3 October - Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 22

Sigh. Late again. Backdating. Again.

Better late than never, right?

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church where I played the usual 10.30 am service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982.

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Make Me a Channel of Your Peace/Peace Is Flowing Like a River (arr. J. Vogt)
Processional Hymn: 11, Awake, my soul, and with the sun (MORNING HYMN)
Gloria: S-277, New Plainsong (Hurd)
Psalm: Psalm 137 (Simplified Anglican Chant)
Sequence Hymn: 655, Rock of ages, cleft for me (TOPLADY)
Offertory Hymn: Gather Comprehensive 726, Make me a channel of your peace (PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS)
Sanctus: S-125, Community Mass (Proulx)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Fraction Anthem: S-167, The disciples knew the Lord Jesus (M. Martens; Mode 6)
Communion Anthem: O Lord, increase my faith (O. Gibbons)
Recessional Hymn: 535, Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim (PADERBORN)
Postlude: Improvisation on Paderborn

My choice of Offertory Hymn was my tribute to St. Francis. :)

Walter Hilse, organ

The Durham-Chapel Hill Chapter of the American Guild of Organists hosted organist Walter Hilse for their opening program. On September 27, Dr. Hilse conducted a Masterclass, at which four people played, and the next evening, he played a wonderful recital at University United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill.

Here is the program. He was so enthusiastically received that he played two encore pieces.

Sonata II
   Lebhaft
   Ruhig bewegt
   Mässig bewegt, heiter (Fuge)
Paul Hindemith (1895–1963)

Two Chorales from the "Great Eighteen"
   „Von Gott will ich nicht lassen“ (BWV 658)
   „Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend“ (BWV 655)
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)

Prelude and Fugue in a minor (BWV 543)
Bach

Three pieces from Studien fur den Pedal-Flugel (Studies for Pedal Piano), Op. 56
   E Major (No. 3)
   A-flat Major (No. 4)
   b minor (No. 5)
Robert Schumann (1810–1856)

Two Pieces
   Prelude on Engelberg ("When in our music God is glorified")
   In memoriam Duke Ellington
Walter Hilse (b. 1941)

Carillon-Sortie
Henri Mulet (1878–1967)

Encore pieces:

4 Skizzen fur den Pedal-Flugel, Op. 58: III. Lebhaft
Schumann

Now Thank We All Our God
Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877–1933)

Compline at Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC—09.26.2010

Late. Again. Yes, it's being back-dated.

Compline at Chapel of the Cross.

We've been using the Order for Compline, as set by David Hurd.

Here are our little additions:

Lord, for Thy tender mercy's sake (Farrant)
Psalm 91 (chanted to Tone 8)
Hymn: To you before the close of day (TE LUCIS ANTE TERMINUM, Mode 8)
Nunc Dimittis from Short Service (O. Gibbons)
Salve Regina (Marian antiphon right after the Dismissal)
Ave Maria (Josquin Desprez)
Organ improvisation by the abfab Van Quinn on Adoro te devote

26 September - Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 21

Sigh. Late again. Backdating. Again.

Better late than never, right?

I cantored the 7.45 am Mass at Immaculate Conception Church. As usual, the numbers come out of GIA's Gather Comprehensive 1994 (green cover):

Sunday 7.45 am Mass: Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Processional Hymn: 535 To God with Gladness Sing (CYMBALA)
Gloria: 157, Mass of Creation (M. Haugen)
Psalm: Psalm 146 (Guimont)
Gospel Acclamation: 198, Mass of Remembrance (Haugen) with verse miraculously fit to Haugen's setting ("Though our Lord Jesus Christ was rich, he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.")
Offertory Hymn: 829, Shepherd of Our Hearts (J. Chepponis)
Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, Amen, Agnus Dei: 201, 204, 206 – 207; Mass of Remembrance (Haugen)
Recessional: 714 God, Whose Purpose Is to Kindle (HYMN TO JOY)

I was quite happy I was able to fit the Gospel Acclamation verse of the day to the "music" setting. And yes, I messed up the Agnus Dei. It's been years since I sang that particular setting. I guess it showed...

