Songs of peace, solace, and beatific glory on this Totenfest/All Saints Sunday morning.
At 9:00 a.m. vocalist/guitarist Bill DeMarco brings his classic folk stylings to a service of remembrance and hope. At 11:00 a.m., an ethereal and elegant "Elegy" by Brenda Portman greets worshipers at the Prelude. The Chancel Choir offers the ancient Latin text "Dona Nobis Pacem" (grant us peace) in a contemporary exquisite setting by David Lantz III with violinist Harmony Tucker and handbell ringers Eric Siegel and Roger Smith joining. The organ concludes the service with a triumphant 16th century "Glorificamus" from British composer John Redford.
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If Martin Luther can be called the "Father of the Reformation," then surely Johann Sebastian Bach can be considered the movement's greatest musical emissary. Born in 1685, nearly 140 years after Luther's death, Bach often signed his compositions with the initials "S.D.G." representing the Latin phrase Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God alone). This dedication was a clear expression of his faith and a perfect representation of a core Reformation principle. This Reformation Sunday, the transcendent music of J.S. Bach will be offered in our worship services.
At 9:00 a.m., cantor, cellist, and part time percussionist Lucas Jackson and I will offer Bach's "Bourree" from his "Suite in E Minor for Lute, BWV 996"...albeit in a contemporary form. Our version will be based on the jazz/blues stylings of the Jethro Tull cover on their 1970 album "Stand Up." We are sure Bach would approve... At 11:00 a.m., two settings from Bach's "Clavier-Übung III (also known as the "German Mass") will be offered based on the Martin Luther hymn "We All Believe in One True God," a paraphrase of the Nicene Creed. The monumental "Fantasia in G Minor" closes worship on a dramatic and not so subtle foreshadowing of All Hallows' Eve. We celebrate Plymouth's radical musical diversity, amazing volunteer musicians and friends this Consecration Sunday morning.
At 9:00 a.m., a reprise of last year's "Beatles Sunday" will be offered with a focus on the songwriting contributions of George Harrison, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney. Vocalist Lucas Jackson, guitarist Alan Skowron, bassist Peter Strening and percussionist Nick McCulloch join us to share a spiritual message from the Fab Four. At 11:00 a.m., Plymouth's volunteer musicians take over the service music with the Chancel Choir, Plymouth Ringers, cellist Aaron Dunigan-AtLee, flutist Aaron McGrew, and violinist Harmony Tucker comprising our merry band in the chancel. A diverse range of works by Mark Miller, Hans-André Stamm, Tammy Waldrop, and Antonio Vivaldi will be offered on this festive Sunday morning. We are Plymouth! Songs of gratitude and praise this Sunday morning.
At 9:00 a.m., resident Plymouth ukuleleist Stuart Yoshida joins myself, bassist Peter Strening, and vocalist Lucas Jackson for a musical survey of thankful expressions. At 11:00 a.m., we hear two venerable tunes of joyful gratitude in settings of "Now Thank We All Our God" by Baroque composer Georg Friedrich Kauffmann and the Latin hymn "Deo Gracias" by British/Canadian composer Healey Willan. The Chancel Choir reminds us of the bountiful Spirit of God in the 19th century American hymn "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" arranged by David Ashley White. Songs of sharing God's providence with the whole of creation.
At 9:00 a.m., an Americana and Celtic folk hybrid musical schema greets you. Cantor/banjoist Lucas Jackson and bassist Peter Strening join us for early morning worship. At 11:00 a.m., the organ welcomes congregants with variations on the American folk hymn "Simple Gifts" arranged by James Pethel. The Chancel Choir sings a hymn of stewardship and service in the Anglican-inspired anthem "God Has Called Us" by Robert Hobby. From the organ, the Henry Purcell tune "Westminster Abbey" (commonly paired with the hymn text "Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation") closes worship on a stately regal note. International songs of unity and peace from around the world this World Communion Sunday.
At 9:00 a.m., flutist Aaron McGrew, bassist Peter Strening, and vocalist Lucas Jackson join us for worshipful tunes from Nicaragua, South Africa, Honduras, and more. Everyone's a percussionist this Sunday morning... At 11:00 a.m., the African-American spiritual "Let Us Break Bread Together" receives a jazzy take from composer Charles Callahan, The Chancel Choir offers the uplifting truth that we are "One World, One Communion" in an anthem by Pepper Choplin featuring percussionist Nick McCulloch. The playfully rousing "Fantasia alla latina" by Hans-Andre Stamm closes worship from the organ. Songs of unity, peace, and diversity this Sunday morning.
At the 9:00 a.m. service, an eclectic display of wisdom and sounds from such diverse sources as Guatemala, jazz, and Buddhist texts will be shared. Vocalist/cellist Lucas Jackson, resident ukulelist Stuart Yoshida, and bassist Peter Strening join us for early morning worship. The organ speaks colorfully with two works showcasing the varied timbres of the sanctuary organ. "Lied to the Flowers" from Belgian composer Flor Peeters is an ode to the beauty of nature and its wonderful living art. The collage of color beautifully showcased by flowers is represented with an imaginative use of registration from the organ. A playful toccata ("Toccata giocosa") from Welsh composer William Mathias employs an ever-shifting change of stops to highlight the sectional nature of this work. The Chancel Choir tells us the good news that the water is just fine, with God's guidance, in a rousing and quirky setting of the spiritual "Wade in the Water" by Bruce Trinkley. After the 11:00 service, learn more about the organ (the "King of Instruments" according to Mozart) in an Organ Encounter with your truly! It will be a casual show-n-tell presentation with Q&A from 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. Hope to see you there! Guitarist/vocalist Bill Demarco and banjoist/vocalist Lucas Jackson lead the congregation in song at the 9:00 a.m. service with sounds of folk and more.
The Plymouth Ringers ring in their new program year at the 11:00 a.m. service with a slice of Americana in "Simple Gifts" arranged by Patricia Cota. The Chancel Choir offers the exuberant "Fill Your Hearts with Joy and Gladness" by composer Sarah Quartel. The organ brings the service to a close with the exciting "Toccata in F Major" by Baroque composer Dietrich Buxtehude. Songs of peace and hope this Sunday morning.
At 9:00 a.m., cantor and cellist Lucas Jackson, guitarist Alan Skowron, bassist Peter Strening and I bring offerings of tranquility and goodwill in music by Alan Skowron, Horace Silver, and George Harrison. At 11:00 a.m., the organ warmly reminds those gathering that "Jesus Calls Us; O'er the Tumult" in an intimate jazzy setting by William Bolcom. The Chancel Choir calls for a "Prayer for Peace" in an interactive hymn-anthem by David Cherwien. To close the service, a rousing "Toccata in 7" by famed British composer John Rutter. Hear the Word.
Receive the Light. Let it Shine! At 9:00 a.m. vocalist Lucas Jackson and bassist Peter Strening join us for songs of faith and mission leaning into the African-American spiritual tradition. May God guide our feet into the world and let our little lights shine! . At 11:00 am, the organ invites you into the worship hour with two settings of the chorale prelude "Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier" (Dearest Jesus, we are here) by Johann Sebastian Bach. The Chancel Choir sings "Celtic Communion" during our time at the table together by Mark Hayes. Violinist Harmony Tucker provides a beautiful Celtic-flavored obligato line throughout. A "Fanfare" by 19th century Belgian composer Jacques-Nicolas Lemmens joyfully sounds from the organ at service's end. |
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