Epiphany

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 dean will be reading the traditional Epiphany Proclamation, which announces the important dates of the upcoming church year. This tradition dates from ancient times when most people did not have calendars. We will also observe the traditional "blessing of the chalk," used for the blessing of homes during the season.
With Epiphany falling on a Sunday this year, we have the opportunity to sing some of the great hymns and anthems appropriate for this principal feast. One of our favorites is "The Three Kings" by Healey Willan, a 20th century Canadian Anglican composer. Listen to a recording here: The Three Kings
In the words of the Epiphany seasonal blessing we will hear this Sunday, "May Christ, the Son of God, be manifest in you, that your lives may be a light to the world." Come and worship Christ, the newborn king!
Music for The Epiphany
Sunday, January 6, 2019

Hymns
127   Earth has many a noble city   Stuttgart
128   We three kings of Orient are  Three Kings of Orient
124    What star is this, with beams so bright   Puer nobis

115   What child is this, who laid to rest   Greensleeves
119   As with gladness men of old   Dix

Service Music
Gloria in excelsis S-277  New Plainsong, David Hurd
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14   St. Martin’s Psalter
Sanctus S-125   A Community Mass, Richard Proulx
Memorial Acclamation S-138   McNeil Robinson II
Great Amen S-146   Robinson             
Fraction Anthem S-154   New Plainsong, Hurd

Anthems
Epiphany Alleluias   John Weaver
The Three Kings   Healey Willan

Organ Music
Organ chorales on Wie schön leuchtet (How brightly shines the Morning Star)
Max Reger and Paul Manz







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