On this Second Sunday of Advent, we meditate upon the herald of peace in the Christmas story and the Christ-Light within us all. Songs of light, longing and comforting peace this Sunday morning.

The Plymouth Ringers open worship with a setting of the ancient Advent chant "Veni, Veni, Emmanuel" by Sandra Eithun. The original medieval text was sung in the seven days before Christmas Day as part of the Magnificat during vespers in monastic life. These "O Antiphons" were later joined with the 15th French melody we have come to know as probably the most well-known Advent hymn, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."   

The Chancel Choir offers "My Soul Cries Out" in a lively arrangement by Mark Hayes. Subtitled "Canticle of the Turning," the words by Rory Cooney refer to John the Baptist's call to turn away from one's darkness and repent with overt allusions to Mary's Song (The Magnificat). The Irish tune "Star of the County Down" forms the basis of this cheerful anthem with its Celtic flavor further enriched by violinist Harmony Tucker.

A toccata setting of the final hymn "People, Look East" by Rebecca Groom te Velde closes worship on a hopeful note as we turn closer to the Yuletide season. The French hymn tune "Besancon Carol" is treated in a manner reminiscent of a carillon with its repetitive bell-like figures interwoven with the carol tune. Foreshadowing Christmas Day, the melody of the Epiphany hymn "How Lovely Shines the Morning Star" playfully enters the texture near the piece's conclusion.

At 9:00 a.m., an eclectic musical message of peace and preparation in this season of waiting will be presented. Guitarist Alan Skowron, cantor Alex Young, and bassist Con Woodall join us in the chancel.

At 11:00 a.m., two settings based on the melody of the Advent hymn "Comfort, Comfort O My People" will be offered from the organ. At  the Prelude, excerpts from the partita on "Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele" (Rejoice Greatly, O My Soul) by Baroque composer Georg Böhm will be heard. At the Postlude, a declamatory statement on the hymn tune, entitled Psalm 42 for inclusion in the 1539 Genevan Psalter, by contemporary American composer Craig Phillips closes worship. 

The choir becomes a unified voice calling from the chancel in the anthem "Prepare the Way, O Zion" by Kenneth Drake with violinist Harmony Tucker.    

Songs of unity, peace, and diversity this Sunday morning.

At the 9:00 a.m. service, an eclectic display of wisdom and sounds from such diverse sources as Guatemala, jazz, and Buddhist texts will be shared. Vocalist/cellist Lucas Jackson, resident ukulelist Stuart Yoshida, and bassist Peter Strening join us for early morning worship.

The organ speaks colorfully with two works showcasing the varied timbres of the sanctuary organ. "Lied to the Flowers" from Belgian composer Flor Peeters is an ode to the beauty of nature and its wonderful living art. The collage of color beautifully showcased by flowers is represented with an imaginative use of registration from the organ. A playful toccata ("Toccata giocosa") from Welsh composer William Mathias employs an ever-shifting change of stops to highlight the sectional nature of this work.            

The Chancel Choir tells us the good news that the water is just fine, with God's guidance, in a rousing and quirky setting of the spiritual "Wade in the Water" by Bruce Trinkley.

After the 11:00 service, learn more about the organ (the "King of Instruments" according to Mozart) in an Organ Encounter with your truly! It will be a casual show-n-tell presentation with Q&A from 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. Hope to see you there!

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.