Spiritual Eucharist Rite II at 10:30 a.m. sung by cantor Brendon Gallagher, sermon by the Rev’d Margie Baker.

Worship at Home:

Click here: Service Bulletin – Sermon Text

Service Music:

Voluntary     Two settings of Lo, how a rose e’er blooming
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Emma Lou Diemer (b. 1927)

Opening Hymn 57 vv. 1,2,4    Lo! He comes, with clouds descending    Helmsley

Kyrie S-89    James McGregor, after Hans Leo Hassler

Anthem    Prepare the way (2015)    Zanaida Robles (b. 1979)
Text: Frans Mikael Franzen, adap. Charles P. Price
Brendon Gallagher, soloist

Prepare the way, O Zion,
your Christ is drawing near!
Let every hill and valley
a level way appear.
Greet One who comes in glory,
foretold in sacred story.
Oh blest is Christ that came
in God’s most holy name.

He brings God’s rule, O Zion;
he comes from heaven above.
His rule is peace and freedom,
and justice, truth, and love.
Lift high your praise resounding,
for grace and joy abounding.
Oh blest is Christ that came
in God’s most holy name.

Fling wide your gates, O Zion;
your Savior’s rule embrace.
His tidings of salvation
proclaim in every place.
All lands will bow before him,
their voices will adore him.
Oh blest is Christ that came
in God’s most holy name.

Dr. Zanaida Stewart Robles is a fierce advocate for diversity and inclusion in music education and performance. Authentic interpersonal connection and relationship-building are core principles of her teaching and performance methods. Born, raised, and educated in Southern California, she is in demand as a vocalist, conductor, clinician and adjudicator for competitions, festivals, and conferences related to choral and solo vocal music. Her film and television credits include “Glee,” “Tinkerbell: Pirate Fairy,” “Godzilla,” “Minions,” “Creed,” Lego Movie,” “Despicable Me 3,” “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” “Venom,” “Smallfoot,” “Frozen 2,” “Underwater,” and “Mulan.” 

Sanctus  S130    Franz Schubert (1797-1828)

Fraction anthem S164    Jesus, lamb of God    Franz Schubert

Closing Hymn 66 vv. 1,2,3   Come, thou long expected Jesus    Stuttgart

Voluntary     Postlude on Stuttgart (2020)    Peter Niedmann (b. 1960)

Peter Niedmann is Director of Music and Organist at Church of Christ, Congregational, in Newington, and composition coach for our own Scott Lamlein. He is a published composer with hundreds of works in print, and his choral music has been sung at The White House and a Papal Mass for Pope John Paul II. No stranger to St. John’s, he has been featured on our Music at the Red Door series as a composer, organist, and conductor at various times. We look forward to his Pipes Alive! recital next Sunday that will feature his own new works for Advent and Christmas.