---

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church where I played the usual 10.30 am service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982.

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Improvisation on Du Lebensbrot, Herr Jesu Christ
Processional Hymn: 375, Give praise and glory unto God (DU LEBENSBROT HERR JESU CHRIST)
Gloria: S-277, New Plainsong (Hurd)
Psalm: Psalm 91 (Simplified Anglican Chant)
Sequence Hymn: 552, Fight the good fight (PENTECOST)
Offertory Hymn: 423, Immortal, invisible, God only wise (ST. DENIO)
Sanctus: S-125, Community Mass (Proulx)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Fraction Anthem: S-167, The disciples knew the Lord Jesus (M. Martens; Mode 6)
Communion Anthem: One Thing I Ask (Ps. 27; arr. P. Tirol)
Recessional Hymn: 437, Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord! (BIRMINGHAM)
Postlude: Improvisation on Birmingham

Compline at Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC—09.19.2010

Compline at Chapel of the Cross.

We've been using the Order for Compline, as set by David Hurd.

Here are our little additions:

O Lord, the maker of all thing (Anon.; from the Sixteenth Century Anthem Book)
Psalms 4 and 31 (chanted to Tone 8)
Hymn: Christ, mighty Saviour (CHRISTE, LUX MUNDI, plainsong Mode 7)
Nunc Dimittis from Short Service (O. Gibbons)
Salve Regina (Marian antiphon right after the Dismissal)
Ave Maria (Josquin Desprez)
Organ improvisation by the abfab Van Quinn on "Ave Maria, gratia plena" from Desprez' Ave Maria

Para sa 'yo, San Lorenzo Ruiz

Last Sunday, the Bishop of Raleigh, Most Rev. Michael F. Burbidge, celebrated along with the Filipino community in NC a Mass honouring the first Filipino saint, St. Lorenzo Ruiz. This Mass had taken place at St. Andrew's the Apostle in Apex. The Diocese of Raleigh did a wonderful write-up of the event (with pictures) on their site, which you can read by clicking here.

The NC Pinoy Choir worked really hard, and under the direction of Myra Odulio, did a wonderful job.

Here is the slate of music. We'd planned an extra two pieces, but didn't get a chance to sing them, so they may very well be planned for the upcoming Simbang Gabi Mass. (Mark your calendars: it will take place at Immaculate Conception Church in Durham on Friday, December 17. The time will be announced later, so watch for publicity as the time gets closer.)

Processional Hymn: Umawit Kayo! (A. Aquino)
Gloria: Papuri sa Diyos (E.P. Hontiveros)
Psalm: Salmo 113 (Refrain: R.M. Velez; Verses: Myra Odulio)
Gospel Acclamation: Aleluya (M.V. Francisco)
Offertory Hymn: Panunumpa (J. Gonzalez)
David Binanay, violin
Sanctus: Santo, Santo, Santo (Francisco)
Memorial Acclamation: Si Kristo ay namatay (unattributed, most likely Hontiveros)
Concluding Acclamation: Dakilang Amen (Francisco)
Agnus Dei: Kordero ng Diyos (Hontiveros)
Communion Hymns

• Breaking Bread 442, On Eagle’s Wings (M. Joncas)
  Josh Mabellos, piano; David Binanay, violin
• Natatanging Hapunan (A. Espino)

Recessional Hymn: San Lorenzo Ruiz (Hontiveros)

19 September - Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 20

Well. I guess I'm not too too late. Just one for you today. The San Lorenzo Ruiz Mass will have its own post.

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church where I played the usual 10.30 am service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982.

