Saturday, April 21, 2012

Patriots' Day and Taxes



Paul Revere’s Ride

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1860.

"LISTEN, my children, and you shall hear
Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,
On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-Five;
Hardly a man is now alive
Who remembers that famous day and year."


Patriots' Day: a call for all American citizens to step up and pay their taxes without cheating, with gratitude for bravery of the patriots who served before us and all opportunities and blessings.


... And the running of the Boston Marathon!

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Easter at St. Andrew's

Congregational singing of hymns: heart of participation by the people
FIVE Easter Hymns at the 10:00 worship service:

"Jesus Christ Is Risen Today"
"Alleluia! Alleluia!" (Hymn to Joy, Beethoven)
"I Am the Bread of Life"
"Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds"
"Thine is the Glory"

Liturgy leader: Pastor Sarah Breckenridge (a friend!)
Following the sermon, the senior pastor led the affirmation, "CHRIST is risen", "CHRIST is risen, indeed".
(a more life-giving focus than "HE" is risen)

American Sign Language interpreter (on the left)
Bell ringers
Children's choir

Women at the tomb pictured on the service bulletin
By Dr. He Qi, internationally known artist (China)

Music by orchestra, organ, piano, choir:

Prelude: "Coronation March"
"Worthy is the Lamb" from Handel's Messiah
"Simple Gifts" Aaron Copland (St. Andrew's Orchestra)
Postlude "Amen" from "Messiah"

St. Andrew's orchestra at the far left (beyond the altar)
Full senior choir processed to the chairs, bright in the sun, behind the altar
Easter garden of lilies and tulips

Crocus chorus in our yard to wish you a blessed Easter season