LITURGICAL GLORIA (congregation & SATB choir)
"Glory to God in the highest" Firm and mighty in its opening statement, this choral and/or congregational setting of the gloria breaks open in praise. The text addressing God directly "Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world" draws us inward in contemplation, then rises in expectation and returns to the confident proclamation "You alone are the most high Jesus Christ".
CHOOSE THIS DAY (congregational hymn of commitment)
Joshua 24:15,2-3 challengestoday's congregations to choose between old familiar ways and serving the Lord Jehovah as He leads us, in newness, to claim His historical promise.
LAY DOWN YOUR WORRY (words of assurance by leader & congregation)
Philippians 4:6-9. This gentle 6/8 version in da capo form (peader, then congregation) encourages and uplifts as it focuses our attention on that which God requires of His people.
MY FATHER'S GARDEN (anthem for soloist, SAB choir, children, & congregation)
Mark 12:1-12, John 15:1-17
The dramatic solo rendition of Mark 12 "...those who labored in the vineyard had claimed it for their own..." stands in marked contrast to the simplicity of being an integral part of the life flowing through the Father's garden as expressed in this singable "chorus" for children, SAB choir (with congregation on the repeat). Guaranteed to sing itself into your heart all week. Listen
THE MYSTERY OF FAITH (leader/soloist)
"Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again!" A hauntingly penetrating proclamation which overarches the whole of the faith in seven mysterious measures. Synthesizer buffs can create worlds of sonority with this one.
LAST SUPPER (choir, flute, easy handbells, and keyboard for communion)
An insightful anthem for communion or Maundy Thursday which uses flute, two octave handbells, and keyboard to support an easily approached SAB choral setting of Mark 14: 12-26. Acheives a sense of mystery while explaining Jesus' use of symbols to clarify God's historical intent.
HOW GREAT IS THE GOODNESS
(choir, congregation, children, handbells & piano)
A blessing and dismissal overflowing with the calm confidence that comes from knowing and loving God. Sopranos and tenors support the congregational theme as the altos, basses, and children interlay fragments of significant text from the Liturgical Gloria. A fitting closure which calls us compellingly toward a loving heavenly Father.