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Improvisation on Mit Freuden zart
Processional Hymn: 408, Sing praise to God who reigns above (MIT FREUDEN ZART)
Gloria: S-277, New Plainsong (Hurd)
Psalm: Psalm 79 (Simplified Anglican Chant)
Sequence Hymn: 701, Jesus, all my gladness (JESU, MEINE FREUDE)
Offertory Hymn: 601, O day of God, draw nigh (ST. MICHAEL)
Sanctus: S-125, Community Mass (Proulx)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Fraction Anthem: S-167, The disciples knew the Lord Jesus (M. Martens; Mode 6)
Communion Anthem: Fairest Lord Jesus (arr. M. How)
Recessional Hymn: 594, God of grace and God of glory (CWM RHONDDA)
Postlude: Improvisation on Cwm Rhondda

Compline at Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC—09.12.2010

Better late than never, right? Backdating this post....

Compline at Chapel of the Cross.

We've been using the Order for Compline, as set by David Hurd.

Here are our little additions:

Christus Factus Est (Felice Anerio)
Psalm 91 (chanted to Tone 8)
Hymn: Christ, mighty Saviour (CHRISTE, LUX MUNDI, plainsong Mode 7)
In manus tuas (Sheppard; sung in addition to "Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit ...)
Nunc Dimittis from Short Service (O. Gibbons)
Salve Regina (Marian antiphon right after the Dismissal)
Ave Maria (Tomas Luis de Victoria)
Organ improvisation by the abfab Van Quinn on Christe, Lux mundi

Special greetings to Van, who will be celebrating a birthday tomorrow (September 13)! May you have many more to come! :)

12 September - Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 19

Yes, late again, so I'm back-dating this post.

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church where I played the usual 10.30 am service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982.

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Improvisation on Lauda Anima
Processional Hymn: 410, Praise, my soul, the King of heaven (LAUDA ANIMA)
Gloria: S-277, New Plainsong (Hurd)
Psalm: Psalm 14 (Simplified Anglican Chant)
Sequence Hymn: 706, In your mercy, Lord, you called me (HALTON HOLGATE)
Offertory Hymn: 645, The King of love my shepherd is (ST. COLUMBA)
Sanctus: S-125, Community Mass (Proulx)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Fraction Anthem: S-167, The disciples knew the Lord Jesus (M. Martens; Mode 6)
Communion Anthem: Lord, for Thy tender mercy's sake (Farrant)
Recessional Hymn: 388, O worship the King, all glorious above!(HANOVER)
Postlude: Improvisation on Hanover

I mis-estimated the time required for the communion anthem, and there were still people in the communion procession approaching the altar rail, so I went through my music and pulled out a Taizé piece: WLP 825, Bless the Lord, my soul. I was gratified when the choir picked up on what I was trying to do, and people in the pews and in the chancel were singing it. I was hoping for Ubi caritas, but couldn't find it.

As it turns out, I'd need it for the afternoon service I played at....

---

Christ Church (Episcopal) in Raleigh. My friend, Eddie, had asked me to sub for him; he plays the 5:00 pm Contemplative Eucharist.

Here is the music I played for that service.

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Contemplative Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Adagio-(Allegro), Voluntary in e minor (Op. 7, No. 7; J. Stanley)
Gradual Response: WLP 825, Laudate Dominum (Taizé)
Preparation of the Altar: 470, There's a wideness in God's mercy (BEECHER)
Communion Song: WLP 831, Ubi caritas et amor (Taizé)
Communion Voluntary: Allegretto (Wm. Boyce)
Postlude:Fantasia (J. Pachelbel)

It was an interesting service. Admittedly, I didn't pay much attention to the organ... three manuals, terribly out of tune... couldn't find any stops that seem to correspond to the third manual, but when I tried playing on it, a very out-of-tune set of reeds answered... but then again, it's a "contemplative service", so I used soft stops befitting of a service with that description. Unfortunately, soft stops don't exactly convince a congregation to sing, and the singing was a little weak, especially with the Taizé. I did hear some singing, but it's not robust like the singing I encounter at the 5.15 pm service at Chapel of the Cross, for example.

It was a good experience for me, though. I thank Eddie for the opportunity.

Compline at Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC—09.05.2010

Better late than never, right? Backdating this post....

Compline at Chapel of the Cross.

We've been using the Order for Compline, as set by David Hurd.

