Easter 2 – May 1, 2011
Today continues the celebration of the Resurrection, as we observe the Second Sunday of Easter. The lessons continue the story of what happened that first day of the week, and then also address how those events were understood by those who witnessed it.
We begin with a psalm of rejoicing, extolling the God who makes us secure and who does not abandon us to the pit. (Psalm 16) Then we begin to hear from the apostle Peter, as we will throughout Eastertide, both in his preaching to the citizens of Judea and Jerusalem (Acts 2:14a, 22-32) and in his letters to the early church, even to those who believed in Jesus but had never seen him. (1 Peter 1:3-9)
From John’s gospel, we hear the account of Jesus’ appearance to the disciples in the upper room on that evening of the resurrection day, and then again a week later. Jesus gives to them the Spirit that can free people from sin, and returns to allay the fear and doubt of those who find it hard to believe his resurrection. (John 20:19-31)
The readings, the Spirit, and the freedom from sin is ours to have as well. This is important, since often the fear and doubt are ours too. Nonetheless, we strive to live by faith, striving to believe even when we do not see.
Choral Music:
- Chancel Choir: “Celtic Alleluia” – Fintan O’Carroll and Christopher Walker — Today we introduce this contemporary hymn, which alternates a congregational refrain of “Alleluia” with choral verses that sing of the resurrection.
- Chancel Choir: “We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight” – Michael D. Costello — This recent arrangement sets Henry Alford’s 19th century text to a new tune, arranged for two voices. It is embellished by a flute descant.
Instrumental Music:
Much of our music today is provided by our choir interns, past and present. Thank you to Jessica, Matthew, and Sarah for sharing their talents with us.
- Prelude: “Sonata K. 292 for Bassoon and Cello” – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — This sonata is essentially a duet, performed today on bassoon and French horn. Jessica and Matt included this piece in their recital earlier this year.
- Offertory: “Now the Green Blade Rises” – arr. from Ken Heitshusen — Listeners might recognize this Easter carol first as a Christmas carol – Noel Nouvelet – sung as “Now We Sing of Christmas.” The beautiful Easter text sings of the meaning of Christ’s resurrection for our lives, using metaphors perfectly suitable in the springtime of the year.
Heitshusen’s arrangement is for a chorus, but we’re extracting vocal parts for use by the flute, oboe, and organ. - Postlude: “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth” – G. F. Handel, arr. Gordon Shuster — This familiar aria from Messiah is arranged for French horn and piano.
