Praying Twice

The Third Sunday after the Epiphany January 27, 2019 Like many Episcopal churches around the country, we are holding our Annual Parish Meeting this Sunday. This day provides an opportunity to remember where we've been and look ahead to the future. Our music for this day has a special focus on our cathedral's ministry and mission. This year marks the tenth anniversary of our Trinity Cathedral hymn, written for us by Nebraska hymn poet, Rae E. Whitney. In the spring of 2009, we invited Rae to Omaha for a weekend celebrating her work. She presented a lecture and a workshop, and she joined us for Sunday worship and a hymn festival. Her new hymn for Trinity Cathedral, "God of hope and joy and wonder," was first sung at that Sunday Eucharist. The hymn, a song of praise to the Holy Trinity, incorporates elements of the cathedral's history, architecture, and ministry, but it is also suitable for general use. In an optional stanza specific to Trinity Cathe...

The Second Sunday after the Epiphany January 20, 2019 As we continue through the Sundays after Epiphany , Jesus' identity is revealed more fully. This week's gospel reading describes the first miracle at a  wedding in Cana of Galilee, where Jesus changes water into wine. Several of our hymns specifically refer to this miraculous event, and we'll sing two of them today. Other hymns focus on the overarching Epiphany theme of light - the Light of Christ, made manifest in Jesus.  Today's offertory anthem comes to us from Russia. "Heavenly Light" is a classic choral composition by Alexander Kopylow (sometimes spelled Kopylov), a composer, violinist, and teacher who lived from 1854 to 1911. Russian composers of this period sought to create a national style by using folk-like melodies and distinctive sounds. Kopylow makes particular use of the low bass tones of Russian choirs for a deep, rich choral sound. He also creates dramatic dynamic contrast througho...

The First Sunday after the Epiphany:  The Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ January 13, 2019 The Sundays after the Epiphany tell the story of Jesus' public work and ministry, starting with his baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. In the weeks that follow, we will hear about the first miracle at the wedding in Cana, the calling of the disciples, and Jesus' teachings and miracles. The season ends with the Transfiguration, where, as at his baptism, Jesus is revealed as the Son of God. This season can last anywhere from four to nine weeks, depending on the date of Easter. It ends on the Tuesday (Mardi Gras) before Ash Wednesday. Throughout the season, our liturgy and music illuminate the gospel readings as Jesus is made manifest, bringing light and life and calling us to the renewal of our own baptismal vows. There is an interesting Nebraska connection to one of today's hymns. During the creation of The Hymnal 1982 , the text committee was searching f...

The Epiphany Sunday, January 6, 2019 As the twelve days of Christmas reach a joyous conclusion, we celebrate the light of Christ that has come into our world. The Epiphany (January 6) is a Principal Feast celebrating the manifestation of Christ to the peoples of the earth . Today’s gospel reading tells the story of the coming of the Magi. At the 10:30 Eucharist, kids of all ages will enjoy a visit from the Three Kings! Children are encouraged to sit near the center aisle, since the “gold” king will be distributing some special gifts along his way. At coffee hour, we’ll sample some traditional King Cake. In many parts of the world, Epiphany marks the beginning of carnival season, with celebrations that continue until Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. The cake traditionally has a bean or other token hidden in one slice. The person who receives the bean or token is crowned the King or Queen of Carnival and is encouraged to provide the cake for next year’s celebration. Our ...