Here are our little additions:

Domine fac mecum (Thomas Morley)
Psalms 4 and 31 (chanted to Tone 8)
Hymn: To you before the close of day (TE LUCIS ANTE TERMINUM, Mode 8)
Nunc Dimittis from Short Service (O. Gibbons)
Salve Regina (Marian antiphon right after the Dismissal)
Ave Maria (Tomas Luis de Victoria)
Organ improvisation by the abfab Van Quinn on Domine fac mecum

Van has proposed us coming up with themes for improvisation. If he likes it well enough, he'll do it. He did Charlotte and my suggestion for improvising on the Morley. We were happy he'd done it. :)

5 September - Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 18

Yes, late again, so I'm back-dating this post.

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church where I played the usual 10.30 am service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982.

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Allegretto (Wm. Boyce)
Processional Hymn: 10, New every morning is the love (KEDRON)
Gloria: S-277, New Plainsong (Hurd)
Psalm: Psalm 139 (Simplified Anglican Chant)
Sequence Hymn: 675, Take up your cross, the Savior said (BOURBON)
Offertory Hymn: 581, Where charity and love prevail (CHESHIRE)
Sanctus: S-125, Community Mass (Proulx)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Fraction Anthem: S-167, The disciples knew the Lord Jesus (M. Martens; Mode 6)
Communion Song: Gather Comprehensive 1994 700, The Summons (KELVINGROVE)
Recessional Hymn: 484, Praise the Lord through every nation (WACHET AUF)
Postlude: Allegretto (G. Böhm)

All right... I'll admit, I was a little careless in choosing this set. It wasn't exactly the most engaging set of hymns I've ever chosen... I'll endeavour to do better next time. :P

Food for Thought—Not Quite Filipino, Not Quite American

This comes from the Definitely Filipino blog. It comes from a guy who was born in California to parents who had immigrated from the Philippines.

I read through this and was very thankful that my parents had instilled in me the Filipino culture and values. Now that I'm on my own, I'm able to spend lots of time with members of the Filipino community and feel right at home with them. I don't speak the language well ("Parang telegrafia," sabi ng tatay ko) but at least I understand it when spoken to me. My uncle (RIP, Tito Paeng) had once told me that if I were to spend six months to a year living with them in Mandaluyong, I'd have no trouble picking up the language because it's all in my head; I'd just have to let it all out.

My excuse now? "Maliit ng kahon ng Tagalog ko." (My box of Tagalog is small.)

Click here to read the blogpost, "Not Quite Filipino, Not Quite American." It expresses very well what those of us "local borns" experience, having grown up Filipino outside of the Philippines.

For the record, I've been to the Philippines a few times and am in contact (thanks to Facebook) with cousins over there, as well as the cousins who have left the Philippines to work and live abroad.

Compline at Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC—08.29.2010

Compline at Chapel of the Cross.

This was our first Compline of the academic year. We've been using the Order for Compline, as set by David Hurd.

Here are our little additions:

Lord, for Thy tender mercy's sake (Farrant)
Psalm 91 (chanted to Tone 8)
Hymn: To you before the close of day (TE LUCIS ANTE TERMINUM, Mode 8)
In manus tuas (Sheppard; sung in addition to "Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit ...)
Nunc Dimittis from Short Service (O. Gibbons)
Salve Regina (Marian antiphon right after the Dismissal)
Ave Maria (Tomas Luis de Victoria)
Organ improvisation by the abfab Van Quinn on Salve Regina

Despite there being some sort of frat party across the street, we still managed to attract at least 150 people. Not bad for the first Sunday back. :)

It felt really, really nice to chant Compline with my friends again. And we have a very good group whose voices blend together very, very well. And the sopranos were on pitch! No flatness there, no siree.

Now I'll need to do a little homework. Van has me singing alto, and he wants to bring back the Parsons Ave Maria. I've only ever sung the ethereal soprano part. Now I'll have to learn both alto lines because he may call on me to sing either Alto I or Alto II. And I had a difficult time following it.

