Trinity Sunday, officially called "The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity," is one of the few celebrations of the Christian Year that commemorates a reality and doctrine rather than a person or event. On Trinity Sunday, Christians remember and honor the eternal God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The Trinity is one of the most fascinating - and controversial - Christian teachings. The Trinity is described as a "mystery." By mystery the Church does not mean a riddle, but rather the Trinity is a reality above our human comprehension that we may begin to grasp, but ultimately must know through worship, symbol, and faith. It has been said that mystery is not a wall to run up against, but an ocean in which to swim. Common wisdom is that if you discuss the Trinity for longer than a few minutes, you will slip into heresy, because you are probing the depths of God too deeply.
http://www.churchyear.net/trinitysunday.html
At all three music services this Sunday we will sing the old chestnut "Holy, Holy, Holy", which sings of "God in three Persons, blessed Trinity". The text was written by Reginald Heber (1783–1826). Its lyrics speak specifically of the Holy Trinity, having been written for use on Trinity Sunday. It quotes the Sanctus of the Latin Mass, which translated into English begins "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God of Hosts". The text also paraphrases Revelation 4:1–11. John Bacchus Dykes composed the tune Nicaea for this hymn in 1861. The tune name is a tribute to the First Council of Nicaea which formalized the doctrine of the Trinity in 325.
At 11:00 we will sing my newest favorite hymn, "St. Patrick's Breastplate". Also known as The Deer's Cry, Saint Patrick's Hymn is a lorica whose original Old Irish lyrics were traditionally attributed to Saint Patrick during his Irish ministry in the 5th century. In 1889 it was adapted into the hymn I Bind Unto Myself Today.
Each verse of the prayer begins "Atomruig indiu" "I arise today" or "I bind unto myself today" and this phrase is repeated at the beginning of most of the verses. This is followed by a list of sources of strength that the prayer calls on for support.
The first verse invokes the Catholic doctrine of the Trinity.
The second verse invokes Christ's baptism, death, resurrection, ascension and future return on the last day.
The third verse invokes the angels, patriarchs, saints and martyrs.
The fourth verse the natural world: the sun, moon, fire, lightning etc.
The fifth verse invokes various aspects of God – his wisdom, his eye, his ear, his hand
The sixth verse lists the things against which protection is required – against snares of devils, temptations of nature, those who wish ill
This list of things against which protection is required continues in the next verse – false prophets, heathens, heretics, women, druids (druad), smiths (gobann).
The next verse calls for Christ to be in all things – Christ in me, all around me, in the eye and ear and mouth of the people I meet.
the last verse returns to the theme of the Trinity.
Also at 11:00, we will sing the Canticle 13 in the place of the Gloria. Happily, this gives us the opportunity to sing a setting by John Rutter (b.1945), found in the service music section of our hymnal. The repetitive nature of the music fits the repetition of the text, culminating with a rousing descant and big finish in a final exclamation of, “Glory to you!” We hope it inspires you. Listen for the direct reference the Trinity at the end.
As a special treat on this Trinity Sunday, we will again welcome bagpiper Stanley Fontenot. He will play in the courtyard between 10:00 and 11:00.
9:00
Prelude
- How Great Is Our God
Processional
- Holy, Holy, Holy
Sequence
– Celtic Alleluia
Offertory
- Morning Has Broken
Communion
- The Disciples Knew the Lord Jesus
Lord,
You're Holy
All
Creatures of Our God and King
Recessional
- Here I Am, Lord
11:00
Processional
- 370 I Bind Unto Myself Today
Canticle
13
Sequence
- 371 Thou, Whose Almighty Word
Offertory Prayer
to the Trinity Michael Bedford
Communion
- 366 Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
8
Morning Has Broken
362
Holy, Holy, Holy
Recessional - 368 Holy Father, Great Creator
5:00
Processional - 362 Holy, Holy, Holy
Sequence - 371 Thou, Whose Almighty Word
Recessional - 368 Holy Father, Great Creator
We had a great visit with family in Germany the last two weeks. I have certainly missed you and look forward to seeing you on Sunday! Many thanks to all who helped out while I was out: Brian, Alan, Alyssa, Terri, Joella, Jon, Jack, Drew.
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