EASTER SUNDAY

April 24, 2011

CHRIST IS RISEN, CHRIST IS RISEN, CHRIST IS RISEN!

CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN FROM THE TOMB!

ALLELUIA!

“Easter Fanfare” to be sung by Lofty Pew Singers

We can start counting down the days and hours of Holy Week now, with the weeks of Lent behind us.  The Lofty Pews still have some music to polish off and much to deliver, but we can already taste the post-Easter peace we have come to savor.  The congregation, along with the church musicians in the loft, especially at the morning service of Easter Day, can sing with great conviction the ancient Easter hymn:

The strife is o’er, the battle done;

Now is the victor’s triumph won!

Now be the song of praise begun.  Alleluia!

                “The Strife is O’er, the Battle Done”

                                                                                       

                The beauty of the sanctuary will show forth in white and gold altar clothes and the vestments of the altar attendants, deacons and priest.  Our alleluias will sound more joyous beause of their sabbatical.  The organ and flute will sound more jubilant after the deep, rich sonorities of Lent.  We will treasure our rejoicing because we have grieved. 

                The Lofty Pew Singers will chant Psalm 118 in Anglican chant form.  They will be joined by a special little group of children gathered from far and near, to sing an arrangement of “Jesus Loves Me”.  Listen for Carol Mosley’s granddaughter, Ashlyn (Robyn’s sister and Shannon’s daughter), Zoe (Dale Russel’s granddaughter), Aviana (Sharon Helppies “grandneighbor”), Drew (Sharon Helppie’s grandson) & Tristan (Jutzy’s grandson). Be sure to catch a glimpse of the sweet cherubs in the loft.  Our first experience with a children’s choir -  are our hope for the future!

                The adult singers will sing the 14^th century German melody, “Joy Is Come” arranged by Andrew Carter. 

                                                Joy is come!  Eastertide! 

                                                Sing we all far and wide,

                                                See the stone rolled aside,

                                                Christ our Lord is risen…

                                                                        “Joy is Come!”

                Our Gospel reading of John 20:1-8 will be accompanied on either side by the Hymn “Jesus Christ is Risen Today”.  In the minds of most worshipers in Protestant churches today this text and tune are an essential part of the liturgy for Easter Day.  The text by an anonymous poet has been matched with this jubilant tune since they first appeared together in the early eighteenth century.  The original Latin version of this hymn probably dates from the early fourteenth century. 

                The hymn, “The Day of Resurrection!” is part of the “Canon for Easter Day,” by St John of Damascus and dates from the eighth century.  It was sung at midnight before Easter morning.  What a glorious hymn to end our beautiful Easter Morning service with, accompanied by organ and flute & soprano descants.

                There is indeed light at the end of the tunnel—it is the rest of our lives!  Christ has fought and won a tremendous battle for the sake of that light which blesses our baptisms, guides our living, hallows our dying, and promises our resurrections.  We cannot help but sing praises and proclaim such good news.

We shall see you tonite at Saturday Vigil, and then again in the morning.  Please join us with Easter Joy!

Lana

Sources:

Tune My Heart to Sing

Companion to the Hymnal ‘82