So I'll be hitting the books and studying it carefully... but happily. I am looking forward to having this wonderful piece back in our repertoire! :)

29 August - Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 17

Better late than never, right?

I have two lists for you today.

I cantored the 7.45 am Mass at Immaculate Conception Church. Jane was back at the console. She did mprovisations for voluntaries today. It's always a treat to hear her improvise. She's so good at it.

As usual, the numbers come out of GIA's Gather Comprehensive 1994 (green cover):

Sunday 7.45 am Mass: Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Processional Hymn: 662, Love divine, all loves excelling (HYFRYDOL)
Gloria: 176, New Mass for Congregations (C.T. Andrews)
Psalm: Psalm 68 (Guimont)
Gospel Acclamation: 177, Mode VI; Verse to Tone 6F ("Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord, and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.")
Offertory Hymn: 646, I heard the voice of Jesus say (KINGSFOLD)
Sanctus: 180, People's Mass
Memorial Acclamation, Amen: 181-182, Danish Amen Mass
Agnus Dei: 184, Agnus Dei XVIII (in English)
Recessional: 614, O God, our help in ages past (ST. ANNE)

By the way, the improv for Communion was on Adoro Te Devote and the Postlude was an improv on St. Anne. I really enjoy Jane's improvs. ♥

---

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church where I played the usual 10.30 am service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982.

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Prelude on Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (P. Manz)
Processional Hymn: 686, Come, thou fount of every blessing (NETTLETON)
Trisagion: S-100, New Plainsong (Hurd)
Psalm: Psalm 81 (Simplified Anglican Chant)
Sequence Hymn: 321, My God, thy table now is spread (ROCKINGHAM)
Offertory Hymn: 665, All my hope on God is founded (MICHAEL)
Sanctus: S-130, Deutsche Messe (Schubert/Proulx)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Fraction Anthem: S-169, My flesh is food indeed (Urwin)
Communion Anthem: Draw us in the Spirit's tether (H. Friedell)
Benediction: The Lord Bless You and Keep You (Peter Lutkin)
Recessional Hymn: 477, All praise to thee, for thou, O King divine (ENGELBERG)
Postlude: Prelude and Fugue in B-flat Major (attr. J. S. Bach)

This was Maggie Silton's last day with us. We're very sad to see her go and wish her all the best at Chapel of the Cross.

Click here to read her last sermon with us. She delivers wonderful homilies, and this one was probably one of the best she'd ever given.

Good luck, Maggie.

22 August - Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 16

Better late than never, right?

I have three lists for you today.

I played the 7.45 am Mass at Immaculate Conception Church. As usual, the numbers come out of GIA's Gather Comprehensive 1994 (green cover):

Sunday 7.45 am Mass: Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Prelude: Largo Staccato, Voluntary in G (Op. 7, No. 9; J. Stanley)
Processional Hymn: 661, The Church's one foundation (AURELIA)
Gloria: 176, New Mass for Congregations (C.T. Andrews)
Psalm: 112, Psalm 117 (Haas)
Gospel Acclamation: 177, Mode VI; Verse to Tone 6F ("I am the way, the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father, except through me.")
Offertory Hymn: 651, So the day dawn for me (NEW FREEDOM)
Sanctus: 180, People's Mass
Memorial Acclamation, Amen: 181-182, Danish Amen Mass
Agnus Dei: 184, Agnus Dei XVIII (in English)
Communion Voluntaries: Fantasia (J. Pachelbel); Allegretto (Wm. Boyce)
Recessional: 615, Seek ye first the kingdom of God (SEEK YE FIRST)
Postlude: Vivace, Voluntary in G (Op. 7, No. 9; J. Stanley)

I'll admit--I do like playing the little Zimmer organ at IC. And Angela has granted me practice time on the instrument whenever I want it. :)

I just wish that TPTB would have had the foresight to have expanded the organ when they had the chance way back when we first moved into the larger "worship space", especially since the space just swallows up the organ.

Once my schedule stabilises somewhat, I will definitely take Angela up on her practice time offers. :)

---

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church where I played the usual 10.30 am service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982.

