Music Director, Stephen Schall
Thanks to everyone who made Sunday’s Lessons and Carols service: the choir, everyone who read, our guest organist, Jon Tyillian, Pastor Ben, and everyone who attended. It was a joyous, beautiful, and meaningful way to end Christmas.
This week we return to Green time. The readings tell of the various ways Jesus’ light was manifested in the world. Sunday’s gospel picks up just after Jesus’ baptism as John the Baptizer proclaims, “Behold, the lamb of God.” Chancel will sing a setting of the spiritual “Little Innocent Lamb.” The final hymn, from Sing the Faith, is “Christ, you are both lamb and shepherd.” This marvelous and though-provoking text is by Canadian minister and hymn write, Sylvia G. Dunstan (1955-1993). I hope you’ll take a moment to ponder this text, which is aptly titled, Christus Paradox.
Christus Paradox — Sylvia Dunstan
You, Lord, are both Lamb and Shepherd.
You, Lord, are both prince and slave.
You, peacemaker and swordbringer
of the way you took and gave.
You the everlasting instant;
You, whom we both scorn and crave.
Clothed in light upon the mountain,
stripped of might upon the cross,
shining in eternal glory,
beggar’d by a soldier’s toss,
You the everlasting instant;
You, who are both gift and cost.
You, who walk each day beside us,
sit in power at God’s side.
You, who preach a way that’s narrow,
have a love that reaches wide.
You, the everlasting instant;
You, who are our pilgrim guide.
Worthy is our earthly Jesus!
Worthy is our cosmic Christ!
Worthy your defeat and vict’ry.
Worthy still your peace and strife.
You, the everlasting instant;
You, who are our death and life.
Plea for help: Adult Handbells practice on Thursdays from 4:30-5:30. We are desperately in need of more ringers if we are to continue ringing. If you would like to join us, please contact me at [email protected]. We usually ring once a month. A strong commitment and an ability to read music are needed. We will teach you how to ring if you haven’t. Handbells have been a vital part of Northmont’s music ministry over the years. It would be a shame to see this legacy end. Please consider joining us if you can.
If you are interested in knowing more about singing in the choir, please contact me at [email protected]. Chancel Choir practices 6:30 – 8:30 most Thursdays and sings for worship throughout the school year. Requirements are a pleasing voice, the ability to read music, and a good sense of humor.
