November 26, 2023

Sunday's organ prelude is based on a very popular anthem, and one our choir sings from time to time-- "Draw Us in the Spirit's Tether" by Harold Friedell (1905-1958), who taught at both The Julliard School of Music and Union Seminary's department of sacred music.  This setting is by the contemporary American organist, James Biery.

Our processional hymn, 535, "Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim", though well known to us, is an old German tune with a text by Charles Wesley, as you might note in the hymnal.

Our Gospel hymn happens to be one of my favorites-- "Where cross the crowded ways of life", 609, relating to our reading from Matthew.

Our beautiful anthem, "Creation Will Be at Peace", is a paraphrase of Isaiah 11, 6-9, (text by J. Paul Williams), with music by the contemporary American, Anna Laura Page.  For the second Sunday in a row, the accompaniment requires a piano-- not the organ-- and we will be using the new digital keyboard once again.  

Communion hymns are 307-- "Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendor", and 382 -- "King of glory, King of peace, I will love thee".  I find this to be a particularly beautiful hymn, both text and music.  

Closing, we will sing what might be called "an old standard", "Lead on, O King eternal", 555. I can't imagine that anyone does not know it! 

The postlude is based on this tune (called "Lancashire") and is a setting by the contemporary, Michael Helman, who, although he has composed much for organ and choirs, is particularly known for and sought after as a festival handbell clinician!