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Largo Staccato, Voluntary in G (Op. 7, No. 9; J. Stanley)
Processional Hymn: 521, Put forth, O God, thy Spirit's might (CHELSEA SQUARE)
Trisagion: S-100, New Plainsong (Hurd)
Psalm: Psalm 71 (Simplified Anglican Chant)
Sequence Hymn: 567, Thine arm, O Lord, in days of old (ST. MATTHEW)
Offertory Hymn: 522, Glorious things of thee are spoken (AUSTRIA)
Sanctus: S-130, Deutsche Messe (Schubert/Proulx)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Fraction Anthem: S-169, My flesh is food indeed (Urwin)
Communion Hymn: 655, Rock of ages, cleft for me (TOPLADY)
Recessional Hymn: 411, O bless the Lord, my soul (ST. THOMAS (Williams))
Postlude: Vivace, Voluntary in G (Op. 7, No. 9; J. Stanley)

---

I played the 4:00 pm service for Carol Woods, which is organised by Chapel of the Cross. The music list would generally resemble the 8.00 am summer morning Rite I services.

The music list:

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite I
Prelude: Improvisation on Regent Square
Processional Hymn: 368, Holy Father, great Creator (REGENT SQUARE)
Psalm: Psalm 103 (recited)
Offertory Hymn: 624, Jerusalem the golden (EWING)
Communion Voluntary: O Jerusalem (J. Vogt)
Recessional Hymn: 411, O bless the Lord, my soul (ST. THOMAS (Williams))
Postlude: Vivace, Voluntary in G (Op. 7, No. 9; J. Stanley)

I believe this is my last Sunday at Carol Woods for a while. It's been a pleasure playing for this service. The people who go to this service are very appreciative of my efforts. So of course, I'll be very happy to step in and play a service whenever they need me.

The summer season is over! The students are back, and Compline will start up again on Sunday. I am very much looking forward to singing with that group of people once again! So, as my mentor, Van Quinn, loves to say, Hallelujah and pass the Liber Usualis! :)

Thursday Thoughts

I have not been the most faithful as far as blogging is concerned, but I have enough thoughts in my head to share. So here goes.

• The Bull City Connector. People around town were getting really really excited about this new program. It would be a fare-free route from Duke University to the Golden Belt. The route includes Ninth Street and Downtown Durham. This would be absolutely perfect for me: I live very close to Duke's East Campus, and the bus stops are convenient to home and work (both the M-F and the Sunday/weekend sites). So I could leave the car at home and get myself to move more, which I really, really need.
  
  So last Monday, I decided to give this new route a go; after all, it did say it was going to start then. So I stood there and waited. And waited. And waited some more. I kept glancing at the clock and got more nervous. Half an hour passed, and I only saw one bus, which was the DATA Bus #9. This certainly did not look good. What ever happened to "bus service every 15 minutes?" So I walked back home and drove into work.
  
  One of my co-workers, who also works as Director of Community Engagement at Duke, called in and said he had the pleasure of riding this bus into Downtown. You can imagine how green with envy I became. He admitted the service had its inaugural run at 10.30 am.
  
  !!!
  
  Oh well. He did tell me to give it another go; the service will be running, he promises it. I said okay. We'll see. I think I'll try it next week and see how it goes. At least I have some comfort in the fact that someone else who lives two blocks north of me tried to wait for the bus that never came, so he, too, had given up.
• Masterchef Australia. My friend, Father Roderick loves this show. A couple of my other Aussie friends were also singing its praises as well. So being the foodie I was, I was curious to know what it was like. Unfortunately, I couldn't watch it from the Masterchef Australia site. Thank goodness for YouTube. I've just watched the first seven episodes, and I am hooked. Yes, I already know who won, but it is fun to watch the episodes and to see how these people have grown and developed as chefs. I know there is still a very long way until I get to the end, but that's okay. I'll consider it my bonbon for the end of the day.
  
