Maundy Thursday begins our trek to Eastertide with poignant organ works from Olivier Messiaen, Ronald Perera, and Ludwig Lenel joined by cellist Lucas Jackson. The Chancel Choir offers a setting of the ancient Latin hymn "Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est" (Where charity and love are, God is there) traditionally sung at Maundy Thursday liturgies. 

The Good Friday Musical Meditation and Reflection provides a quiet space on this solemn day of the liturgical year. Organ works by Johannes Brahms, Pamela Decker, Jeanne Demmesieux, Aulis Sallinen and Taizé chants of Passiontide will be shared. Cantor Lucas Jackson and violinist Harmony Tucker join us as we bring our Lenten journey to a close.

Easter joy will be offered in an eclectic array of musical expressions this weekend. At the Prelude, trumpeters Michael Bucalo and Josh Margheim join the organ in a transcription of "My Spirit Be Joyful" from J.S. Bach's Easter Cantata No. 146 by Christina Harmon and a fanfare by Martin Ellis. The Chancel Choir sings the rousing gospel-influenced anthem "Love Brought Me Back" by Mark Miller. During communion, the Plymouth Ringers offer a moment of joyful reflection — a quiet joy — in "Easter Sunrise: A Meditation" by Kristine Johanek followed by the exuberant "Jesus Christ Is Risen Today, Alleluia!" by Dianna Meux. At the Postlude, the organ offers "Acclamations", the final movement from "Suite Médiévale" by 20th century French composer Jean Langlais. Based on the Gregorian hymn "Christus vincit" (Christ victorious), the work is an expression of ecstatic joy and triumph bringing our Easter Sunday celebration to a resounding close.

On this Palm Sunday, we hear bursts of acclamation from the organ in "Trumpet Tune" by David Johnson and "Recessional" by Robert Hughes. The Chancel Choir relates the story of the Passion with the 17th century hymn text "My Song Is Love Unknown" in an expressive setting by Edwin Childs. Kids Will Sing! will offer the joyous South African tune "Siyahamba" led by director Liz McGrew and accompanist Jennifer Jolly. Rev. Kimberly Salico-Diehl joins us on piano as well.

A blend of traditional and Celtic rock sounds will be shared at the early service this St. Paddy's Day morning. "Fiddler" Harmony Tucker and guitarist Alan Skowron join our merry band of players in the chancel.

At the later service, the Chancel Choir sings the traditional Irish hymn "Be Thou My Vision" in a setting by James Biery with violinist Harmony Tucker and cellist Aaron Dunigan-AtLee. You too can join us on this pick-up choir Sunday! Rehearsal begins at 10:10 a.m.

Flutist Aaron McGrew opens worship in a lovely duet with organ in "Celtic Hymn: The Sound of Love" by Hans-André Stamm. To commemorate J.S. Bach's 339th birthday on March 21, the organ offers "Fantasia: Bach in Ireland" in a melding of Baroque and Celtic sensibilities by Mr. Stamm, also a renowned interpreter of Bach's organ works. 

Bheith linn (join us)!

At 9:00 a.m., we are joined by guitarist/singer Bill DeMarco and bassist Con Woodall with songs by Kieran Kane, Jim Brickman, and more.

At 11:00 a.m., the Chancel Choir sings "O Love" in a gorgeous contemporary setting of the 19th century hymn text by Elaine Hagenberg. From the organ, two American tunes are creatively reinterpreted in a jazz setting of "In Christ There Is No East or West" by James Biery and the 18th century canon "When Jesus Wept" by David Schelat.