titl for 4.25.2010

For the offertory today (Apr 25th) I used "Jesus the very thought of Thee." Words are much more ancient than most hymns--from the pen of Bernard of Clairvaux, a real happening churchman of 12th century France, it appears. Find the hymn as #588 in our blue hymnal.

Swiss choir concert

The Swiss Baretville Reformed Choir sang Tuesday evening. The organ was integral to the music. See also the Alp Horn on step (and close up), used for call to worship. The emcee asked for hands up of those who have visited the Anabaptist cave--more than half the hands went up, a good indication of who came and the agenda of reconciliation between persecuted and persecutors of the 16th century. Our faithful Neffsville choir and others provided a meal before the concert.

subbing again: choir

After the Wednesday meal it was subbing again--leading the adult choir in a rehearsal. Again, had to snap a photo to help put names and faces together.

subbing for John

The sad news is that John is on the sick list. The good news is that the choirs continue, prayerfully, and generously accept my appearance as a sub. To make sure I know all the names I snapped this photo last evening. Here's the jolly handbell choir.

The names: l to r behind the table, Kelly, Amanda, Darlene, Julia, Elaine, Lynn, Claire, Reuben, and Al.

Easter titles

Easter tops the charts, whether you are low church or high church. I started the prelude time with the most famous organ piece, Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor. There are plenty on youtube. Here's one. I ended the prelude time with a short improv on blue hymnal #276, This joyful Eastertide.

On the first two hymns, #280 Christ the Lord is Risen Today and #116 Crown Him with many crowns, I played a short transition to a half step higher for the final (and 5th) verses.

To bring more Easter tunes to people's remembrances, during the offertory I did a medley of #275 Lift your glad voices, #271 Christ is arisen, and #266 They crucified my Savior.

We sent them home with Widor's famous Toccata.