  What I really liked about this show: not only did it showcase the cooking talents of fifty of Australia's most talented home and amateur cooks, it also showed just how supportive the judges were of the contestants, as well as how supportive the contestants were of each other. That is an aspect I really find appealing. Plus, I get to download the wonderful recipes that are posted on the Masterchef Australia site.
• On the other hand, I just could not get interested in Masterchef USA. I tried to watch the first episode. I absolutely hated it. I could not stand the judges, and I hated how they treated the contestants. In my opinion, it was a very, very pale imitation of the Australian version. I couldn't even watch more than ten minutes of it before I got so disgusted, I wanted to throw things at my computer screen. So sorry, Masterchef USA. I have absolutely no interest in following that show.
• While I'm on the topic of Reality Cooking Shows, I will admit to following Season Six of The Next Food Network Star. Somehow, I got really involved in either cheering or intensely disliking these candidates. I really liked Aarti from the very beginning. I'll admit that I also thought Aria was very warm on-screen as well. There were two I absolutely could not stand: Dzintra and Paul. Dzintra was definitely the chef you loved to hate. She was just so scattered, and I absolutely could not even consider watching anything featuring her. Paul... let's just say he was too aggressive and didn't even have a clear idea of what he wanted to talk about.
  
  Eventually, Dzintra and Aria made it on my "I really dislike you" list. Why? Those two ended up being really rude to their fellow competitors. (It's a direct contrast to how completely supportive the Masterchef Australia competitors are towards each other.) Plus, as the season wore on, I started liking Aria less and less. She did not come across as genuine to me, and admittedly, I could only take the kind of food she cooks so far before I get sick of it.
  
  I think the right three were asked to make pilots for the show. Why not Brad? I would have watched him, but then again, it's very easy to forget just how young Brad was. I'm sure with more experience and more seasoning, he would be absolutely fantastic on the screen. I, for one, would hope to see him on a screen near me. :)
  
  So congratulations to Aarti! I'm sure she will do very well on her new show, Aarti Paarti.
• Finally... The community that prays together stays together. Many of my friends went to Boston and the Catholic New Media Celebration that took place on August 6-7. It was really cool that for those of us experiencing con envy, we could watch and join with those physically in Boston via uStream. When I noticed the tweet pointing us to Sean's ambitious CNMC Online Catholic Community rosary, I went straight away to that page (and it is linked above) and downloaded the podcast. It was really, really nice to hear familiar voices praying the very familiar prayers of the Rosary. It was also nice to hear the voices of my Facebook and Twitter friends give reflections on each of the Mysteries of the Rosary. Even if you are not Catholic, it is still a wonderful thing to hear the voices of these people—bloggers, podcasters, New Media creators and users—lifting their voices in prayer. Well done, Sean, and thanks for this beautiful gift. ♥

Sigh. Here is one situation where I wish there was something like an LJ cut on Blogger. Maybe there is. If you know how to do it on Blogger, I'd be more than happy to hear it.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! :)

15 August - Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 15

Two lists for you today.

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church where I played the usual 10.30 am service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982.

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Fantasia (J. Pachelbel)
Processional Hymn: 536, Open your ears, O faithful people (YISRAEL V'ORAITA)
Trisagion: S-100, New Plainsong (Hurd)
Psalm: Psalm 80 (Simplified Anglican Chant)
Sequence Hymn: 187, Through the Red Sea brought at last (STRAF MICH NICHT)
Offertory Hymn: 545, Lo! what a cloud of witnesses (ST. FULBERT)
Sanctus: S-130, Deutsche Messe (Schubert/Proulx)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Fraction Anthem: S-169, My flesh is food indeed (Urwin)
Communion Hymn: 635, If thou but trust in God to guide thee (WER NUN DEN LIEBEN GOTT)
Recessional Hymn: 546, Awake, my soul, stretch every nerve (SIROË)
Postlude: Improvisation on Siroë

---

I drew the organist's duties at the 5.15 pm service at Chapel of the Cross.

