J.S. Bach's setting of the 17th century German chorale "Lieb­ster Je­su, wir sind hier" (Dearest Jesus, We Are Here) welcomes you into our weekly worship space. An affirmation of committed presence and a willing open heart, this beautiful chorale is set with the ornamented melody flowing over a gentle interactive accompaniment. At the conclusion of the service, the aptly-entitled "Postlude" by Welsh composer William Mathias is offered. A good example of form following function, this jaunty spirited work leads us out into the world with a sense of optimism and hopeful mission.

The Chancel Choir presents "I Choose Love" by prolific composer and Plymouth favorite Mark Miller. The text by Lindy Thompson speaks of a radical assurance found by wisely choosing to rely on God in all of life's circumstances, especially during the darker times. The intimate musical setting pairs beautifully with this simple yet profound message.

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.    

Following the Light in this Epiphany season and New Year—in unity and hope.

Celebrated American composer Ned Rorem wrote for the organ sporadically throughout his decades-long career with several works becoming staples of the repertoire. One such collection is A Quaker Reader (1976), inspired by the ethos of his Quaker upbringing. As Rorem so thoughtfully describes:

With the present suite my intention has been to meld, finally and practically, my nominal religion with my craft. Since no Song is used—no actual musicalizing of words—each piece is headed with an epigraph from Friends' writings, many of which, in their urge toward pacifism as solution, extol absolute quiet and absolute light. The music represents a blaze of silence.   

From the dying words of one James Naylor in 1660 comes the title of the Prelude this Sunday morning: "There is a spirit that delights to do no evil..." This fourth movement of the eleven part suite bestows upon the listener a sense of calm and peace. Simplicity. The words were uttered by a Quaker who was fatally wounded in a mugging and yet still clung to hope for a better world.

From Ned Rorem's Organbook III (1989), the "Fanfare" closes the service in a triumphant flurry. The composer describes the object of his three organ books of the same year as "simplicity." He further expounds:

Though I flatter myself that I compose with an experienced flair for the organ, I still hear it as an amateur. The timbre of all organ music, including my own, remains mysterious to me: I never know quite what to listen for. This ambiguity is at once irksome and thrilling, and will keep me forever intrigued.

At 97, Ned Rorem has largely retired from composition with his last organ work written just a few short years ago in 2014: "Recalling Nadia."

The Musical Offering will be presented by flutist Aaron McGrew in an arrangement of the Scottish tune "The Summons."

Come join us for next week's 7:00 p.m. Wednesday Vespers service on January 27 with guitarist Bill DeMarco and songs of tranquil Americana.