Music Notes from the Lofty Pews
On this festival of Pentecost we will hear the reading of Acts to set the stage. We get caught up in the action of that historic day with the wind, tongues of fire, different languages and bewilderment of the crowd as Peter preaches his powerful message. The gospel of the day tells of the resurrected Jesus appearing to his frightened disciples. “Peace be with you”, he says and “Receive the Holy Spirit.” They see His hands and side then sends them on their way.
But, wait, He did one more thing—He breathed on them. Strange? POWERFUL! Breath and wind have long been symbols of God and the Holy Spirit. Wind, air, and breath have great meaning to us. Think of electric fans and air conditioners, a brisk breeze to move a sail boat, tornados and hurricanes. We also know that it takes more than breath to stay alive, but we also know what it means when we are told that someone has stopped breathing.
Jesus chose an ancient yet universal symbol to convey the giving of the Holy Spirit. Air is all around us, plentiful; yet invisible and we take it for granted. Every time we breathe we are using that gift from God. One of the most grateful ways to use breath is in music. At Grace Anglican Church this PENTECOST SUNDAY, the ---air will be very important in our worship. The flutist, Gretchen Ediger and the organist, Terresa Doering will use columns of air to produce music. In the prime instrument of worship—the human voice—tones will unite with words, and carry us together as we unite in worshiping God. It is no wonder that the Anglican Church has promoted music with integrity and looked with suspicion at anything that is artificial or superficial. Live music made by live people proclaims the living, BREATHING presence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit dwells with us and within us—as close as our very breath and as constant as the rhythm of our breathing. May we be ever grateful receivers and users of God’s life-giving breath.
Allow me to remind you that the color of Pentecost is RED. You will see it in the altar cloths, banners and vestments of the clergy. Wear it yourself, even if you don’t think it is your color. IT IS THE COLOR OF THE DAY!
O Day of Rest and Gladness will be the processional hymn, with references to the Holy Spirit in each verse.
Holy Spirit, God of Love the hymn that surrounds our gospel reading with its 2 verses is often sung at baptisms. We have none this Sunday; however this hymn reminds us of the Holy Spirit entering our lives at the time of our own baptism.
Holy Spirit, Lord Of Love,
Thou Who Camest From Above,
Gifts Of Blessing To Bestow
On Your Waiting Church Below,
Once Again In Love Draw Near
To Thy Servants Gathered Here.
Thou Who Camest From Above,
Gifts Of Blessing To Bestow
On Your Waiting Church Below,
Once Again In Love Draw Near
To Thy Servants Gathered Here.
We recess out into the world this day, singing a great hymn of Pentecost, O Spirit of the Living God.
O Spirit of the living God,
thou light and fire divine,
descend upon thy church once more,
and make it truly thine.
……
Blow, wind of God! With wisdom blow until our minds are free
from mists of error, clouds of doubt,
which blind our eyes to thee.
Burn, winged fire! Inspire our lips
with flaming love and zeal,
to preach to all thy great good news,
God's glorious commonwealth.
Psalm 104:25-35, 37 will be sung in plainsong chant by the ladies in the Lofty Pews, accompanied on the organ by our guest organist, Terresa Doering.
Panis Angelicus by Cesar Franck, will be sung by Sharon Helppie at the Eucharist. You will hear her sing the original version in Latin. I have put a translation here for you and a link to hear it sung by another soprano….just in case you are unable to be at Grace Anglican Church this Sunday.
TRANSLATION
The bread of angels becomes the bread of humankind.
The heavenly bread gives an end to earthly forms.
O marvelous and wondrous sacrament:
the poor one, the servant and the humble all partake of the Lord.
You, O Godhead, One in Three, we implore,
so you may visit us, as we now worship you.
Lead us in your way, that we at last may see
the light wherein you dwell.
The heavenly bread gives an end to earthly forms.
O marvelous and wondrous sacrament:
the poor one, the servant and the humble all partake of the Lord.
You, O Godhead, One in Three, we implore,
so you may visit us, as we now worship you.
Lead us in your way, that we at last may see
the light wherein you dwell.
Sources:
Companion to the SDA Hymnal
Hymnal 1982 Companion
Tune My Heart to Sing
Deacon Ronald Jutzy
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