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Fantasia (J. Pachelbel); Largo, Voluntary in G (Op. 6, No. 7; J. Stanley)
Processional Hymn: 437, Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!
Psalm: Psalm 82 (recited)
Sequence Hymn: 552, Fight the good fight (PENTECOST)
Offertory Hymn: 475, God himself is with us (TYSK)
Sanctus: S-125, Community Mass (Proulx)
Communion Voluntary: Adagio-(Allegro), Voluntary in e minor (Op. 7, No. 7; J. Stanley)
Recessional Hymn: 618, Ye watchers and ye holy ones (LASST UNS ERFREUEN)
Postlude: Vivace, Voluntary in G (Op. 6, No. 7; J. Stanley)

8 August - Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 14

Two lists for you today.

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church where I played the usual 10.30 am service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982.

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Sinfonia from Cantate 156 (J.S. Bach)
Processional Hymn: 596, Judge eternal, throned in splendor (KOMM, O KOMM DU GEIST DES LEBENS)
Trisagion: S-100, New Plainsong (Hurd)
Psalm: Psalm 50 (Simplified Anglican Chant)
Sequence Hymn: 317, This is the hour of banquet and of song (MORESTEAD)
Offertory Hymn: 709, O God of Bethel, by whose hand (DUNDEE)
Sanctus: S-130, Deutsche Messe (Schubert/Proulx)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Fraction Anthem: S-169, My flesh is food indeed (Urwin)
Communion Hymn: 699, Jesus, lover of my soul (ABERYSTWYTH)
Recessional Hymn: 637, How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord (LYONS)
Postlude: Rigaudon (A. Campra)

---

I played the 4:00 pm service for Carol Woods, which is organised by Chapel of the Cross. The music list would generally resemble the 8.00 am summer morning Rite I services.

The music list:

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite I
Prelude: Improvisation on Leoni
Processional Hymn: 401, The God of Abraham praise (LEONI)
Psalm: Psalm 82(recited)
Offertory Hymn: 707, Take my life and let it be (HOLLINGSIDE)
Communion Voluntary: Sinfonia from Cantate 156 (J.S. Bach)
Recessional Hymn: 636, How firm a foundation (FOUNDATION)
Postlude: Rigaudon (A. Campra)

I've been getting a bit more daring (for me, anyway) as far as improvisation is concerned. (Thanks for the inspiration, David Arcus!) I guess it must be paying off: a couple of people approached me after the service and told me they really liked what I did with the prelude piece. :)

File Missing

H/T to Jerry K. I blame this one on him. ;)

1 August - Tenth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 13

Just one list for you today.

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church where I played the usual 10.30 am service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982.

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Jesu, meine Freude (J.G. Walther)
Processional Hymn: 408, Sing praise to God who reigns above (MIT FREUDEN ZART)
Gloria: S-277, New Plainsong (Hurd)*
Psalm: Psalm 107 (Simplified Anglican Chant)
Sequence Hymn: 701, Jesus, all my gladness (JESU, MEINE FREUDE)
Offertory Hymn: 665, All my hope on God is founded (MICHAEL)
Sanctus: S-130, Deutsche Messe (Schubert/Proulx)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Fraction Anthem: S-169, My flesh is food indeed (Urwin)
Communion Hymn: 529, In Christ there is no east nor west (McKEE)
Recessional Hymn: 594, God of grace and God of glory (CWM RHONDDA)
Postlude: Triumphal March (G.F. Handel)

Interestingly enough, we received a lot of feedback, mostly negative, about switching to the Gloria mid-stream. It was a bit of a surprise that the criticism was quick and passionate. If you've read my entry from last week, you'll see why (after careful consultation with the Senior Warden and the Deacon) we switched it to the Gloria. We'll be switching back to the Trisagion for the rest of the month until the service music will be changing for the second half of "Ordinary Time".

I started my group on the lovely anthem by Friedell, "Draw Us in the Spirit's Tether". I was chuffed that my group was able to pick up the first 2/3 of the piece very readily! I think it will be beautiful by the time we sing it on the 29th August. :)