Music & Liturgy Notes

December 15

Third Sunday of Advent

In Matthew’s Gospel read today, Jesus affirms to the crowds that John the Baptist is the prophet and the one about whom it is written, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.” Many of the hymns we will sing today, reflect the significance of John the Baptist during this season of Advent.

The hymn “There’s a voice in the wilderness crying,” an adaptation of Isaiah 40: 3-11, was written by Canadian journalist and poet James Lewis Milligan. It was written in 1925 to celebrate the union of the Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches in Canada in that year which evolved into the United Church of Canada. The tune was composed by Hugh Bancroft, the Organist and Choirmaster of All Saints’ Church in Winnepeg. Bancroft composed the tune in just one-half hour at a meeting of the Committee of the Hymnal of the Anglican Church of Canada in 1938, after the Committee could not find a suitable tune for Milligan’s wonderful text. What resulted was a charming melody, folk-like in character and delightfully singable.

The Third Sunday of Advent is also known as “Gaudete”(“Rejoice”) Sunday, a day in mid-Advent to relax the more reflective nature of the season and to celebrate the coming of Christ. The choir will honor this by singing the 16th century anthem “Rejoice in the Lord alway,” a setting of Philippians 4:4-7, which is the appointed text for the Introit on this day in the liturgical calendar.

Jubilation Choir

The Jubilation Choir is open to boys and girls 5th grade through high school. The choir performs on Youth Sundays and special services during the program year. The choir rehearses after the 10:00 am service from 11:15 to noon in the choir room. Schola Cantorum also invites those interested to learn to play our set of hand chimes and other instruments while developing musicianship skills.

In the Footsteps of Bach:
Germany Tour 2020

Children's Service

JOY worship runs all year long! Sunday service and eucharist perfect for children ages infant-5yrs. Come be part of the fun from 9:15-9:45AM.

Adult Choir

Do you love to sing? Please consider joining our choir and participating in a vital ministry. The choir musically leads our services each Sunday at 10 am. The choir’s repertoire includes great masterpieces from our Anglican tradition as well as beloved classics along with spirituals and contemporary choral works. We have openings for all voice parts.

Youth African Drumming

Youth of all ages are welcome to join the African Drumming Troupe. The Youth African Drumming Troupe performs on the first Sunday of every month. This group is led by Marlene Whittemore Pillow directly following Sunday School on the first Sunday of the month, in one of the lower level classrooms. Bring your drum if you have one. All are welcome!