February 9, 2025

The prelude is another set of variations, this time based on the well known hymn, "Christ is made the sure foundation" (518), music by the famous Henry Purcell.  The variations are by Richard Proulx (1937-2010), the American who wrote several of our hymns, harmonized others, and wrote a number of descants in our hymnal.  The variations actually are named for the organ stops he was thinking of using for each, but on our organ they do need to be modified a bit.  The names are: 1. "Diapasons".  2. "Cornet" (our organ doesn't have a "cornet". 3. "Ayre" -- an English term for "Air", which usually has a prominent melody as solo, but here he calls for flutes on one manual (which we have and I will use) and a "regal" on the other manual (we do not have a "regal").  4. "trumpet tune" -- we do have a "trumpet" but I find it too loud for this variation and instead use the reed (an oboe), coupled with some other stops to balance the accompaniment.

Complimenting the reading from Isaiah is our processional hymn, "Holy, Holy, Holy", 362.  We don't sing the hymn often enough, except for Trinity Sunday!

The Gospel hymn is "My God, Thy table now is spread", 321, an 18th century hymn I think everyone knows.

The tune of the anthem is based on an English folk song that everyone knows, the arrangement by the contemporary, Gerald Near (American, b. 1942).  The words (printed in your insert) are by Robert Bridges.

Communion hymns are 204, "Now the green blade riseth"-- you may note, actually a medieval French carol-- and 706, "In your mercy, Lord, you called me", a familiar 18th century hymn by the well known composer (to church musicians), William Boyce.

Closing we will sing "Christ for the world we sing" (537), which you will recognize as the tune for "Come, thou almighty King".  The tune is used for 3 hymns in our hymnal.

The postlude is by the American contemporary, Michael Helman, and is based on hymn 555, "Lead on O King eternal".  Mr. Helman plays and directs at Coral Ridge Presbyterian church in Fla., but is sought out across the country for handbell workshops and concerts.