were fought in the last 5 centuries. Some Lutherans sing it weekly even today. Here are the words:
In these our days so perilous, Lord, peace in mercy send us; No God but thee can fight for us, No God but thee defend us; Thou our only God and Saviour.
The final Voluntary is based on the tune that we sing Hymn 509, “Spirit Divine, Attend our Prayers,” another sturdy Lutheran hymntune.
We continue to have outdoor rehearsal for the kids on Thursdays. They are also using the Acapella app and I hope to feature them soon. The Parish Choir continues to meet via Zoom and are concluding our time with singing Compline. We hope to invite you to experience Compline with us in November.
We’re looking at some community engagement this Advent and Christmas and invite your favorite (or compelling) poetry, readings and/or music. We’re imagining a short (~10 minute) video coming out often featuring all of our favorite stories and music.
A final invitation, if you would like to try singing in the weekly hymn recordings please let me know. We know that singing is something that so many of us want to do, and those of us who sing immensely enjoy it. We do have a roving iPad for those who don't have an Apple device (required for the app).
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